TSA firearm discoveries at LA-area airports increase slightly in 2023

LOS ANGELES - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the five Los Angeles-area airports detected 145 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2023. Every one of these firearms was discovered during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on property at airport security checkpoints. Nationwide last year, TSA officers found 6,737 firearms at 265 airports.

While TSA set a new annual record at the national level for the number of firearms discovered in carry-on bags, two of the five local airports set annual records. Three airports discovered more firearms in 2023 than the previous year.

Below is a summary of TSA firearm discoveries at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB) and nationally for the past six years:

* No firearms were discovered at San Bernardino International Airport, which started commercial air service in August 2022.

“The matter of travelers bringing firearms to the security checkpoint in carry-on luggage is not new, but unfortunately it has continued to increase in frequency over the years. With a record number of firearms discovered by TSA at the LA-area airports, it is time to reverse the trend and remind travelers how to travel properly with a firearm on a commercial aircraft,” said TSA Federal Security Director in Los Angeles Jason Pantages.

“It is never a good idea, even when it is inadvertent, to bring a firearm to the security checkpoint in a carry-on. TSA officers are on the lookout for firearms and will continue to detect them and keep them out of the cabin of an aircraft to ensure the security and safety of the traveling public,” said TSA Federal Security Director in Burbank Anita Minaei.

“At LAX, the safety, security and experience of our guests are among our top priorities. We also want to ensure that our security screening process remains as efficient as possible. For those who choose to travel with or must transport firearms, we ask that they carefully review the guidelines established by the TSA and their air carrier for proper storage of these items in checked baggage, prior to arriving at the airport,” said Martin Elam, Deputy Executive Director – Public Safety and Security at Los Angeles World Airports.

The five U.S. airports with the most TSA firearm discoveries are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which topped the list with 451 firearm finds. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport came in second with 378 followed by Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport with 311; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with 235; and Nashville International Airport with 188. Denver International Airport; Orlando International Airport; Tampa International Airport; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; and Dallas Love Field round out the Top 10.

In 2023, TSA screened approximately 858 million passengers and crew at airports nationwide. TSA officers across the country discovered firearms in carry-on luggage at a rate of 7.8 firearms per million passengers screened. Stated another way, TSA detected one firearm for every 127,356 travelers screened.

Below is a table summarizing the number of travelers screened for every firearm discovery at Los Angeles-area security checkpoints last year.

When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen, TSA immediately notifies the local airport law enforcement agency, which responds to the security checkpoint. A law enforcement officer removes the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and makes contact with the traveler. What happens to the firearm and the traveler is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency.

In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, TSA can levy a civil penalty against 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. They will also receive enhanced security screening during their travels.

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 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 daily from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST.