The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made a big surprise when agents checked baggage at Tampa International Airport in December. According to WFLA, agents discovered a long python. 4 feet while looking at the X-ray machine.
SOLID ON THE AIR? 🐍✈️ 4-foot ‘spiritual support’ python found in luggage at Tampa International Airport https://t.co/N1IQfrTxfN pic.twitter.com/4sQGNQlfSU
– WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) January 8, 2023
TSA agents found a curled 4-foot snake inside passenger’s hand luggage
The four-foot python was curled up in a woman’s handbag when it was discovered by agents. According to the outlet, the passenger told officers that the snake was her “spiritual support pet”.
Officers then checked with the woman’s airline, who informed them that the snake would not be allowed on board.
According to this source, TSA has informed the public that no airlines allow snakes in hand luggage. However, some airlines actually allow these scaly creatures in checked baggage – if properly packed.
TSA shared a hilarious Instagram post summarizing the bizarre event
A right hand is given to the official TSA Instagram account. Earlier this week, the account shared a hilarious post recapitulating the bizarre event to its 1.1 million followers.
There was a dangerous noodle in that bag…
Our officers at Tampa International Airport don’t find this ridiculous! Curled up in one passenger’s hand luggage is a 4′ python! We don’t really have anything extra to detect any pet that passes through the x-ray machine.
Do you aspire to bring a snake on a plane? Don’t get annoyed by spaghetti that doesn’t understand your airline’s rules. For example, airlines don’t allow ropes in hand luggage and only a few allow them to wriggle in checked bags, if properly packed.
Does all of this make you want to find more travel answers? You can always chat with our friends at AskTSA! They will answer your questions 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (ET).
Instagram users immediately went to the comment section of the post to share their amazed reaction.
Whoever runs this account deserves an Oscar
And people think the movie Snakes on a Plane is unrealistic…
The plot twists… the owner just wants to save on vet bills. ‘Can I have an X-ray print of that?’
Okay, we’re gonna need an AMA with the TSA agent who saw this. Please coordinate. 😂
Out of curiosity, what is the next protocol step here? Do you text travelers via airport communications and ask them to come back? Do they face any penalties like fines for this stupidity? Do they need to cancel the flight until this is resolved? Same goes for the cat.
Will my emotional support alligator still be fine if I buy it a seat of its own? He’s only about 8 feet tall. I know my kangaroo eyes have caused delays in the past.
According to Travel + Leisure, the four-legged python is named Bartholomew. Neither the snake nor its owner were allowed on their flight.
Roommate, what are your thoughts?
