tsa: More than 6,000 guns confiscated at US airports this year

A record number of 6,301 guns were confiscated from passengers at checkpoints in US airports till mid-December. Around 88% of those guns were loaded. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials have confirmed the information. The administration expects to confiscate 300 more guns by year end.

Although it’s not illegal to own firearms in the US, carrying one into a passenger cabin is prohibited. A TSA rule states, “You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.” It is unclear why passengers are not following the rule and carrying their firearms in cabin baggage. There is a penalty of $13,910 for violating the above rule. TSA says they are going to increase the penalty to $14,950.

Among the guns confiscated, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Georgia had the highest number of confiscations at 438. Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in the state of Texas came second with 371. TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement on Friday, said, “I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers who do an excellent job of preventing firearms from getting into the secure area of airports, and onboard aircraft.”

FAQs:

1. Are guns allowed to be transported in a flight in the US?
   Yes, but there are certain rules for it.
2. Can you own a gun in the U.S. without a license?
   Yes, according to Federal law, but some states require a license.