Ellen Pompeo Just Revealed That She Was Detained By TSA And Had A Bomb Squad Called In After She Tried To Board A Plane With Sunflower Seeds In Her Bag
The Grey's Anatomy star said that she even offered to throw the offending seeds in the trash, but officials wouldn't let her leave until the bomb specialists had examined them.
Related: I'm Absolutely Losing It Over Miley Cyrus's Theory About "Disney Gays" And "Nickelodeon Gays" That Just Destroyed My Entire Childhood
Ellen opened up about the incident in a new interview with Travel + Leisure, where she insisted that she still loves to travel despite the recent hiccup, which saw her set off the alarms as she went through TSA.
'I had a bag of sunflower seeds, like organic sunflower seeds from Erewhon, so they were probably the most expensive sunflower seeds money can buy,' Ellen began. 'They literally held me for an hour, and they brought the bomb squad in.'
Related: Let's Talk About How Creepy The Sydney Sweeney Bikini Pics Are
'I was like: 'What is happening? Is this a joke?'' she recalled. 'They said it was most likely a chemical on the packaging of these super expensive, fancy, organic, clean sunflower seeds. My protein on the plane!'
'I almost missed the flight,' Ellen added. 'It was really like no one would ever believe this! I was texting my publicist saying: 'I might not get on this plane, and you're never gonna guess why.''
Thankfully, Ellen did end up making the flight — and I'm sure she'll think twice before packing sunflower seeds in her carry-on again.
If you're wondering what the star does consider to be her plane essentials, she listed them as 'mints, glasses, water, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes.'
'I have to do the Naomi Campbell thing and wipe down the entire seat,' Ellen added.
Have you ever triggered TSA alarms over something totally harmless? Let me know in the comments below!
Ellen Pompeo Got Brutally Honest About Why She Hasn't Left 'Grey's Anatomy' Completely, And Her Reasoning Has Left People Really AnnoyedLeyla Mohammed · April 15, 2025
Ellen Pompeo Revealed That She And T.R. Knight Were 'In Tears' Throughout Their Entire 'Grey's Anatomy' Sex Scene Because It Was So 'Uncomfortable And Awkward'Leyla Mohammed · March 19, 2025
Years After Revealing That Other 'Grey's Anatomy' Actors Weren't Pleased When She Negotiated A Huge Pay Increase, Ellen Pompeo Recalled The Backlash She Faced When Her Salary Was LeakedLeyla Mohammed · March 19, 2025
Also in Celebrity: 14 Celebrities Who Have So Many Kids, They're Basically Running Their Own Daycare, And 11 Who Said "Hmm, Hard Pass"
Also in Celebrity: 28 Celebs Who Never Seem To Get Canceled Despite Some Pretty Awful Behavior
Also in Celebrity: "I Haven't Paid My Rent In 6 Months": Celebrities Are Getting Brutally Honest About What It's Really Like To Be Famous In Hollywood
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftl-genius-packing-hack-tout-7150133f3a6f4d3eb4a7979be0bd94d5.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
16 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
18 Genius Carry-on Packing Hacks That Keep My Suitcase Light Without Sacrificing Style—Starting at $6
I used to be that traveler: the one who packed for every hypothetical scenario, and then some. My overstuffed checked bag would be a running joke among my friends and family. 'Oh, here's Claire, with her 75-pound suitcase for a five-day trip.' That was until I lost a bag during a work trip to the Caribbean and was left with nothing but a swimsuit to hold me over for three days. And, after one too many baggage claim heart attacks after that—and a growing awareness of just how much airlines were charging to haul my overstuffed suitcase—I made a quiet vow: I'd become a carry-on-only traveler. Fifty countries later, I've honed the art of packing into a science (without sacrificing style). These are my go-to genius packing hacks that keep my suitcase light, my outfits sharp, my wallet happier, and my sanity intact. If you're not using packing cubes in 2025, what are you doing? All jokes aside, these Bagsmart compression cubes have saved my life over the past few years. Not only do they compress down super small (even when stuffed to the brim), but they also fit a surprising amount of clothes. In my experience, the large cube fits up to six knit shirts, the medium cube fits around 11 shirts, and the small cube fits about four sports bras and some matching leggings. I've also found that the shoe bag fits two pairs of shoes (and not just the soft foldable ones either). I was never the kind of person who poured and packed their toiletries from home. However, in this economy, those travel-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner are creeping up in price and are sadly not as economical as they used to be. Instead, these reusable toiletry bottles are as practical as they are aesthetic, and fit enough shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, and hair product to last up to a 10-day trip. Plus, the included carry case keeps any potential mess