In Case You Were Wondering, Hermit Crabs ARE Banned

And now, for the lighter side of commercial airline travel. With the influx of travelers over the holiday season have come even more unusual objects making their way into carry-on luggage, and TSA break-room stories.

Among the more conventional -- but still banned -- objects recently reported by security screeners at Newark International Airport were nine bottles of wine; three sets of kitchen knives; a replica antique gun; and golf clubs and baseball bats. A belt with fake bullets and martial-arts weapons also made their way into security bins.

"Every day is a surprise," screener Janice Hnyda told The Associated Press.

There's also an ample supply of the surreal... including a two-headed snake, found in a carry-on bag in Newark. Several hermit crabs were confiscated in San Antonio, from a family returning from the Gulf of Mexico. And then there's our personal favorite -- 10 human eyeballs, discovered in a carry-on bag at Chicago O'Hare, reportedly being transported for medical purposes.

Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Lara Uselding said the agency can often make accommodations for unusual items, with advanced notice. For example, the two-headed snake -- which was on its way to an appearance on the "Live With Regis and Kelly" morning show, with a zoo curator -- was ultimately checked.

Despite the Clampett-esque nature of the above examples, screeners are more often confronted with more understandable breeches in carry-on security. In recent weeks, screeners have had to confiscate such holiday-related items as canned pumpkin pie filling, honey, and snow globes from baggage at checkpoints.

Wrapped gifts are also frowned upon, since screeners may have to unwrap them to check the contents -- and they're under no obligation whatsoever to do so carefully.

FMI: www.tsa.gov