Some Of The Most Unbelievable Things That Actually Happened At The Airport
Considering how many people pass through airports across the world, it's kind of a given that things are going to get a little weird every once in awhile... but some things that happen before and after planes have taken off go beyond the unexpected. Whether there have been exotic animals loose in the building or human body parts being transported that definitely shouldn't be, some truly insane moments have gone down in all kinds of major airports.
He’s Making a List, Checking It Twice
...Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice? Looks like Santa scored himself a spot on the naughty list. We’re not entirely sure why this man is dressed in a Santa suit or why TSA stopped him while going through security.
Maybe they just needed to give him a thorough pat-down because he's wearing so many layers — but by the look on the employees’ faces, he was up to no good. Santa won’t be coming to town tonight!
How Do Celebrities Look So Good at the Airport?
It's hard to look your best at the airport. Traveling is exhausting and really pulls the life out of you. Just take a look at anyone walking off a long flight and chances are they look dehydrated and tired (and that's being forgiving). While this is true for most of us, Minka Kelly is the exception.
The actress was spotted going through airport security looking gorgeous, which is honestly unbelievable considering how hard it is to look put together there!
And Another Guy Tried To Transport 18 Severed Heads
This one sounds like it's straight out of a bloody horror movie. In 2013, a shipment of 18 severed heads (skin and all!) was found at customs at a Chicago airport, coming from Italy. Yes, this is real... but fortunately, it wasn't because those people were murdered. The heads were actually headed to a research facility, but their paperwork was misplaced.
In the end, officers discovered that the heads were legit and nobody was trying to do anything sinister with them, so they were released as planned. Hopefully, that box was kept far from passengers, because who wants to be anywhere near heads like that on their flight?!
Someone Filmed A Viral Video That Celine Dion Loved
Anyone who's ever had a long layover or who's been stuck in an airport for hours because of a delayed or canceled flight can definitely understand that at a certain point, you'll do anything to kill the time and your boredom... hence this next story. A man named Richard Dunn made a music video to Celine Dion's "All By Myself" while he had an overnight layover in Las Vegas, and it was a total hit.
Originally made to make his wife, who was at home, laugh, the video ended up going viral and even Celine herself watched and loved it... and offered Richard tickets to one of her upcoming shows.
This Emotional Support Peacock Was Denied A Ride
It's illegal for certain institutions not to let people bring their legitimate service animals with them, even in places where animals typically aren't allowed, but that didn't exactly work for this woman and her pet. When a lady attempted to bring her emotional support peacock on a United Airlines flight out of Newark Airport, she was denied... because obviously, peacocks can't really go on planes, duh.
A spokesperson for the airline said it was officially because the peacock didn't meet guidelines for animals who are safely able to travel with them, which makes a lot of sense because, like we said, it's a peacock.
A Woman Walked Through The Airport Completely Nude
Last year, a woman walked into the Atlanta airport, bought a ticket in cash, stripped herself of all of her clothes, and started walking around the Delta terminal, behaving totally erratically... much to the shock of her fellow travelers. She pulled at her butt cheeks, screamed obscenities, and generally made everyone around her uncomfortable, as you'd imagine a naked woman in an airport might.
It's unclear whether or not the woman actually planned to get on the flight she bought a ticket for, but she never made it — she was arrested and then transported to a hospital for psychiatric observation.
A Football Player Made A Bomb Threat
Back in 2014, NFL player Aldon Smith got in major trouble when he made a bomb threat while at LAX Airport. Apparently, the 49ers player made a joke about how he was carrying a bomb with him while he was going through security, and that led to his arrest — because duh, the one thing you're not supposed to do in an airport is make a bomb threat!
Ultimately, Aldon didn't have to face any other consequences, so hopefully, he learned a lesson from that little experience. "I'm a good person, and the people who know me know I'm a good person," Aldon said. "Maybe after this is over, you can tell your friends I'm a good person. Anybody who hangs around me can tell that. A lot of these things are being painted in a picture that's not true."