contained. I'll be the first to admit (with my husband as a close second) that I am the least organized person on the planet. But when it comes to packing light (read: fitting two weeks' worth of stuff for two different climates in just one carry-on), you learn to figure out a way to be a little more type A. Enter this electronics organizer, which is just $13 and actually works for my ADHD brain. It has seven compartments, three that fit large computer cords or phone chargers, two that fit charging blocks (or a wireless Apple mouse), and smaller ones that fit everything from earbuds to phone blocks. I'm happy to report that since I've started using this, I've only lost one cord (which is a huge improvement from misplacing every cord I owned). Matching sets are my entire personality these days. Whether I'm running to the gate or chasing my 6.5-year-old around the playground, I'm almost always donning this cute set from Amazon. You can't beat the price—at $40, it comes to just $20 per item. I'm not ashamed to admit that I have it in every color available, and mix each set to whatever mood I'm in. Gray for the grocery store, tan for the park, and black with a pair of white sneakers for the airport. The fabric is also super soft and stretchy (a real Skims dupe, in my opinion), so I feel confident and flattered in this even when I'm sprinting through terminals. When you're living out of a suitcase and traveling to places without irons (think hostels, cruise ships, and many Airbnbs), you need an alternative. That's why I love this Downy Wrinkle-release Spray that gets rid of creases—meaning I can happily pack lightweight linen outfits on my travels without needing to carry a portable steamer. All you do is spray it on the fabric, give it a quick tug, and many (if not all) of the wrinkles come out. Bonus? It adds a fresh scent and helps remove odors too—a game changer when you're wearing garments multiple times between washes (another key to packing carry-on-only). I have over 15 suitcases in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials. Now, as a travel writer, I've tested them all thoroughly, and my new favorite is this Quince Carry-on. It's simple without many frills, but it's held up with the least amount of scuffs, scratches, and visible wear and tear of any other I own (and I own some very expensive ones). It fits over a week's worth of clothes without issue, boasts 360-degree spinning wheels for easy maneuverability, and comes with Quince's famed 365-day return policy. Because of my very type B personality, you can bet my devices are almost never fully charged before I leave for the airport. I've spent way too many hours at the airport stressing over finding an outlet, so it was time that I fully invested in a compact power bank. Anker makes some of the best in the game, and this magnetic charger is no exception. I love its multi-use design: it props up and snaps to your phone for bedside-charging, or it folds down and attaches to the back of your phone for cord-free powering up while you're out exploring. You can also plug another device in via the USB-C port, so you get double the charge on one bank. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including lavender, sage green, and baby blue. Similar to my suitcase collection, I have more water bottles than I could ever need. As a writer always on the go, I constantly found myself testing new designs and styles that fall short of doing what I need them to do—keep drinks cold and not leak. After some doom scrolling on TikTok, I found the BrüMate Era 30 oz Tumbler and fell in love with these aesthetic bottles that are more than just pretty—they're 100 percent leak-free. Plus, they keep drinks cold for over 24 hours, and come in so many cute colors. I have it in rose taupe and neon pink, and am looking to add the mist to my rotation too. Because water bottles take up space, it's important that the one I pack actually works well. This one kind of goes without explanation, because sometimes…people stink, especially after 40+ hours of travel. Thankfully, to avoid any uncomfortable odors, I've added Yuni body wipes to my carry-on on long-haul trips because they take up little space and work extremely well. They're super easy to slip into a carry-on, backpack, or belt bag, and they're incredibly refreshing, thanks to soothing ingredients like neem leaf extract, peppermint leaf, and citrus essential oils. They're a little pricer than a standard wipe (these are on sale for about $17 for a pack of 12), but the all-natural ingredients and the company's passion for sustainability make it worth it. Nobody has time (or space) to carry around a large, full-size razor. Instead, this adorable mini Schick razor is as useful as it is cute. As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I love that it comes with an easy-grip handle (for fewer cuts and nicks) and a moisturizing bar, so no shaving cream is required. Safe enough for even the most sensitive parts of your body (think face, private areas, and armpits), and durable enough for legs, it's something I truly never leave my house without. