Passengers bringing guns to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints reached record levels across Louisiana in 2021 with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) coming in ninth in the country.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at MSY intercepted 119 guns at the airport’s checkpoint.
“This dangerous violation of federal regulations could mean a trip to jail instead of a vacation,” said TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz. “And an accidental discharge in the checkpoint could have tragic results.”
Across the state 162 passengers brought guns to the checkpoints compared to 85 in 2020 and 91 in 2019. In addition to the 119 at MSY in 2021, TSA officers stopped 17 guns at Shreveport Regional, seven at Lafayette Regional, six at Baton Rouge Metropolitan, five at Alexandria International, four at Lake Charles Regional and four at Monroe Regional Airport.
Passengers face a civil penalty from the TSA that can reach as much as $13,910 and that is imposed regardless of whether the individual is arrested by our law enforcement partners. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck® program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time. And repeat offenders may lose their privileges permanently.
When it comes to travel tips, the first is to leave your gun at home or be sure to declare it to the airline upon check-in, have the gun unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case and check that bag!
Here are six tips for getting through the TSA checkpoint as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Tip 1: No guns in carry-ons. Airline passengers can fly with firearms only in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared at check-in. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the gun laws are on both sides of your trip.
Tip 2: Wear a face mask. You must. The federal face mask mandate for travelers remains in place for any location inside an airport or on a plane. Those who refuse to wear a mask face steep fines from the TSA.
Tip 3: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
Tip 4: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. Follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.
Tip 5: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
Tip 6: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck®. Travel with Ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.