December 14th, 2021 Travel Alert — Record number of Airport Gun Confiscations
Photo of airport by Politikaner, Creative Commons License. Record Number of Airport Gun Seizures by 2021
CBS News reports that “Nearly 5700 firearms were confiscated at airport security checkpoints during 2021, which is the highest number ever recorded by the Transportation Security Agency’s (TSA) since its inception.” In 2021, 5,674 guns were confiscated. The vast majority of weapons, 85%, were loaded with ammunition. During a TSA briefing this Wednesday, TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated that it was an all-time record. He stated that the previous record was 4,400 guns taken in 2019. The airports in Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth had the highest gun seizures this year. You must comply with all regulations if you do bring a handgun into the airport. The gun must be unloaded in a locked, hard-sided container that can be locked and secured. When you check your bag(s), declare the firearm and/or ammunition. You could be charged if you put your carry-on in the bag. All firearm magazines, empty or loaded, must be kept in a secure box or placed inside a hard-sided bag. There are also specific transport requirements for ammunition. Ammo cannot be transported in a carry on bag. You cannot carry guns or ammo in the passenger compartment. NOTE: If you have ever carried a backpack or duffle bag to the range and then used it as a carry-on, make sure you double-check before you take it to the airport. You might find a live round in a side pocket. These are the TSA’s top guidelines for traveling with firearms: Firearms. Please follow the laws regarding firearm possession when you travel. They vary from one country to the next. For information and requirements, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site if you are traveling internationally with a firearm as checked baggage. Each firearm must be declared each time it is presented for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline for information about any restrictions or fees. Firearms must not be loaded and stored in a hard-sided container. They can only be transported as checked baggage. 49 CFR 1540.5 states that a loaded firearm includes a live round or component of ammunition in the chamber, cylinder, or magazine. TSA personnel may request the key or combination to unlock the firearm container. Any brand or type of lock can be used to secure your firearm case. This includes TSA-recognized locks. Unloaded firearms with ammunition are subject to the same civil penalty/fine that loaded firearms. Information on civil penalties can be found at the Civil Enforcement Page. Firearm parts such as magazines, clips and bolts, as well as firing pins, cannot be carried in carry-on baggage. However, they can be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms, as well as firearm replicas that are toys can be carried in checked baggage. Rifle scopes can be carried in both carry-on and check baggage. Ammunition Ammunition may be carried in checked baggage but is not allowed in carry-on luggage. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be packed securely. 49 CFR 175.10 (a),(8) outlines the requirements for ammunition transport in checked baggage. You must declare to your airline that small arms ammunition (upto.75 caliber) and shotgun shells (of any gauge) must all be packed in a fiber (such a cardboard, wood, plastic, metal or metal box specifically designed for ammunition transport. If the ammunition has been packed in the same way as a firearm, it can be transported in a hard-sided, locked container. If ammunition is packed in ammunition-enclosed firearm magazines and clips, they cannot be used. No matter how loaded or empty your ammunition clips or firearm magazines, they must be packed in a box or placed inside a locked case. Check with your airline to determine the maximum ammunition quantities. A gun case that is sturdy and secure should be chosen. The firearm must be completely secured in the container. It is not allowed to open locked cases that are easily opened.
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