TSA Washington breaks record for firearm discoveries in 2023

SEATTLE - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers in Washington detected 173 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2022, with the majority of the firearms discovered at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) security checkpoints. Every one of these firearms was discovered during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on property. Nationwide last year, TSA officers found 6,737 firearms at 265 different airports.

Below is a summary of TSA firearm discoveries at Washington airports and nationally for the past six years:

 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.

The busiest airport in Washington is SEA where TSA officers screened approximately 19.7 million departing passengers and crew, which ranks 14th busiest for TSA security checkpoint screening operations. Statistics show that TSA discovered one firearm for every 171,221 travelers screened at SEA, which is below the national average.

Here is a table summarizing number of travelers screened for every firearm discovery at the security checkpoint last year.

“TSA in Washington set a record for the number of passengers and crew screened in 2023, but we also set a record for the number of firearms discovered in travelers’ carry-on luggage. This is not the type of record we want to set in the Evergreen State,” said TSA Acting Federal Security Director for Washington Chris Hadinger. “I am hopeful that anyone who is planning to travel with a firearm on a commercial aircraft in the New Year will review the procedures for doing so properly to avoid becoming a statistic.”

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.