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, 'Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.' A truer statement has never been spoken, especially when it comes to travel shoes. As a girl who is pushing 40 and entering orthopedic shoes territory, I can no longer just shove my (often swelling) feet into cheap sneakers from Target. When I've got a long travel day ahead of me, I need my Rothy's lace-up sneakers. Made from recycled bottles, these bendable, machine-washable sneakers form to fit the mold of your feet, so each pair feels like it was made just for you. They come in black, white, and tan, making it super easy to mix and match with just about any kind of outfit, which will cut down on the number of shoes you need to pack and save you precious luggage space. I am never without my comfort cardigan. When searching for the right one, I prioritized any that came in a bunch of colors (so I could stock up to mix and match with outfits), was long so it covered my booty when wearing leggings, and cost less than $100. This Old Navy long-line cardigan hit every box (and then some). Made from viscose rayon, it's super stretchy and ultra-soft. Its versatile style means that you can pack it as your only top layer for chilly airplanes or evening dinners. Quince comes in clutch again on this list with these versatile, soft, and super comfortable stretch crepe pants. I'll be the first to admit that I was hesitant about the style and fit of these, but once I put them on, I was sold instantly. They're lightweight and ultra-breathable and have a tie waist for added styling. Additionally, the fabric is wrinkle-resistant, a must for me when I'm spending hours on a plane or in a car. They're available in a range of neutral colors, so you can mix and match them with basically everything in your suitcase to save space. I've written about these Bombas Compression Socks multiple times, and there's a reason they keep ending up on my travel must-have lists. They truly are the best compression socks on the market. Even though the price tag is high ($30 per pair), you'll find them well worth that after just one wear. I've had mine for multiple years, and they still look and feel brand new. Plus, Bombas donates an item to someone in need for every pair purchased, so you can feel even better wearing them. I have the long socks for travel and the short socks for running, and both I would recommend again and again. You won't need to pack any other foot pain-saving items if you have these socks on hand—you'll land without swelling and ready to get going. As someone who isn't very organized (see earlier), I need something compact and easy to pack that keeps as many of my things together as possible. With the Beis Travel Wallet, I can store everything I need inside it without needing any other organizer: it holds my passport, state ID, credit cards, cash, and more in an easy-to-throw-over-the-shoulder package. The light tan goes with everything, so you can even wear it as your crossbody if you're trying to travel even lighter. On sale for $35, this wallet is worth every penny in my opinion. On a recent flight to Mexico, I saw a woman carrying this exact tote, and I thought, 'Wow, that looks really expensive.' So imagine my surprise when she told me it was from Amazon and cost less than $25. I used to stuff my cute beach hats in my carry-on or suitcase and was endlessly disappointed when they came out wrinkled and misshapen. Not only does this bag have a separate outside holder for your hat (to keep its shape and easily carry), it also has a ton of space inside for everything else you may need on the flight or beach, like your Kindle, sunscreen, sunglasses, wallet, and more. Think of it as a personal item, hat carrier, and beach tote all in one, cutting down on the number of bags you need and keeping your hat in mint condition on the journey. Although these Sony noise-canceling headphones are the most expensive item on the list by far, I've learned one thing about electronics from being married to a nerd: you never skimp on headphones. Sony's newest line, the WH-1000XM5, touts the best noise-cancelling technology on the market today. In addition to excellent sound quality, they have intuitive touch control settings, hands-free calling, up to 30 hours of battery life, and a redesigned collapsible frame for easy storage. I have the smoky pink, and my husband has the navy blue. And it's safe to say we're both complete and utter Sony headphone converts after testing them on a recent family trip with our 6.5-year-old. Simply wear them around your neck when boarding the plane—it'll take up zero carry-on space and help you get some peace and quiet, blocking out the noise around you. Even though I'm admittedly low-maintenance when it comes to my hair, I still like to have options to dress it up when I'm traveling for work (and need to hop from plane to drinks or dinner). Both my mom and I love this Dreame ultra-lightweight hair dryer because of how easy it folds and stores in tight carry-ons. Despite the tool's small size, it stands up to the far more expensive competitors, and even offers five styling options and temperature colors: cold, warm, hot, hot and cold cycle, and instant cold air. A bonus? The dryer is super quiet when in use, so you can style your hair in the morning without waking anyone in your hotel room or Airbnb. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