A Cheetah Got Loose In An Airport
When two cheetahs were being transported to the Memphis Zoo, one of them got loose in the cargo hold when the plane made a stop in Atlanta. Local Zoo Atlanta employees were called in to help trap the cheetah, because honestly, how else would you solve that situation without calling in the professionals?
Eventually, a veterinarian had to shoot the cheetah with a tranquilizer gun so they could get everything under control. Fortunately, no passengers were harmed and both cheetahs who traveled that day were safe and also unharmed, so at least this story had a happy ending.
Passengers Actually Had To Push A Plane
Anyone who's ever owned or even ridden in an older car knows that sometimes, all it needs is a good push... and apparently, that applies to planes, too. In 2014, passengers had to band together to avoid a delayed flight in Siberia when their plane got stuck in the ice on the runway.
They actually worked together to push the plane free, because that's how badly they wanted to get home. Listen, we've all reached that point where all we wanted was to get on a plane without one more delay, so it kind of makes sense that these people were able to find the strength to make it happen.
Every Single Flight Was Cancelled In Atlanta
In 2017, all operations at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport came crashing down when the airport lost power... which was, you know, no big deal or anything, since it was just happening at the world's busiest airport. Officials later said that the outage was probably caused by a fire, and it took hours for the power to be brought back online and for operations to finally be restored.
Thousands of people were displaced after hundreds of flights were canceled that day, which had to be the biggest travel headache ever. Can you imagine an airport full of people with no one going anywhere and no power?
Why Are There 80 Falcons On This Flight?
There’s a part of us that really doesn’t want to know why this photo of 80 falcons on a plane exists, but alas, we’re here to ask the tough questions. So...why?
This photo was snapped on Etihad Airways flight. Apparently, Etihad Airways has a policy that allows birds to travel between countries in the Middle East as long as their owner has a valid passport. A Saudi Prince wanted to take advantage of this policy to the fullest extent.
Rude? Yes. Clever? Also Yes.
Airports install the armrests in between seats so 1) flyers have a place to sit, and 2) so people don’t do this. While some might consider this woman rude for taking up not one, not two, not three, but four seats at the airport — we’re far more impressed than ticked off.
This isn't something everyone could accomplish. Not only do you have to be trim enough to fit under those small armrests, but you’ve gotta be agile too. Yep, we’re going with impressed on this one.
But I Don’t Want to Go!!!
Listen, kid, we’ve been there before. We, too, we were angsty youngsters who didn’t want to be caught dead with their parents on vacation. But if you learn one thing in life, please let it be to enjoy this time!
Before you know it, you're going to be working a 9 to 5 to pay the bills and the only time you’ll get off is a few measly days a year. Plus, when you do go n your annual vacation, you’ll be paying for everything yourself.
So That's What Dad Was Up To
This is a great airport pickup sign because it pokes fun at two people while only calling one of them out. Is this guy really picking up who he says? We're willing to bet his dad got off the plane with his mom or a girlfriend. If you are going to create the perfect airport pickup sign it really needs to embarrass the person you are picking up.
It also needs to embarrass them in a creative way that has you thinking outside of the box. For the record, the other side of this sign read "Fifth times a charm."
This Better Be The Last Time...
We're glad this homemade sign was created to be presented to her at the airport and not prison! Not a single soul in the baggage claim area missed this bright pink sign that this girl's mother created for her.
It seems like she's getting tired of picking her up at the airport-- time to take the shuttle!
Welcome Home…!
There’s nothing like spending hours crafting the perfect sign to greet your loved one with at the airport. If you’re the one arriving home from a long trip, it feels great to have your family greet you so warmly. But perhaps they shouldn’t give too much information…
We're sure this mom was ecstatic to see her family after she was gone for what we assume was a long time. We’re not so sure that this mom was ecstatic that the entire airport knows she was in the slammer.
This Is Why You Don't Wear Lace-Up Heels to the Airport
Going through airport security is already stressful. Add in being stuck behind someone wearing shoes that take eight minutes to get on and off, and your stress levels are bound to rise.
Apparently, even Kim Kardashian isn't above taking her shoes off while going through airport security. Unfortunately for the people behind her, they were stuck waiting while she removed these ridiculous lace-up heels. At least we know she wasn't smuggling anything dangerous onto the plane in those shoes now.
What's Kim K. Hiding In There?
There's something fascinating about seeing celebrities going through airport security like the rest of us. Seeing Kim Kardashian get properly searched really brings us a profound joy we'd rather that we'd rather not analyze.
By the looks of it, this airport security employee was pretty concerned that Kim was smuggled something around her chest. Obviously she wasn't, but still, it's interesting to see Kim not flying in her private jet. We wonder if she had to take off her Yeezy's too?
Is That Her?!
That is such an interesting spot to have your neck pillow rest. What does that look like to you? At first glance, it seems like her rear end is exposed mainly because the shape of the pillow and where it's located.
The color of the pillow doesn't help either. That's why someone had enough humor in them to snap this picture. We don't know if she was aware of this or not, but now that it's on the internet she will be.
A Drunk Man Went Through The Baggage Scanner
Back in 2012, a Norwegian man arrived at Rome's airport to travel like any other person would, but there was one small issue: He was really, really drunk. Complete chaos ensued. Apparently, he fell asleep on the baggage scanner and ended up going through the X-ray machine.
In fact, the movement of the belt didn't even wake him up — he was there for 15 minutes, sound asleep, until police discovered him sleeping there in the fetal position. He was later taken to the hospital, just to make sure the radiation from the machine hadn't harmed him. And probably to sober up.
The Worst Parking Job
Just because you’re a pilot and get to fly around all day, doesn’t mean you’re exempt from parking. It looks like this pilot needs some more training. While we’re sure this was an accident, we can’t help but cringe all the amount of money it had to cost to fix that building and the aircraft.
Not to mention, it makes us question this pilot's skills! Would you get on a plane that they were flying?
Barbie? Is That You?
Most people arrive to the airport in sweats and sneakers, but not this woman. We've seen a lot of crazy things at the airport, but we'd never seen a life-sized Barbie at the airport until now. Alright, so obviously this woman is a human (at least we think), and not a Mattel doll made of plastic, but the resemblance is striking!
She's got Barbie's height, the long blonde locks, and the outfit to pull it off. She's even carrying her luggage in a Barbie-like manner.
Umm... What's That Noise?
Usually, the TVs at the airport are playing some pretty neutral stuff — the news, sports, maybe a little HGTV if you're lucky. But in the case of a New Delhi airport, one accidentally showed porn on two different TVs for waiting passengers to watch. In fact, passengers were the first ones who caught the issue and reported it, prompting a police investigation... and one of the officers on the scene even thought it might have been an employee's mistake.
"It's possible that they were not aware of the fact that the same connection was being used for the two television sets in the visitors' lounge," the officer said.
Lady Gaga Lands in Japan
When Lady Gaga arrived in Tokyo to play tow nights at the Chiba Marine Stadium, she didn't disappoint fans waiting for her at the airport. Security could hardly hold back the crowd that went wild at the sight of Gaga at Narita International Airport.
The ever-eccentric artist donned a sheer sparkling bodysuit adorned with beaded flowers and plants. Her blonde wig was stacked a mile high in a high ponytail.
Parents, Take Note
Traveling with kids isn’t exactly easy, but this dad knows how to tame his little one! Instead of having a jetlag-induced meltdown, this girl is living her best life riding on Dad’s suitcase.
This situation is really a win-win for everyone. His daughter is happy and everyone in the airport is ecstatic that they have one less crying kid to have to deal with. If we're being completely honest, this looks extremely fun. We're next in line for a ride.
Time to Hire a New Marketing Team
We can tell the marketing team for Turkish Airlines had the best intentions. This graphic on the elevator going up would have a completely different (and likely the intended) meaning.
But somehow this seems to have gotten past multiple teams, none of which bothered to ensure the plane would be going on its intended trajectory — up! Now, one of the last images passengers
They Have No Idea
They say ignorance is bliss, and we have to say they’re right. It’s probably better that these men don’t know what’s going on right in front of them because if they did, we’re sure they would be embarrassed.
