In the first 9 months of 2024, the Transportation Security Administration intercepted more than 5,000 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the United States, the federal agency has reported.
That means TSA agents discover a firearm among a passenger’s carry-on belongings about 18 times a day. And get this: The weapon is loaded, according to the TSA, more than 93% of the time.
Perhaps straining for a silver lining—or at least a gunmetal grey one—the agency does note that the daily average of firearms detected at checkpoints in the third quarter of 2024 (July–Sept.) went down ever so slightly compared to the same quarter last year, declining from 19.7 weapons per day to 19.1.
Don’t you feel so much safer?
What Happens if the TSA Finds a Gun in Your Carry-on?
To state what should be the obvious: Guns are prohibited at airport security checkpoints, in any part of the airport past that checkpoint, or, heaven help us, in the passenger cabins of commercial aircraft.
“Each firearm brought to a checkpoint, whether by accident or on purpose, presents a threat to other passengers and our employees, and causes delays for the traveler with the firearm,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement.
And by “causes delays,” Pekoske means “causes us to call the cops.” The TSA does not seize or confiscate guns found in carry-on luggage. Instead, agents are required to contact local law enforcement. “Depending on local laws,” per the TSA, “the passenger may be arrested or issued a citation.”
What’s more, the gun-toting flyer could lose TSA PreCheck eligibility, get hit with a fine of up to $15,000, and suffer further penalties.
It doesn’t matter if the passenger has a concealed carry permit or the airport is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction, either. You simply can’t pack heat in a carry-on.
We repeat: You can’t pack heat in a carry-on.
There are signs that clearly indicate this law right there in the security line. With pictures and everything.
And also: Why do you think there’s a security line at airports in the first place? It’s to keep weapons out of airplane cabins. The TSA won’t let you pass with a half-finished bottle of Dasani, but you think you’re gonna stroll through the scanner with your fully loaded Glock?
Telling the TSA you forgot to remove your gun from your bag doesn’t qualify as a defense.
Does This Mean You Can’t Fly with a Gun?
Of course not. We’re talking about the United States here.
Passengers on domestic flights are permitted to fly with firearms—provided the gun owner follows these proper packing procedures:
• The firearm must be secured in checked baggage.
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be locked in a hard-sided case.
• The gun owner must declare the firearm to the airline when checking the bag at the airline ticket counter.
Can You Bring a Toy Gun on an Airplane?
In addition to the basic packing procedures above, there are other important things to know about traveling with guns and gun accessories.
Ammunition is also prohibited in carry-on luggage, though permitted in checked bags.
BB guns, toy firearms, pellet guns, and such are all allowed in checked luggage only as well.
The rules shift when it comes to international flights. Learn the firearm laws of the foreign destination where you’re headed (in some places, just packing bullets can land you in jail). Or—here’s a thought—maybe leave the rifle at home for the length of your Balinese yoga retreat?
To familiarize yourself with all the rules for traveling legally with firearms—and the penalties for breaking those rules—go to TSA.gov.
If you have a specific question you can’t find an answer for, consult the website’s customer service page to find FAQs as well as contact info for reaching TSA by text, social media, email, and phone.