Flight Attendants Love These 33 Travel Products
A travel adapter if you plan on taking a multi-country trip and don't want to clutter your tech bag with a million different plugs. This lets you plug up to four devices at once! A microfiber beach towel that's designed to repel sand and dry quickly, so when you just NEED to do one last stop at the beach before your flight, your suitcase won't be wet or filled with sand. A *foldable* wide-brim hat so you can bring some cute sun protection without having to hold it on the plane or worrying that it'll be crushed in your carry-on. An anti-theft backpack with a genius design — the main compartment's zipper sits up against your back rather than facing outwards. Take THAT, you pickpocketers! A simple luggage strap, which will carry pretty much anything you want it to. A jacket? Yep! Your personal item? You betcha! How about a purse or a neck pillow? Yes and yes! Whatever you choose, you'll know it'll be secure and literally out of your hands. A trifold travel wallet that keeps all your important documents in one super secure, RFID-blocking place. This material allows for your credit cards, IDs, and passport to be safe from any unauthorized access so you can keep your hard-earned money and enjoy your trip worry-free! A *very popular* off-the-shoulder jumpsuit to give you the comfort of pajamas (which is lowkey what I think everyone wishes they could wear on the plane) but still keep you stylish. Reviewers say it packs well and is easy to take off when it's time for a bathroom pitstop. A portable door lock for that extra layer of security that's needed on those solo trips or if you and your travel buddy spiral into all the possible "what if" situations running through your heads. This is super easy to install and can help give you peace of mind! A resealable travel-size pack of antibacterial wipes because thinking about the amount of high-touch surfaces in the airport or your train car makes me want to *gag,* and you definitely don't want to be touching your travel snacks without clean, sanitized hands. A TSA-friendly toiletries set if you're a little picky about hotel shampoos and want to stick to your tried and trues. This set includes four squeeze bottles, three little pots, and one spray bottle for all your skincare and shower necessities. These are leakproof, refillable, and easy to clean! Or if you're not in need of containers, a clear TSA-approved toiletry bag that'll keep all your necessities in a compact little bag that won't take up 30% of your carry-on. Sorry TSA, no time to chit-chat while you inspect my bag, I've got a flight to catch! Or! A snazzier clear toiletries case if you have larger things, like an electric toothbrush. This holds a quart-sized bag worth of everything you could possibly need while traveling. Plus, it's so cute!! An electronics organizer with different compartments for your cords, charging blocks, and portable chargers. If you're guilty of leaving charging cords tangled at the bottom of your bag, this is going to be a lifesaver for your travel game. A bendy travel pillow for window seat lovers who need a soft place for their head — because the side of the plane is just not cutting it. This twists in different ways so you can get comfortable and not wake up from your nap with a twist in your neck. Or an alternate Trtl travel pillow since you got stuck with the middle seat and knew you needed something to get you through that long flight. It's designed to keep your head upright while you snooze and help prevent annoying neck pain. A lightweight, compact, and high-speed portable charger for those times you know you won't have access to an outlet or when all the charging stations are full by the time you get to your gate, and you're on 2%. 😥 It's super slim, making it easy to pack, and it fully charges your iPhone up to *two* times! A contoured sleep mask that will help block out light while making sure there isn't too much pressure on your eyes while you sleep during the long flight — or if you are just trying to get some shut-eye in 23A and the person in 23B just HAS to read their novel at 1:58 a.m. 