This situation is really a win-win. The men have no idea and are simply enjoying their conversation. Meanwhile, the people across from them are having a great time looking at them. Ignorance truly is bliss!
Customer Service Goals
What do you do when you're in the middle of a long shift where customers have been extra rude and self-important? You play Solitaire of course. At least that's what this TSA employee does.
We're 100% certain they thought they were being extremely slick. After all, there's no way customers can see behind the, right? ...Right? Wrong. Let's just hope the manager didn't catch a glimpse of this. We wonder if they won though?
Many Women Contact The Police After Leaving Their Phone In the Bathroom
Police officers are regularly stationed around airports in case they need to quickly react to a security situation. However, more often than not, they're called upon to fetch women's cell phones out of the airport bathroom!
Yep. It's common for women to accidentally leave their cell phone sitting in an airport bathroom stall while they're juggling their bag, purse, passport, and ticket. Often times, they don't realize they left their phone behind until after they pass through security and end up on the other side. So what do they do? They go to a counter and ask for the police to fetch it for them.
A Man Smuggled Gold Bars In His Rectum
In 2014, a man arrived in Panaji on an Air India flight from Mumbai and gave the customs agents something interesting to talk about when he tried to pass through security. He told the officers that he was in the country on business but couldn't name the hotels he was there to work with, which first raised suspicions.
And then, he was holding six gold bars in his rectum, each weighing 100 grams, as a means of smuggling them into the country. We have no idea how exactly this story ended, but we have a feeling that guy probably saw the inside of a prison. Just a hunch.
There Was Bodily Fluid In The Soap Dispensers In Detroit
This one's really, really gross... and it might even make you bring your own travel sized soap along next time you travel. Last year, an "unusual substance" that was later found to be a man's bodily fluid was found in the soap dispensers at Detroit's airport, and since their dispensers are hard to refill, the airport assumed it had to be an employee who did it.
"The way the soap dispensers are under the sink, a passenger wouldn't know how to get up under, and untwist them," an airport custodian said. "It really is disgusting. A lot of crazy things happen at the airport." Uh, yeah, we'd say so.
Women Tried To Smuggle Cocaine In With A Diaper
if you thought that story about the man bringing cocaine into the airport baked into cookies was weird, here's where it gets even stranger. In 2013, two women arrested at the JFK Airport for smuggling drugs in an incredibly creative way. After drug-sniffing dogs stopped them, they got an extra pat-down, and officers found that both of them were wearing duct tape diapers filled with cocaine.
We're not quite sure where they got the idea for that one, but it's definitely the first we've heard of it. And can you imagine trying to strip a pair of duct tape underwear off your skin? Um, yeah, no thanks. That sounds like deterrent enough.
Someone Tried To Bring Cocaine Cookies Onto A Flight
It's probably relatively common that the TSA finds people trying to bring drugs with them on a plane, but this situation was especially unusual. In 2012, more than $52,000 worth of cocaine was seized from a passenger at Newark Airport who was coming from Guatemala.
The passenger brought the cocaine along that had been baked into cookies as a way of getting past customs, but unfortunately, his plot was foiled when they tested the cookies and found them positive for cocaine. Obviously, the man with the cocaine was arrested and tried for drug possession, so remember that drugs don't pay, kids.
A Man Got Arrested For Wearing Too Many Clothes
A man in Iceland was arrested when he was found to be wearing too many clothes — yes, you read that right. It wasn't because he was cold, though... it was because he piled on about eight different outfits to avoid paying for an excess baggage fee. It's not baggage if it's on your body, right?
Sadly, that didn't exactly work for him, and he was arrested when he refused to comply and take the clothing off. You have to admit that he did come up with a pretty creative solution to those extremely ridiculous checked baggage fees, right? If only it had worked, it would have been an awesome way to save money.
Two Women Tried To Smuggle A Dead Body Onto A Plane
Back in 2012, a woman named Gitta Jarant tried to smuggle her dead husband, Kurt, through the airport and onto a flight with the help of her daughter. They were at John Lennon Airport when the body was found, because they had the ultra genius idea to pull a Weekend at Bernie's and just prop the dead body up in a wheelchair wearing sunglasses. They told everyone around them that he was just asleep.
