Imagine strolling through airport security, minding your own business, when suddenly, you’re stopped because of a mysterious gift from your grandma. That’s exactly what happened to TikToker and actor Brett Gaffney—thanks to one unexpected Christmas present.
Brett shared his bizarre experience in a viral TikTok, revealing that his sweet, well-meaning grandma gave him a briefcase and strictly told him not to open it until he got to California. Seems innocent enough, right? Well, not if you’re heading through TSA with a heavy, locked case and zero idea of what’s inside.
@brett.gaffney Airport Security said this is the second one they have seen today! #brettgaffneyforever #holidaytravel ♬ original sound – brett.gaffney
“I got stopped at the airport security, and you know what? It was because of this briefcase my grandma gave me,” Brett explained. “She said, ‘Don’t open it until you get there.’”
Naturally, that raised a few red flags. TSA wasn’t exactly thrilled with his “I have no idea what’s inside” response when they questioned him.
“They asked me what was inside, and I was like, ‘I don’t know.’ They said, ‘What do you mean you don’t know?! You’re carrying a whole briefcase!’” Brett recalled.
@brett.gaffney There are few things that make me wanna play hookie. #brettgaffneyforever #typewriter #xyzbcafypシ ♬ original sound – brett.gaffney
Security flagged the item for inspection, and as a TSA agent carefully unlocked the briefcase, Brett braced himself. Was it cash? Jewelry? A family secret? Nope. It was…a vintage typewriter.
Yes, you read that right. His grandma made him smuggle an old-school typewriter across the country like some kind of literary outlaw.
“Who am I, Tom Hanks?” Brett joked, referencing the actor’s well-known love for typewriters. “Am I supposed to go to the park and write a novel now?”
The unexpected encounter had TikTok in stitches, with the video racking up over 567K views and an avalanche of hilarious comments.
@brett.gaffney I didnt think Id use this, but here we are. Its so calming. 🥲 #brettgaffneyforever #xyzba ♬ original sound – brett.gaffney
One person quipped, “I feel like the words ‘I don’t know, it’s a surprise’ should never be said to TSA.”
Another joked, “Oh nah, I’m checking for sure. Grandma Escobar ain’t getting me in trouble.”
A third added, “The fact you actually listened and didn’t peek is so innocent, lmao.”
And someone else declared, “You are now obligated to write your grandma’s life story with that typewriter. No excuses!”
Since making it home without further typewriter-related arrests, Brett has been keeping his followers updated on his unexpected new hobby. Turns out, the typewriter is an SCM Smith-Corona 250, and he’s actually loving it.
@brett.gaffney Replying to @BROWNQUEENV what a journey this has been!! #brettgaffneyforever #grandmastypewriter #viraltiktok ♬ original sound – brett.gaffney
“I got this typewriter because I’m becoming an old man,” he joked in a follow-up video. “And all I want to do is stay home and type.”
A few days later, he shared another clip, typing away happily. “I didn’t think I’d use this, but here we are. It’s so calming,” he admitted.
By the end of the week, he had bought the proper ribbon and paper, fully embracing his new retro writer era—all thanks to Grandma.
Looks like the TSA scare was worth it after all!
