Slithery Discovery: Ontario International Airport TSA Agents Find 2 Live Snakes In Checked Bag

Published Nov 15, 2026, 5:55 PM EST Experienced ICAO English Language Proficiency Instructor for pilots and ATCOs and conference interpreter who is passionate about facilitating effective communication within aviation-related businesses. Possess a deep understanding of the aviation industry, including aviation regulations, terminology, and industry-specific communication protocols. Has been working at numerous airshows across Europe since 2014. Being an ultralight pilot in her free time, she also promotes safety and efficiency in aviation operations. Based in Italy and Malta Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ontario International Airport (ONT) made an unusual discovery earlier this month by finding two live snakes concealed in a passenger's checked luggage. The reptiles, hidden inside a pillowcase, were discovered during a routine baggage inspection when TSA Officer Benjamin Andrade-Carillo noticed something unusual in the suitcase. The discovery prompted a temporary suspension of security screening in the immediate area while officers assessed the potential danger. The incident, publicized by the TSA on November 13, highlighted the unexpected challenges airport security personnel can face when inspecting passengers' belongings. One of the snakes was identified as a rattlesnake, raising concerns that the animals could pose a safety risk to airport employees and passengers. Fortunately, airport police helped resolve the situation without anyone being bitten or injured, and the passenger was eventually cleared to continue their journey without the reptiles. A Routine Baggage Inspection Uncovers Two Live Snakes Credit: Kit Leong | Shutterstock The discovery began when Andrade-Carillo was examining one of many checked suitcases. The X-ray image initially suggested that the bag contained what appeared to be a bundle of ropes. However, closer inspection revealed a pillowcase containing two live snakes. When the officer realized the object he was handling was moving, he immediately alerted his supervisor. Supervisory TSA Officer Suggey Flores later examined the suspicious item and noticed the pillowcase tightening and moving. Ontario International Airport TSA Manager Francisco "Frank" Calderon was also notified, and further inspection confirmed that there were two live reptiles inside. Officials identified one of the animals as a venomous rattlesnake, prompting additional precautions as they worked to remove the animals safely. Officers initially couldn't determine whether the snakes were venomous, so they avoided unnecessary handling. Airport police subsequently took possession of the suitcase and escorted it to the airline ticketing area, where the passenger removed the snakes and handed them to a family member who was not traveling. Once the reptiles had been removed, TSA officers rescreened the checked bag and cleared it for travel. The passenger was also permitted to continue their journey, but without the animals. According to the TSA report, the traveler described the snakes as his pets and said he had previously traveled with them on another airline. How TSA Officers Safely Handled The Unexpected Discovery Credit: IrinaK | Shutterstock, Simple Flying Although the discovery was unusual, it demonstrates why checked baggage screening remains an important part of airport security. TSA officers routinely examine luggage for prohibited or potentially dangerous items, and unexpected discoveries can require coordination between several airport departments. In this case, the presence of potentially venomous reptiles meant that officers had to prioritize everyone's safety before allowing normal screening operations to resume. The incident also highlights the importance of understanding airline-specific regulations concerning animal transportation. Unlike conventional household pets, reptiles can be subject to additional restrictions depending on their species, size, containment arrangements, destination, and the airline involved. The passenger's claim that he had previously flown with the snakes on another carrier did not mean that the same arrangements would be accepted for the latest journey. TSA advises travelers to contact their airlines before arriving at the airport with animals. Andrade-Carillo, who had been working for the TSA for two years, described the discovery as something he had never encountered before in his career. He did, however, recall another unusual experience in San Diego involving a passenger attempting to bring live lobsters through security as carry-on baggage. While lobsters can be transported through TSA checkpoints under certain conditions, discovering two snakes, including a venomous species, presented a much different challenge. Snakes On A Plane: Not Only A Movie Title But A Real Aviation Hazard Credit: photoSalivan | Shutterstock The famous movie about snakes on a plane may come to mind first. But several real-life incidents have happened too: while snakes in checked luggage are uncommon, they’ve sometimes made their way into aircraft cabins, alarming passengers. A loose snake can distract both passengers and crew, especially when no one knows where it is or what kind it is. One particularly memorable example involved a snake discovered aboard an aircraft, highlighting the unusual situations that can arise when reptiles are transported improperly or unexpectedly enter aircraft environments. We have previously examined several such incidents in this article, Snakes On A Plane: Serpents That Caused Panic Onboard. These cases illustrate why airlines and airport authorities take animal transportation requirements seriously, even when passengers consider the animals harmless pets. Luckily for everyone, the Ontario International Airport incident ended without injuries, significant operational disruption, or a missed flight for the passenger. The two snakes were handed over to a non-traveling relative, while the suitcase was screened again and cleared for departure. The TSA's advice remains clear: passengers planning to travel with animals should always check their airline's specific requirements before packing their pets.