The TSA (Yes, that TSA) Has a Must-Follow Instagram Account

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. For more information check out our Advertising Disclosure.

Between the long security lines, liquid restrictions, and stern agents, the Transportation Security Administration – aka the TSA – might not be your favorite government agency.

So it might come as a surprise that the TSA has arguably the hottest Instagram account in the travel world. If you're not among the 990,000 people and counting who are following their feed, here's why you need to be.

TSA's Instagram Account

TSA's Instagram account, @TSA, is chock full of amazing content, from dog pics to memes and everything in between.

TSA covers travel and safety education with security line tips and reviewing prohibited items. They take questions about what can and can't go through security in a carry-on bag. They even have a highlight reel for their K9 crew!

Be sure to click on their Instagram Story Highlights to see some of their top stories.

Then follow along to see new posts from TSA every day or two. Their posts are educational, funny, and sometimes outright shocking. Here are some recent favorites:

Prohibited Items

This knife disguised as deadly lipstick serves as a reminder that no, you can't pack knives in your carry-on bags. TSA posts insane prohibited items they confiscate as a wild (yet informational) reminder.

View this post on Instagram

In honor of #NationalLipstickDay, here's one that will make your lips a stain of RED… annnnd potentially make things RED all over!? What would you call this shade of lipstick? Hemoglobin Red? Blood Red? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ All jokes aside, you WON'T have a beautiful day if you try to bring this “lipstick” through airport security. Our officers at Nashville International Airport (BNA) recently discovered this lipstick knife in a carry-on bag at a security checkpoint. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No matter the size, shape or intended use, knives are prohibited from being packed in your carry-on luggage. If you do have a knife that you'd like to bring along on your next trip, make sure you place it in your checked luggage. Otherwise, leave it behind. You can find out what other items are prohibited by visiting our website. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #airportsecurity #prohibiteditems #airportdiaries #instatravels #TravelTips #lipstickknife

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 29, 2019 at 10:28am PDT

Dogs of TSA

This is of my favorite parts of following TSA on Instagram! They post about the special dogs that make up their K9 unit, and the captions are awesome.

View this post on Instagram

According to Don, dinner (not revenge) is a dish best served cold. “The Don,” is one of our explosives detection canines from Minneapolis International Airport (#MSP). Don is the nose, and his handler is definitely the muscle. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When Don isn’t working, he spends time with the family where they pay tribute with belly rubs. Don is such a good boy that he scores treats on the regular. You might say that his cuteness is an offer they can’t refuse. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So the next time you’re at the airport and you want to pet a TSA canine… “fuggetaboutit!” They are diligently working to keep travelers safe. You can learn more about our explosive detection canines on our website. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #TheGodfather #DogsofInstagram #WorkingDogs #Dogstagram #Travel #AirportLife

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 2, 2019 at 12:46pm PDT

Ask TSA

Go figure: TSA gets some strange questions. Instead of letting bizarre questions like this one go by the wayside, they use it as a teaching moment!

View this post on Instagram

The phrase “bone of contention” refers to the main issue of a disagreement between two or more parties. The amateur etymologists here tell us that the expression originated in the 1700s and alludes to two dogs fighting over a single bone. Similarly, when one “has a bone to pick” with another, they are referring to a grievance or issue that needs to be resolved. A passenger recently reached out to our AskTSA team to preemptively resolve a bone-related matter, specifically whether an elk pelvis bone was allowed in their luggage. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fortunately for this traveler, animal bones can be packed as you choose, as they are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. We do recommend that travelers check with their airline, as some carriers may not allow a literal “bag of bones” on their aircraft. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you have questions on traveling with other unusual items, reach out to our #AskTSA team on Twitter or Facebook. You can write them a message or send a photo. They're available 8am-10pm on weekdays, and 9am-7pm on weekends and holidays! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #travel #traveling #airport #traveltips

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Apr 26, 2019 at 11:44am PDT

Security Education

Instead of making security line reminders boring, TSA gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at what they've confiscated lately.

View this post on Instagram

We surveyed 100 passengers and here are 4 places where fireworks might belong: ✅Disney World ✅An empty field ✅your enemy’s toilet ✅ 4th of July celebration ! One thing is for sure, they don’t belong through airport security! ❌. #Leaveithome #causebabyyoureafirework #traveltip

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 1, 2019 at 11:28am PDT

Travel Memes

Let's be honest, much of the joy in scrolling through Instagram is finding relatable memes for a quick lol. TSA has your back.

View this post on Instagram

It’s happened to the best of us: You gave the airline your Known Traveler Number (aka KTN) when you booked your flight, you packed your bags and you’re ready to go, right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nope! The day before your flight you check in and notice the TSA Pre✓® logo missing from your boarding pass. Great… now what?! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t look like our TSA K9, Tuitor at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Message our helpful team at #AskTSA on Facebook and Twitter are able to check into the problem for you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #MyFaceWhen #TSAK9 #workingdogofinstagram #happytraveler #Frequentflyer #TravelTips #Boston #MA ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Check out our stories for more information!

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 30, 2019 at 10:33am PDT

TSA posts similar stories and photos on their website. You can also check out their wild weeks and Year in Review roundups of confiscated items.

Bottom Line

TSA has turned security regulations and travel reminders into some of the most interesting posts and stories on Instagram. Go give them a follow, and watch the crazy knife contraptions and dog portraits roll in!