Of course, he was not asleep, and both women were arrested at the airport. He'd been dead for at least 12 hours at that point, according to the coroner who responded.
A Dead Body Was Found On The Runway in Hawaii
Speaking of dead bodies... here's another tale that involves one at the airport. In January 2018, a dead body was found on the runway in Honolulu, after someone on a plane spoke up about how they saw something out there. Airport employees investigated and discovered that it actually was a body.
So far, the airport has yet to reveal who the person was that was found or why the person died, but hopefully, we'll get more answers about the situation in the future. Considering the fact that Honolulu is such a huge tourist destination, they should probably get this one cleared up as quickly as possible.
Parents Tried To Pack Their Baby In A Carry On
Word to the wise: Visas are serious business, even for babies. Not too long ago, a couple who was trying to fly out of Egypt into the United Arab Emirates were denied their flight because they had a baby with them who didn't have a visa. Their solution? Oh, no big deal, just zip the baby up into the suitcase like was their luggage.
Of course, that plan didn't work, because as soon as the luggage went through the x-ray scanner, the airport discovered exactly what was going on and the parents were arrested. Um, not their best parenting decision ever.
This Airport Put A Limit On Goodbye Kisses
This sign can be found at Denmark's Aalborg Airport, right in their "kiss and goodbye zone," which is where people can drop off their loved ones without having to park and pay the exorbitant fees that come with airport parking. No kisses above three minutes, guys, and don't even try to break that rule!
As ridiculous as it sounds at first, it actually makes sense, though, since this is supposed to be a part of the airport that's fast and easy to get out of. If everyone took their sweet time saying goodbye, it would be a disaster for everyone involved.
Unleash The Doggos!
What's wrong with this picture? Nothing is wrong. Just looks like a bunch of dogs were trying to be smuggled onto a plane and the owners ended up getting caught. Nothing to see here folks, carry on about your business.
Seeing this in real life would probably make a dog lover faint. It's like they were delivered to you before you travel away. There's even a stuffed animal puppy apart of the group. This is truly a classic scene.
Gather Around And Witness
Are you in to ballet? If so, this would have been your lucky day! A ballet troupe clearly had to practice their set before heading to their destination and decided to try it while moving. It's all about the visuals.
Walking by and seeing this would be a funny sight. An interesting thing to see, but nothing short of exciting. Out of all the times you've been in an airport this is pretty unbelievable to witness.
Behold, The Human Bike
If this isn't as clever as it's unbelievable, then we want to see what you witness at the airport. These four transformed into a human bicycle. Something that you might have never witnessed before seeing this post.
For them to sit down and decide to do this, they must have been truly bored. We don't discredit their creativity, however, we just wonder how long their layover was or the delay. Next time you're traveling with three other friends you should give this a try.
An Actual Tiger Cub Was Found In A Suitcase
Obviously, traveling with exotic animals is just about impossible unless you follow the correct protocols and you're a zoo trying to get an animal to another zoo. But this woman decided to take matters into her own hands. In 2010, a drugged tiger cub was found in a suitcase that was coming from Thailand. Apparently, a woman had packed the tiger in with stuffed toys and was hoping to bring him to Iran with her.
In the end, the tiger was fine, but the woman faced major criminal charges and fines, as she should. Drugging an exotic animal like that, and keeping one as a pet? Not okay, lady.
Hope He Isn't Your Pilot...
In the grand scheme of things, we hope this pilot is joking. But in any event that he isn't than kudos to him for scaring so many people half to death. Do you think he's really blind and would you let him fly your plane?
Not even fly, would you allow him to co-pilot? If this is real, then it might be best for you to ask for a new flight. Things might go Sully real quick.
That's Creative
It looks like Rebecca didn't have a tough time finding her father. She probably asked to her face blurred out so she wouldn't be embarrassed on the internet. This just seems like a dad who loves her daughter.
However, this is still unbelievable. If Rebecca was an avid Star Wars fan, then this would make a little more sense. Still, if her friends were to see this they might make fun of her because this is an ultimate dad move.
