Passengers across the state of Alabama continue to bring guns to the Transportation Security Administration’s security checkpoints. Guns are not permitted in carry-on bags. They may only travel in checked baggage and must be declared to the airline at check-in.
So far this year, TSA officers have stopped 61 guns at the checkpoints in Alabama and many intended for checked luggage – which is the only way they can travel - have been packed in a dangerous manner. The interceptions included 40 guns at the checkpoints in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM); 16 at Huntsville International Airport (HSV); three at Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) and one at each Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) and Dothan Regional Airport (DHN). TSA officers stopped each of them. Most of these guns were loaded and many had ammunition chambered, posing the risk of an accidental discharge.
“Each gun presents a danger. Any incident could have tragic results,” said TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz. “This ominous trend continues across the country. Every passenger should know exactly where their gun is before they enter the airport and make sure that it is not in a backpack, purse, suitcase or any carry-on that you plan to bring into the security checkpoint. And if you are traveling with your gun in checked luggage, it must be unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline at check-in.”
Passengers face a civil penalty from the TSA that can reach as much as $13,910 that is imposed for bringing a gun into a federal checkpoint or for failing to declare or properly package a gun in checked luggage. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time, possibly permanently. Passengers should check in with an airline representative and not use a kiosk to check in if they are going to transport a gun in the hold of the plane.
Here are five tips for traveling efficiently:
Tip 1: No guns in carry-ons. Firearms must be in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Locked means at least two locks and with rifles that could mean additional locks, depending on the length of the case. The ammunition must be in its original box or in a special container meant for safe transport. Contact your airline ahead of travel for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the gun laws are on both sides of your trip because guns may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.
Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of bringing prohibited items into the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if an item is allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. Follow the liquids, gels and aerosols rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage. Empty your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin.
Tip 4: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.