With over 3,000 guns already stopped from coming through U.S. airport checkpoints this year, the TSA is reminding travelers to properly surrender fire arms before going through security.
Jessica Mayle is the TSA spokesperson for the Great Lakes region and she says these actions are dangerous and make checkpoint wait times worse for all travelers.
"We're just reminding travelers guns are never allowed in your carry-on bag or in the cabin of an airplane," says Mayle.
Mayle says unloaded and stowed firearms need to be declared to the airline at a baggage counter to avoid penalties.
"It can go up to as high as $15,000 from the TSA," Mayle says about the fines. "There are several factors that we take into account. It might not be that high for your first offense."
At an event held Thursday at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the TSA says they have stopped 30 guns at checkpoints in MSP so far in 2023. The TSA says that most guns they stop at checkpoints are still loaded.
Firearms
When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.