😭 A set of Sea Bands for anyone who deals with motion sickness or nausea while traveling. This puts pressure on an acupuncture point to help you out during those long car rides, boat rides, or the "please fasten your seatbelts" type of turbulence on a plane ride. A soft faux-leather tote so your personal item can be stylish and spacious at the same time! You'll use it every day on your trip and stun everyone when you tell them it's less than $20! Plus, it comes in so many colors and comes with a cute lil' scarf for accessorizing. A portable safe that can attach to your beach umbrella, picnic table, or chair so you can safely keep your phone, keys, wallet, and any other valuables away from anyone with sticky fingers. Reviewers love using this at the beach, hotels, and even waterparks! A mini lightweight flat iron so small you'll be amazed at how well it works. If you want to save space in your luggage and maintain your sleek locks, this is the thing for you. Or, a collapsible diffuser attachment for all you curly haired cuties who want to keep your locks looking luscious no matter where you travel. The silicone material can stretch over most hair dryers, and it packs up super small. A set of affordable, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds perfect for a long plane ride because these pack 10 hours of listening time on a single charge. Reviewers love how comfy they are and some reviewers even compare them to AirPods for significantly cheaper. A luggage-mounted cup caddy because the minute you get through security, you bet your bottom dollar that you're stopping at Starbucks for a drink and a sweet treat. This has super strong velcro to attach to your luggage handles and the elastic fits various-sized cups, letting you actually have a free hand! An on-the-go Gillette razor that proves that all the best things in life come in small packages. This five-blade razor saves space and saves you from using those disposable razors that just don't step up to the plate. A handbag organizer with pockets, pockets, and MORE POCKETS! No longer are the days of digging through your bag to find your ID when your turn at the TSA line comes! A set of silicone "EarPlanes" for those who are tired of always having to deal with the annoying pressure in their ears felt during takeoff and landing. No more constant gum chewing, ear tugging, or yawning to get rid of that "popping" feeling. AND, they'll even work for road trips with high altitude changes. A 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad that charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. You can stay organized by getting rid of tangled cords *and* the high-quality magnets in the pad make sure your items don't slip away. And when folded up, it easily fits into your pocket. A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins — yeah, they might look like a funny-looking sock over your shampoo and face wash, but what you won't find funny is a big ol' liquid mess in your suitcase. These fit full-size and travel-size toiletries and prevent those cute white jeans from being stained with your purple shampoo. A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow for those who wish they could personally ask the pilot to turn down the freaking AC on the plane. This is a BIG step above the thin fabric that the airlines call a blanket since it's made from super soft microfleece, AND it even has a trolley pass-through pocket so you can slide it over your carry-on. A sturdy, lightweight pill organizer so you don't have to take up room in your toiletry bag with all your important medications. This compact little guy is great for travel, and some have even used the empty compartments to store smaller items like jewelry! A jewelry organizer to prevent your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings from basically getting into a full-on catfight in your suitcase. This is easy to roll up and a LOT easier to pack than a mini jewelry box. A Weleda lotion since the cabin air always seems to leave your skin feeling dry as bone. This chamomile, nourishing sunflower seed oil, and restorative calendula formula will give you some much-needed moisture on those short and long flights without being too greasy.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
24 Wild Airport Worker Stories That Will Shock You
We asked members of the BuzzFeed Community who have worked at an airport to tell us about the wildest and weirdest things they've witnessed on the job. The responses really prove that airports bring out the worst in people. Here are some of the most unbelievable stories: "I watched a woman's clearly fake (or poorly-trained) service dog take a dump on the airport floor. The woman stood up, kicked the poop under a chair, and then moved to another set of seats. A family with a small child was on the other side of the seats. They kept checking the kid's diaper because of the poop smell." "A St. Patrick's Day traveler arrived at the airport drunk with his buddies and wanted to check his beer keg. Kegs are considered 'dangerous goods.' No can do, sir." "A man brought his SEX DOLL (whom he talked to as his wife), bought her an extra seat on the plane, and pushed her around in a wheelchair. Not to mention the doll had elf ears and an NSFW Instagram. I don't know what the heck is wrong with people these days. The picture of his plastic wife lying on the belt going through the machine at TSA still cracks me up." "A passenger came to the ticket counter with all of his friends and family to see him off. He had five