TSA clarifies rules on "emotional support" snakes after surreal luggage discovery

Tampa, Florida - Snakes on a plane are definitively not allowed – even if the reptile happens to be your emotional support animal!

The TSA posted an X-ray showing a boa constrictor coiled up in a woman's luggage at Tampa International Airport.
The TSA posted an X-ray showing a boa constrictor coiled up in a woman's luggage at Tampa International Airport.  © Screenshot/Instagram/tsa

The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) shared a cheeky public service announcement on Instagram Friday night after agents found a 4-foot boa constrictor hidden inside a woman's luggage. It made the alarming discovery on December 15 at Tampa International Airport in Florida, the agency's spokesperson, Lisa Farbstein, told CNN.

The traveler told security that the snake, named Bartholomew, was actually her "emotional support animal" and requested that he be allowed to fly with her. In the end, the airline ultimately barred Bartholomew from boarding, Farberstein said in a tweet.

"There's a danger noodle in that bag..." the agency said on Instagram. "Our officers at Tampa International Airport didn't find this hyssssssterical!"

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The social media post also featured an X-ray showing the boa constrictor coiled up in the woman's luggage.

"Do you have asp-irations of taking a snake on a plane? Don't get upsetti spaghetti by not understanding your airline's rules," the agency said, adding that airlines never allow snakes in carry-on bags, and just a few will allow them in checked bags – so long as the animal is packaged correctly.

The snake was not injured in the incident and was returned home, officials said.

Cover photo: Screenshot/Instagram/tsa

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