The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding the rise in passengers attempting to carry “cat eyes” through airport security. These self-defense weapons, which resemble brass knuckles but feature sharp, pointed edges shaped like a cat’s ears, are increasingly being found in travelers’ carry-on bags.
“Cat eyes” are designed for self-defense, with users slipping two fingers through holes that represent the cat’s eyes and using the sharp edges to strike an attacker. While some versions are made of plastic and others metal, these small, inexpensive weapons—often attached to keychains—have become more prevalent in recent months.
Bart R. Johnson, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for 13 airports in upstate New York, expressed frustration over the frequency of these items at checkpoints. “The frequency in which we are seeing these items among carry-on items is disappointing,” Johnson said. “It slows down passengers who must stop and wait for our officers to remove the offending item, and it backs up the line for other travelers.”
The TSA reclassified cat eyes as a type of brass knuckle last year, banning them from carry-on luggage but permitting them in checked bags. If TSA officers discover cat eyes in a passenger’s carry-on, they will pull the individual aside for a bag search. Travelers are given the option to return the item to their car, hand it to someone not traveling, or surrender it to TSA officers for disposal.
Johnson commended TSA officers for their vigilance but urged travelers to leave such items at home. “I ask travelers to be equally diligent themselves and leave these items at home when packing for a flight,” he said.
Cat eyes are not the only unusual contraband encountered by the TSA. In 2023, TSA agents confiscated items ranging from vintage throwing knives to replica rockets. Additionally, the agency intercepted a record number of firearms last year, discovering 6,737 guns at checkpoints, 93% of which were loaded.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed concern over the number of firearms being found in carry-on bags. “We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints, and what’s particularly concerning is the amount of them loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to everyone at the TSA checkpoint.”
The TSA continues to remind travelers to review security guidelines before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a safe travel experience.
