19 Of The Funniest And Weirdest Photos Taken At Airports

All rules cease to exist the moment you step foot in an airport. Dressing like Lord Farquaad to catch a flight? No biggie. Chowing down on your third beer at 7 AM? Acceptable. Bringing a pizza box as your carry-on? Go ahead, you legend. 

Don’t believe us? Just take a look at all of the strangest moments captured in airports that we at Pictolic gathered from the depths of the internet. Be prepared to take off on a bizarre adventure, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on it down below!

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with an experienced traveler and blogger, Apeksha Shah, who kindly agreed to share the weird moments she witnessed while trying to catch a flight.

19 PHOTOS

#1 Workers At Prague Airport Having Fun

#2 This Pilot Was Flying His Retirement Flight And Wanted To Look Special And He Did

#3 Buffalo Airport Hires Service Dogs For Passengers To Pet. 13/10 Would Pet Again

Experienced traveler and blogger who has visited 39 countries, Apeksha Shah, tells Pictolic, “Airport antics start from literally checking in till baggage collection. Some small classic scenarios that I usually encounter would be someone trying to fit an oversized suitcase into an overhead bin meant for a bag half its size, much to the amusement of fellow passengers.”

A more extremely bizarre moment she recalls is a person falling onto a conveyor belt and being unable to get out. “Also, an airport is a place where people are usually either too dressed up or are literally in their pajamas, directly from their beds. I have encountered people carrying inflatable dinosaurs along, dressing up like superheroes or anime characters - these sights are not frequent,” she shared with us.

#4 The Best Thing To Happen In An Airport, Ever

#5 Airport Raccoon

#6 Denver Airport Mocking Conspiracy Theorists

Incidents that she sees happening more frequently are often due to language barriers, “sometimes very hilarious, and which even get chaotic at times.”

According to Apeksha, immigration also seems to result in comical situations. “Failure of a person to understand the immigration process, like scanning of passport and thumb impressions, actually led to an immigration officer literally leaving his place and guiding the person through, which was quite amusing and somewhat comical with the reactions and expressions from the officer.”

She adds, “People have been found sleeping in creative places, one that I encountered was curled up on the floor under the seats in an airport."

#7 A Sign Outside An Airport In Helsinki, Finland

#8 The Best Way To Never Lose Luggage

#9 This Sofa In Stockholm Airport That Looks Like A Baggage Carousel With "Suitcase" Cushions

When asked why she thinks such bizarre moments are often witnessed at airports, the need for public attention was the first reason she mentioned. “Also, we cannot deny the fact that the anonymity where people are surrounded by strangers they likely won't see again, can encourage them to dress up like this, as airports have relaxed social norms. 

Thirdly, I feel people travel through different time zones. So the disrupted routine of a traveler's internal clock might be the reason for drinking at 7 am. Additionally, many people feel stressed by air travel. The primary reasons are adhering to tight schedules, enduring long waits, and navigating through securities and customs.”

#10 When Someone Takes "Sleeping At The Airport" To A Whole New Level

#11 Flying Is Rarely Fun, But These Two Strangers Put A Smile On My Face For Our 6 AM Flight

#12 Someone Checked In A Stick At The Airport

Despite all these struggles, she believes that weird airport antics make the airport a fun place to be. “Watching people amidst the hustle and bustle of travel has a quirky charm, and there's always room for a bit of laughter and human connection. These lighthearted moments might also give a routine break to the staff, making the atmosphere more free and light.”

#13 My Dad Bumped Into His Doppelganger At The Airport In Newark

#14 Who Is This Dude?

#15 Atlanta International Airport Ad. Thanks For The Anxiety

Even though some airport weirdness can brighten the day of any traveler or staff member, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminds us that it can sometimes become a threat to our safety. In 2022, the organization released a video listing the top 10 most bizarre catches of the year that people tried to smuggle through security.

In the honorable tenth place are crutches stuffed with soiled banknotes. They were discovered by agents at El Paso International Airport in Texas. “It's hard to imagine someone thinking this idea did not stink,” the TSA said in the video.

#16 All Shapes Welcome At The Jacksonville Airport Bathroom

#17 I Think They Are Recording Us, Bremen Airport

#18 Flight To Cancun Was Delayed After 3 Hours For Plane Issues. Everyone Is Angry. This Guy Just Gets On The Floor And Plays Cars With His Son. I Can't Be Mad Anymore

The ninth catch was an inert grenade (one that doesn’t explode) at General Mitchell International Airport in Wisconsin. Before it was discovered to be an imitation, the bomb squad was called in for help. The passenger said in a statement at the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office that he had purchased it at an air show. 

The eighth peculiar find was three electric cattle prods (sticks used to make livestock move by striking or poking them) packed inside a carry-on guitar case at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. TSA’s spokesperson said he was allowed to relocate them in a checked bag, however, passengers definitely can’t carry such items into an aircraft’s cabin.

#19 Two Stalls, One Roll. I Guess DFW Airport Wants Me To Fight This Guy