Quantcast

TSA reports decline in airport firearm interceptions for second consecutive year

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
TSA reports decline in airport firearm interceptions for second consecutive year
Policy
Webp pdavid
David Pekoske, Transportation Security Administrator | Wikipedia

In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the United States. This marks a slight decrease from the 6,737 firearms found in 2023. According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, "One firearm at a checkpoint is too many." He emphasized that firearms pose safety risks and can slow down operations.

Throughout the year, TSA screened over 904 million travelers, detecting approximately 7.4 firearms per million passengers—a small reduction from the previous year's rate of 7.8 per million. The agency continues its 'Prepare, Pack, Declare' campaign to educate travelers on proper firearm transport procedures.

Georgia's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) led the nation with 440 firearms discovered in carry-on bags out of a total of 498 statewide discoveries in Georgia airports. Texas followed closely with significant numbers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where TSA officers intercepted 378 firearms, and Dallas Love Field (DAL) with 125 confiscations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) ranked third nationally with 311 firearms uncovered. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) reported finding a total of 126 guns throughout the year.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) recorded the fourth-highest number nationwide with agents confiscating 247 firearms. Nashville International Airport (BNA) came fifth with TSA officers intercepting 188 guns among Tennessee's total of 319 for the state.

Denver International Airport (DEN) saw a decline in firearm interceptions to 166 from last year's count of 178 but remains significantly higher than figures from a decade ago.

Florida airports collectively intercepted fewer firearms than in previous years—817 compared to last year's figure of 834—with Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) both ranking within the top ten nationally for firearm seizures.

When TSA officers detect a firearm on an X-ray machine, they immediately notify local law enforcement agencies who handle further action according to jurisdictional laws. Violators may face criminal citations or arrests and civil penalties up to $14,950 per violation by TSA standards. Travelers who violate these regulations will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges for up to five years and be subject to enhanced screening on future trips.

Firearms are only allowed on commercial flights if unloaded and placed in locked hard-sided cases as checked baggage after being declared at airline ticket counters. Passengers are encouraged to research gun laws at their destinations before traveling and consult airlines for specific requirements related to firearm transport.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025