heavy, oversized suitcases, the heaviest of which was 123 pounds. He was advised of the extra baggage and heavy weight fees and attempted to barter. After several minutes, he decided to 'repack' and handed random things, such as canned ravioli, to his relatives, who placed the items in duffle bags. Once he had gotten the fees down to something 'reasonable,' he borrowed scissors and tape to secure his baggage with plastic wrap, which he brought with him. Finally, after 40 minutes of dealing with the situation, he pulled out a GIANT wad of $100 bills, tossed several on the counter, and I was able to check his bags. As he said goodbye to his entourage, they began handing him all the duffel bags to take as carry-ons. A supervisor intervened to tell him he would not be allowed to board with all of them, at which point he threw the scissors at us!" "A passenger came to check his bag, and we asked for a boarding pass and photo ID. He indicated that he only had one ID with a photo. He provided his photo ID from the Department of Corrections. It specified: inmate." "I worked on the ramp. For our planes, you had to walk on the tarmac to board. This 20-something-year-old came out in December in Seattle in just a bikini. When I asked her why she wasn't wearing clothes, she told me it was easier going through the X-ray with just a bikini." "I worked at a smaller airport in Ohio for many years, and you wouldn't believe the shenanigans we got into, and we were KIDS! That's right, the people fueling your plane, stacking your luggage in the pit, and marshaling in your plane were unqualified, untrained 18-year-old kids! My absolute favorite story is when one of those kids didn't hook up the lavatory cart properly to empty the contents of the plane, and the hose popped off, dumping gallons and gallons of shit and everything else you can imagine onto the tarmac AND the people standing below loading bags. Luckily, I was not near that end, but one kid was COVERED in shit. Cue everyone projectile vomiting and those of us not around laughing our butts off!" "I saw a lady get stopped by a female officer while going through airport security for having a rather large bulge in her crotch area. When the officer asked if she was hiding anything down there, the lady reached under her skirt and pulled out an avocado from her underwear. When the officer questioned the lady about hiding an avocado in her underwear, she responded that it helped the avocado become ripe faster." "I worked at the Hobby Airport in Houston for a major airline carrier. There was a guy who smuggled drugs every Friday like clockwork. He had a method that worked well. Cops set up a sting operation to catch him. One Friday, it all came to an end. His flight landed, and the arrest soon followed. They opened his bag, which contained what looked like a few kilos of cocaine and a ton of cash." "I worked at a small, rural airport in 2006. Only one flight would arrive or depart during my 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. shift. One night, a plane was cleared and was being taxied to the runway when we noticed the gas cap had not been put back on. A ground crew walked outside the plane to make sure this was done, so I'm not sure how it could be missed. I had to rush to notify the captain to turn back right before they were lined up on the runway. Very stressful moment. I left that job shortly after and never flew out of that airport." "I worked operations for a major US airline in a major US city. I once saw a USB-powered dildo catch fire inside a suitcase on the way from being counter-checked to being loaded onto the plane. It melted the suitcase handle. We were required to report it to the FAA, and we joked about it for weeks." "A very rude 'Million Mile' passenger showed up at the ticket counter 40 minutes before departure, demanding that he be given a first-class upgrade. Unfortunately, he had recently changed his flight, and his new one was already booked full in first class. He demanded I unseat someone of a lesser standing to accommodate him. Luckily for me, the supervisor at the gate had already 'taken control' of the flight, and I could not manipulate any seat assignments. Once he was finished berating me and left for the gate (30 minutes before departure), I called down to the supervisor at the gate to give her a warning about who was about to be in her face." "While working at the ticket counter, I received a call from the security office to confirm if a man matching a certain description was at our location. I confirmed that he was at our counter earlier, but was turned away after arriving late for our last flight to his destination. I saw the guy hang up the payphone and return to the ticket counter. As this happened, we were advised of a bomb threat called in. The guy had called in from the payphone with a fake threat so he could make the flight. He was detained, missed his flight, and became the newest ex-law student in his class." "Years ago, I worked on one of those two-person trucks that put food on airplanes. The job meant