Thousands of travelers in the United States still try to carry firearms through airport security each year, despite steep penalties that can include large fines and confiscation of the weapon.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported confiscating 4,239 firearms from carry-on bags in 2018, an average of about 11 guns per day. The vast majority of those firearms—86 percent—were loaded, and more than one in three had a round in the chamber, meaning the weapon could fire if triggered.
TSA noted the number of firearms discovered in carry-on luggage rose about 7 percent from 2017 to 2018. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recorded the highest number of seizures at 298, followed by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with 219.
Travelers who bring a gun to an airport security checkpoint can face civil penalties. TSA has the authority to seek fines of up to $13,333 for violations, even when the incident appears to be accidental. In addition to firearms, screeners also found other prohibited items during the same period, including knives, fireworks, replica mortar shells and smoke-generating devices.
Airport security procedures require guns to be declared and transported properly in checked baggage according to airline and federal regulations. Carrying a firearm in a passenger’s carry-on is prohibited and creates safety risks for screeners and other passengers. The TSA continues outreach and public education efforts aimed at reducing these incidents, emphasizing safe, legal transport methods and the serious consequences for noncompliance.