The reply ought to be zero.
In spite of everything, it’s in opposition to federal legislation to convey a loaded or unloaded firearm to and thru an airport checkpoint.
However in 2024, Transportation Safety Administration officers found 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints across the nation. Most — 94% — of the firearms discovered have been loaded and have been found in passengers’ carry-on baggage, in private belongings, on passengers and even hidden inside some child strollers.
Whereas the quantity is alarming, it isn’t like everybody confirmed up at airports with weapons final yr. The company screened greater than 904 million passengers in 2024, so the full variety of firearms discovered comes out to about 18.2 firearms “discovered” every day of the yr and seven.4 firearms per million passengers screened.
The entire variety of firearms discovered at airport checkpoints has risen steadily since a minimum of 2008, with a giant decline in 2020 reflecting restricted journey through the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, the 2024 complete of 6,678 firearms represents a minor lower from the 6,737 firearms the TSA present in 2023.
The TSA’s “Put together, Pack, Declare” public consciousness marketing campaign explaining the steps for safely touring with a firearm could also be performing some good. The company’s typically cheeky social media posts that exhibit the myriad firearms “caught” at airports may need additionally helped.
Whereas the variety of firearms that officers “discovered” in 2024 does not break data, it is nonetheless a harmful tally. As former TSA Administrator David Pekoske put it, “One firearm at a checkpoint is just too many.” It creates a security threat for passengers and staff and slows down operations.
And understand that it isn’t solely “actual” firearms that muck up the work at airport checkpoints. The “do not convey” listing contains toy weapons, BB weapons, cap weapons, compressed air weapons, firearm silencers or suppressors, flares and flare weapons, gunpowder, ammunition, holsters, gun lighters and anything that appears like a firearm or a part of a firearm.
Which airports topped the listing for many firearms discovered?
In 2024, the TSA found firearms at 277 airport checkpoints, with essentially the most firearms — 440 — discovered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport (ATL). The opposite airports on the highest 10 listing for firearms discoveries embody:
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- Dallas Fort Price Worldwide Airport (DFW): 390
- Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 272
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport (PHX): 247
- Nashville Worldwide Airport (BNA): 188
- Denver Worldwide Airport (DEN): 166
- Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO): 150
- Dallas Love Area (DAL): 143
- Tampa Worldwide Airport (TPA): 135
- Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport (AUS): 126
How is it going, firearm-wise, in 2025? In keeping with a TSA spokesperson, TSA officers have discovered 300 firearms at airport checkpoints nationwide as of Jan. 20.
What occurs when the TSA discovers a firearm at an airport checkpoint?
If TSA officers detect and even suspect that there is a firearm in a chunk of carry-on baggage or on an individual at an airport checkpoint, they will cease the road, shut the lane and name in native legislation enforcement officers. These officers will open the bag and search for the firearm or firearm element, the TSA says.
In the event that they discover a firearm, the TSA will name in native legislation enforcement officers. Relying on native legal guidelines, the one that introduced the firearm to the airport could also be arrested or cited. In some instances, vacationers could merely put their firearm of their checked baggage or hand it off to a pal or member of the family who will not be touring earlier than persevering with on their manner.
The TSA leaves confiscating firearms as much as native legislation enforcement however warns that along with any motion taken, the company has the authority to levy a most civil penalty of $14,950 per firearm and to revoke an individual’s TSA PreCheck eligibility for a minimum of 5 years.
Nonetheless need to take your firearm with you while you fly?
You could, however you may have to observe the foundations and put your firearm and any ammunition in your checked baggage. You will have to unload your firearm, pack it in a hard-sided container with a lock and declare it to the airline while you verify your bag.
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