lots of time sitting and waiting for our plane while getting our brains rattled by all the planes taking off and landing. One summer day, we saw a big propeller-operated cargo plane from Central America land and park off the runway not far from our truck. Two men exited the plane via the front stairway. One walked around back, opened a big cargo hatch, then strolled into the belly of the plane. Seconds later, he came flying out like he'd been shot from a cannon. Right after him came many dozens of large black snakes. They slithered all over the runways and roadway. We never found out what the situation was. All I can tell you is this: It was unbelievable to watch." "I did social media for a major airline, and SO many people would send nudes via DM. Some intentional, some not. "This was about 35 years ago, when I was an air traffic controller assigned to the San Antonio Tower. The tower sat about 65 feet above the tarmac around the old terminal gates. It was a Saturday night, and not much was going on. Back then, Southwest Airlines parked its planes right below the tower and loaded and offloaded them via outdoor air stairs. Since it was after 10:00 p.m., some planes were parked there for the night for maintenance or cleaning. Not much was happening, so we just sat and chatted while monitoring the radios. Suddenly, I heard someone say, 'HEY! That guy doesn't have any clothes on!' That got everyone's attention, and we all rushed over to the side of the tower overlooking Southwest's parked planes. Sure enough, at the bottom of one set of air stairs was a naked guy being chased around the ramp by a couple of people." "At an airport in New York, we had what we called 'Saxophone Santa.' Every Christmas, a guy dressed as Santa would roam around the terminal playing his saxophone. It brought a little bit of fun to the pain of being stuck working at the airport on Christmas Eve." "One time, I was loading a bag that vibrated. This was a year or two before 9/11, so we would either open the bag ourselves or take it to the counter at the gate. Then, we'd call the customer up to open the bag and identify the object. Usually, it would be an electric toothbrush, and we would turn it off. Well, this time it ended up being a huge vibrator with a dildo attached. Boy, was she embarrassed." "I did an internship at Rome's airport when I was in uni about 10 years ago, and we had some booths close to the biggest stores. One of the booths was close to the bathrooms. Once, a famous international sports celebrity (I don't want to name names, but he passed away a few years ago) had to go to the toilet. They made everyone exit the toilet, then his security staff just kinda cordoned off the entrance while he was in (for a long time). My booth was inside the cordon. It was so embarrassing." "My ex was a pilot, and one time, while he was walking through the airport, he saw a child who looked about 3 years old streak through. The child was being chased by his old grandmother, who was having trouble catching him. Apparently, she was helping him change his clothes when the kid took off. He caught the kid, to the grandmother's relief, but he said it was the funniest thing seeing this child, naked as can be, running through the airport, laughing hysterically!" "I managed a shop in the Indianapolis airport. It was a chain known for scented candles and soaps. One afternoon, an international flight attendant came in, picked up several bottles of hand sanitizer (this was 25 years ago, pre-COVID), and walked out. She was arrested and lost her for $6.00 worth of hand sanitizer." "I worked in customer service for five years on and off. I had a guy so panicked he was going to miss his flight that he tried to ditch his backpack in a trash can. I had to remind him that he could go to prison for that. I had a grown man (over 60) call me a bitch in front of other people because I wouldn't give him a free drink voucher. When I announced a flight had been canceled, I had 50 people gang up on me at once. One woman told me that she needed to get home to her dog, and if her dog died, the blood was on my hands. I could go on for days…" "A lot of people have no idea that dead bodies are transported on regular flights. They get totally freaked out when they have to load them on the planes. Some people end up quitting, even though they're in coffins." And: "I worked at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's train station. A guy stood in the middle of the hall with his arms spread out, butt-naked in the sun that shone through the top windows. People were walking past him with no reaction. I went up to him to ask him to put his clothes back on. I had called the police, and they came in after he was fully dressed. The officer asked me, 'Did he have a stiffy?' Nothing else was said, and they took him away." Whether you were working or just passing through for travel, what's the wildest thing you've ever seen at an airport? Tell us in the comments or share anonymously using this form. Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
