TSA discovers four firearms in three days in carry-on luggage at Puget Sound area airports

SEATTLE - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminded travelers to be fully aware of the contents of their carry-on luggage prior to coming to the security checkpoint. This advisement comes after TSA officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) have discovered three firearms this week and TSA officers at Paine Field (PAE) have discovered one.

All four firearms were discovered during the routine screening of carry-on luggage in the security checkpoint. There is no indication the four incidents are linked.

Here are the airports, dates and models of the firearm discoveries this week:
 

When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen, screening stops. TSA immediately notifies the airport law enforcement agency at each airport, which responds to the security checkpoint to remove the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and resolve the matter.

“Four firearms in a single week is notable and disappointing. TSA consistently reminds travelers to check the contents of their carry-on luggage prior to coming to the airport to ensure that there are no items that pose a security threat. Despite these advisements, travelers continue to bring prohibited items including firearms to the security checkpoint,” said TSA acting Federal Security Director for Washington Dan Wyllie. “Fortunately, TSA officers remain vigilant in their screening duties to protect the traveling public. People who bring firearms in their carry-on quickly realize that it is an inconvenient and expensive mistake. And, these travelers’ actions slowed down the security screening process for everyone else who was coming through the security checkpoint around the same time.”

TSA will review the circumstances of today’s incident and levy a civil penalty of up to $10,000 against each passenger.

To date, TSA officers at SEA have discovered 30 firearms in carry-on luggage. At this same point in 2021, TSA officers had discovered 19 firearms. At PAE, TSA officers have discovered two firearms so far this year. They had not detected any at this point in 2021.

Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case, declared to the airline and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition, firearm parts and any type of replica firearm are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked.

Currently, TSA operations at SEA and PAE are extremely busy. This level of activity is expected to stay steady throughout the spring and into the summer travel period. This is why it is critical that travelers come prepared for the screening process to ensure the most efficient experience for everyone.

Generally speaking, the busiest times at TSA security checkpoints are 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and late afternoon starting around 5 p.m. The busiest days to travel are Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays.

These peaks are driven by the flight departure schedules determined by the airlines. When there are multiple flight departures over a short period of time, there will be intervals when 

the number of departing passengers exceeds the capacity of the TSA security checkpoints. This is why it is essential that travelers arrive well ahead of their flight departure time to allow time for completion of every step of the travel process.

Here are some additional tips to help everyone’s trip through the security checkpoint go smoothly during the summer travel season:

Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Many people have not traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction given by uniformed TSA officers in the security checkpoint. They strive to provide a top-notch screening experience and deliver the highest level of security to all travelers.

Empty your pockets when you get to the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will reduce touchpoints and ensure items are not left behind.

Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule.

Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags and make sure they are not bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to get answers to your travel questions.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck® Experience a smoother screening process by enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. Eligible travelers do not need to remove shoes, belts, light outerwear, laptops, electronics larger than a cell phone or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage. Start at www.tsa.gov/precheck.

Continue to wear a face mask. The federal requirement to wear a mask anywhere in the nation’s transportation system remains in place. TSA will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with CDC.

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