These two firearms were discovered by TSA in a traveler’s carry-on luggage at SEA Friday morning.
SEATTLE - Officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) found two loaded firearms in a traveler’s carry-on backpack Friday morning during routine screening at the airport’s security checkpoints.
Both firearms were discovered around 10:15 a.m. in the bag of a male traveler ticketed for travel to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
Upon discovery of the firearms, TSA notified officers with the Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) who responded to the security checkpoint. A law enforcement officer removed the firearms from the X-ray tunnel and made contact with the traveler. What happened next to the firearm and the traveler was up to the discretion of POSPD.
“The discovery of these two firearms in a single carry-on is a stark reminder why every bag that enters the sterile area of an airport and flies in the cabin of an aircraft must be screened for potential security threats,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Greg Hawko. “I am personally grateful for the TSA officers who conduct security screening of one bag, one passenger at a time, Furthermore, I ask that if you are traveling with a firearm, please take a few moments before you come to the airport to refresh your memory on the proper policies and procedures on how to pack your gun.”
So far in 2023, TSA officers at SEA Airport have detected 76 firearms in carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint. So far this month, TSA officers have found eight firearms during routine screening of carry-on bags. Nationwide, TSA officers have discovered more than 4,200 firearms to date and 92% of those have been loaded. In 2022, a total of 6,542 firearms were found in carry-on luggage at airports across the country and 89% of those were loaded.
In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, TSA can levy a civil penalty again the traveler. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
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. Travelers will also face enhanced screening.
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 also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked 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.
TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited itemsis 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 daily from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.
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