BURBANK, California - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) have discovered two firearms this year in the carry-on luggage of departing passengers. Each of the firearms was discovered during the routine screening of carry-on property at the airport security checkpoint.
The most recent firearm find occurred Thursday around 6:30 a.m. when a TSA officer saw the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen. TSA immediately notified the Hollywood Burbank Airport Police, which responded to the security checkpoint. A 9 mm Sig Sauer compact pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition was discovered in the carry-on luggage of a person ticketed for travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The individual was cited on a local charge, the weapon was confiscated and the traveler was permitted to continue on his flight.
On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, TSA officers discovered a Ruger 380 pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition plus one in the chamber in the carry-on bag of a passenger who was also headed to PHX.
“No matter what time of day or how many people are traveling, TSA officers continue to screen all carry-on luggage for potential security threats to ensure they do not make it into the cabin of the aircraft. The safety and security of the traveling public is our priority,” said TSA Federal Security Director for BUR Anita Minaei. “All travelers should take time to check the contents of their carry-on luggage to ensure they are not bringing any type of prohibited item to the security checkpoint.”
In addition to potential criminal citations, travelers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations.
TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited items is also available.
TSA reminds passengers to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or not at all.
Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the TSA mobile app, myTSA. Travelers can also Tweet or Message “@AskTSA” if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance weekdays from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT weekends.