NEW YORK – Here’s a reminder for fliers this holiday: leave your firearms at home.
Yes, you heard that right.
The Transportation Security Administration said they’ve seen a record number of firearms at security checkpoints. As of Friday, TSA has stopped 6,301 firearms; more than 88% were loaded. This number surpasses the previous record of 5,972 firearms detected in 2021.
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“I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers who do an excellent job of preventing firearms from getting into the secure area of airports, and onboard aircraft,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags at the checkpoint and onboard aircraft. When a passenger brings a firearm to the checkpoint, this consumes significant security resources and poses a potential threat to transportation security, in addition to being very costly for the passenger.”
TSA anticipates it will prevent about 6,600 firearms in carry-on bags from entering the secure area of airports by the end of 2022, a nearly 10% increase over last year’s record level.
TSA reminds fliers that firearms are never allowed in carry-on bags, even if a passenger has a concealed weapon permit. A violation could cost you nearly $15,000.
Passengers traveling by air who wish to transport firearms must do so in checked baggage, the TSA said.
Those passengers must follow proper packing guidance for firearms in checked baggage and declare them to their airline at check-in. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers must also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.