The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year at airports, but seeing the terminals decked out for the holidays takes some of the stress out of the journey.
Then there’s that one airport that decided to let their decorations serve a dual purpose this year by decking the departure hall with a Christmas tree made out of scissors and knives, box-cutters and bullets, as a festive way to remind the traveling public what isn’t allowed in their carry-ons.
The airport in Vilnius, Lithuania, put together a tree made entirely from items confiscated at airport security. On LinkedIn, Lithuanian Airports called the tree a “truly unique educational masterpiece.”
That’s a lot of confiscated scissors! And, uh, rather large knives.
Airport staffers hope this tree will remind the traveling public to check the list of prohibited items for carry-on baggage before they pack — with a hint of shame thrown in for good measure.
“So if you don’t want your personal, yet prohibited, belongings to land on our next year’s Christmas tree – better check out the baggage requirements before you pack for your next flight,” reads the LinkedIn post. “Safe travels!”
In the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration has also been known to turn confiscated items into publicity stunts that remind travelers what they can and cannot bring on an airplane.
It’s usually not a good idea to test the sense of humor of TSA agents in person while on the security line, but on Instagram, they can be downright cheeky. This post of a confiscated bunch of roses with something extra tucked in has a caption that begins, “Roses are red, violets are blue, a knife hidden in your flowers can’t be carried through.” Yikes!
Perhaps that’s how the Vilnius airport obtained the star on its tree of confiscated items?
If you’re traveling over the holidays, don’t forget to check the TSA’s list of permitted items for both carry-on and checked baggage before you go.
Safe travels!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.