If you’re like me, you feel this profound sense of accomplishment when you get through security without a TSA agent yelling at you. Apparently, not everyone is as determined to keep a squeaky clean airport reputation at the airport, however.
The TSA recently announced a record-breaking surge in firearm confiscations, saying it had intercepted an astonishing 6,301 guns from passing through security checkpoints as of mid-December. So what’s going on?
Here’s everything you need to know:
The number of firearm confiscations by the TSA has increased on a steady basis every year since 2010.
The only time the TSA saw a fall in interceptions was in 2020, as a result of pandemic lockdowns.
The recent announcement comes just three months after the TSA anticipated it would break its annual record once again.
More than 88 percent of the intercepted guns were loaded.
The agency anticipates finding an estimated 6,600 guns in carry-on bags by the year’s end — a 10 percent increase from last year.
Apparently, “did you pack your own bags?” isn’t a crazy question…
The TSA says the most common excuse gun owners give for bringing a firearm through security is, “I forgot it was in the bag,” or “Someone else packed my bag for me.’”
Legally, passengers are permitted to bring unloaded guns in checked bags. The guns must also be locked in a hard-sided container.
Passengers are required to declare guns at the check-in kiosk when handing over their luggage.
It is illegal to bring guns in carry-on bags, no matter the circumstances.
Here’s to hoping people start “remembering” they have a loaded gun when passing through security.
by travelers, for travelers.