From Hogwarts To Baggage Claim
If you've seen the Harry Potter films, then you know Professor Snape has been through a lot. secretly protecting Potter for all those years and then battling evil can be draining. He finally decided he needed some real rest.
American Airlines was his first choice. He can still be rude while providing sub-par customer service. This is the perfect retirement job for Snape. The only thing is, you can't ask him if he's really Snape or not. If you do, we don't know what might happen to you.
That's A Good Look
What a perfect place to be standing for this Amish man (we don't know if he's really Amish). The real question here is what is the brand greenline promoting? Half-naked women and men jumping for joy?
When you say it out loud, that combination actually makes sense. We don't think this man is aware of what's taking place. He's too busy wondering why his flight was delayed for so long. That's an answer he'll never receive.
Game On!
Apparently, the person who took this photo has a pilot for a friend. His friend told him when the pilots get bored they have water gun fights. Because his friend knows that, it isn't so wild. But if you're seeing this for the first time, then it is quite unbelievable.
Imagine your pilot running down the runway spraying others with a water gun. Where is the professionalism at? Out the window like the respect you previously had for him.
Yes, Someone Checked In A Stick
Unless this is a stick that carries magical powers, why in the world is it being checked in? This stick must carry so much sentimental value that whoever brought it with them carries it everywhere.
But should the airlines even allow a stick of this magnitude to be traveled with? It looks like it might really hurt someone if that was their objective. That's why you should always be careful in the airport. You never know who has a stick on them!
That's Why Your Luggage Took So Long
It looks like these crewman have upgraded from flipping the bottle to flipping the cones. Maybe they placed a wager on it and wanted to see who could stack the most in the least amount of tries.
That's just an idea, we don't know what the rules were. But it's clear that boredom has struck. What would happen if their bosses came out and saw this? Would you fire them for playing around so openly?
What An Interesting Sight
Isn't it annoying how the shoe-shining people practically stalk you as they try and get to shine your shoe? Well, it looks like it's their lucky day. These dangerous Cybermen, from the Doctor Who universe, needed their footwear taken care of ASAP!
As if they aren't already shiny enough, the robots needed a little boost before boarding their flight. Do they have to get out of the suits before boarding the plane? It doesn't really matter as long as their feet are shining.
Hammock Day
This man has had it. Long layovers are no longer an issue with this person. If their flight was delayed, then they have this to fall back on. This is something so unbelievable that it is genius.
Everybody should consider doing this. In fact, it's more unbelievable that not everyone has taken this up. We wonder if the United workers allowed this to happen freely without any push back. If they did, there is faith in humanity still.
What In Fox Tails Is This
It looks like a pack of wild animals are about to board a flight. What in the world is going on here? If there are children around, we hope they were scared out of their shoes from seeing human sized animals walking around.
Whatever is going in Chicago it must be a great time if you have to arrive as animal. There's no telling whats going to happen when they run into the police dogs.
He Found His Way To The Airport
It looks like young Forrest Gump has stopped with all the running. He's decided to give regular traveling a chance. But as you can see, he still has his Nikes on his feet in case he has to run across the country again.
If his flight is cancelled you won't see him booking another one or waiting. He'll take matters into his own hands and run the rest of the way. There's no stopping Mr. Gump.
Smart Move
This man is living in 2045. He found a portable chair and decided to travel with it. His feet are fed up with walking everywhere and he just wants to enjoy his overpriced Big Mac. Can you blame him?
We wouldn't be surprised if this became a trend. But knowing the airport security and rules, it's unbelievable that he made it this far doing this. Give this man his trophy for beating the system and showing his laziness.
The Ultimate Bamboozle
Have you ever been hoodwinked, bamboozled, and just flat out tricked? Welcome to this kids life. His phone was about to die and he needed an outlet desperately. And alas, there one was. As he approached it, his worries were disappeared.
Then, everything changed after he tried to plug in. The plug didn't fit no matter what he tried. Puzzled, he touched the outlet and found out that his life was lie. Little Josh would no longer trust the airport again.
