Where to buy items confiscated by the TSA
Written by Jack on 17 August, 2011 in Travel Tips.
The TSA doesn't just throw out the items confiscated at security checkpoints. Some are donated to non-profit organizations, most metal is recycled as scrap, and alcohol used to be binned. Well, until the cleaners started turning up drunk at the job, when they had to start disposing of the liquid gold more properly...
However, much of the loot confiscated items are actually sold online by the individual states via TSA auctions.
Buying the confiscated goods either from the TSA or individual states is done in auctions 90% of the time. Some confiscated items are put up directly for sale though, and you can find it on the websites for direct purchase. The state surplus auctions are held regularly, and if you're planning to show up for it, it's definitely best to check if you have to register beforehand. Several states require this.
Most states combine auctions for TSA confiscated goods, state surplus, and goods confiscated by law enforcement, which means not only can you get cheap Leathermans, but you may also be able to pick up a car.
Where to buy TSA confiscated items for sale:
You can also look at the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property website or this list of sites.
You never know, they might have the perfect item for your holiday travel shopping!
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Comments
Thanks for asking, I've added the Louisiana surplus property website address to the article.
Jack on 06 January, 2009
Bob, I just found the Michigan state surplus site, which is where the TSA puts up the confiscated goods for sale.
Jack on 08 April, 2009
When I followed the colorado link, I was rerouted to http://www.coloradoci.com/ which did not relate to items confiscated by the state of Colorodo. Is there another website that would get to sales of the confiscated items?
Jim NIquette on 03 November, 2009
@Jim
The Colorado Correctional Industries is the surplus outlet company for Colorado. Had a good look around for alternatives, but as far as I can see, that's the right one now.
Jack on 06 November, 2009
I don't believe any do, simply because they tend to be auctions and state run.
Jack on 04 December, 2009
Arizona doesn't auction online unfortunately, the TSA goods are auctioned off with the land / state goods. I've updated the link to be the main auction page.
Jack on 14 June, 2010
how do these scum bags get away with this? stealing peoples things, selling them at auctions. they will burn in hell, low wage goons
travis on 21 April, 2011
Woo, some pretty strong opinions on the TSA there. Probably better not to express that during security.
Jack on 22 April, 2011
Actually, looks like they've shut their entire website together with pretty much abandoning gov't in Minnesota. From the page:
"This State of Minnesota website has been suspended for the duration of the state government shutdown. For the latest general information on the state government shutdown, please visit http://BeReadyMN.com."
Hopefully things will go back to normal shortly.
Jack on 01 July, 2011
Can't get onto to the Oklahoma website you have listed without a login and password. This stinks!!!
Okie on 15 August, 2011
Oklahoma requires a password when you click on it. What is that all about?
Marciel on 15 August, 2011
Looks like Florida you can't purchase their items. Instead, they are donated to organizations. :(
Jessica on 15 August, 2011
So for Utah I have looked all over the fleet web site that is posted to use but can not see where to go. Am I missing something or not seeing the link? I would love to take part in the TSA shopping!
Jerry on 15 August, 2011
I can not find a site in Florida that disposes of the TSA Surplus stuff left behind by travelers at airports. Pleas help,
Pete Pharr on 15 August, 2011
is there an update for the minnesota site. the one on the list is broken
S L Hubbard on 15 August, 2011
It would be great to find an actual store address in SC or NC for TSA Surplus, the website is not any help.
Can you help by listing the location? or address?
Agnes Schultz on 16 August, 2011
Minnesota and North Carolina state surplus links are both updated. Yes, Florida seems to donate their TSA swag and I can't locate a Utah website either.
Jack on 16 August, 2011
Georgia may have closed its stores, but moved to selling surplus via eBay, Public Surplus, and GovDeals instead. Probably much more useful than a storefront in the end.
Jack on 16 August, 2011
I wasn't aware that the TSA sold all of the stuff it confiscated! That's cheap goods right there! My mom works for a cruise line, and they don't confiscate stuff, but people do tend to forget all kinds of things they bring on the ship, so every once in a while the company has a big flea market available to employees. I find it funny when my mom comes home with watches and bracelets she wouldn't have otherwise bought.
Mack Reynolds on 30 August, 2011
The Massachusetts site does not contain any links to confiscated TSA goods from Boston Logan or any other site. Please update or advise on how to get back my valuable confiscated item.
JR on 08 September, 2011
Hi Jack,
I attend the Louisiana state auctions almost monthly and I have never found any of the items that would have been confiscated by the TSA, so there must be another place they auction them off? Maybe the state doesn't waste their time on selling these items, maybe the employee's enjoy the "LOOT". :-)
LS on 09 November, 2011
Hi LS. They may have moved to selling the items on Ebay exclusively. That's becoming increasingly common and probably results in higher sales prices for the gov't.
Jack on 11 November, 2011
@SB
I don't think any of the 'surrendered' items are really all that dangerous, including things like knives. Why? You won't get into the cockpit without either a crowbar or a gun...
Jack on 23 November, 2011
TSA is a federal agency not a state agency.. Most of the stuff is donated to non-profits. What they do with it is up to them. TSA does not sell stuff at state auctions.
Anonymous on 01 February, 2012
You're both right and wrong.
Much is donated, but a lot is also given over to individual states' surplus departments and auctioned. Also a whole lot of confiscated goods end up on eBay for the same reason. Further, not all airports actually have TSA as security, and other arrangements are in place.
Jack on 01 February, 2012
More states?
What about the other states? Louisiana for example
virginia on 06 January, 2009