Through the middle of September, TSA agents have already found more guns at checkpoints than any full year in the past. Through September 18, agents had found 248 guns, compared to 245 in all of 2019 and 225 in 2017.
"We're trying to remain pro-active on our side to just let the public know: Make sure you're double-checking. Make sure you're taking the correct steps when you are traveling," says Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Marcus Sams. "Make sure you plan ahead."
Sams says some who carry a gun regularly may not realize they still have one in a bag they bring to the airport.
"Try your best to do a double-check," he says. "Maybe make a list and just go down that list before you pack your bag. I think that's a good way to remain safe and traveling with the public."
People can bring guns in checked luggage. They must be unloaded and in a locked box. Passengers must also declare the gun at check-in. Airlines will then attach a note telling TSA the gun was declared.
The fine for not declaring a gun in checked baggage is $1,500; passengers can be fined $5,000 for trying to take a gun through a TSA checkpoint.
"A lot of people don't know about that because, whatever the disposition with the law enforcement is, you get onboard your aircraft and go to where you're going," says Transportation Security Inspector Warner Watkins. "A couple weeks later, you open your mailbox, and there's a notice of a proposed civil penalty from TSA."
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Watkins says more Texans may be carrying a gun since permitless carry took effect September 1, but federal law applies at airports.
"Even with constitutional carry, TSA does not handle that side of it. That's a law enforcement response," he says.
Nationwide, 83% of guns found at checkpoints last year were loaded.
In addition to more guns, TSA has been finding other prohibited items as people have started flying after the pandemic. Many have not flown in the past 18 months, so agents say passengers may have forgotten items that are not allowed on planes.
TSA agents have found more weapons, like brass knuckles, knives or pepper spray. They have also found household items that could be used as weapons.
Blenders, which have blades, rolling pins and tortilla irons will be confiscated.
"TSA does look at different prohibited items at different severity," Watkins says. "A pocket knife, you'll get an opportunity to surrender that. You're not going to hear from TSA, but there are certain types of knives, like switchblades or butterfly knives, you may end up getting a letter from the TSA. We call that a 'warning notice.' Firearms tend to carry the largest civil penalty."
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