DALLAS FORT WORTH - On Wednesday, Feb 27, TSA officers intercepted four firearms at DFW and at DAL two firearms were discovered in traveler’s carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints.
“For the safety of the traveling public, I strongly urge all gun owners to double check the contents of their carry-on bags and ensure they know where their firearms are before traveling to the airport,” said Kriste Jordan-Smith, TSA’s Federal Security Director at DFW.
TSA officers have now detected 59 firearms at DFW security screening checkpoints in 2024. At DAL airport security screening checkpoints, TSA officers have detected 31 firearms year-to-date.
TSA Security Checkpoint Firearm Detections (2020 - 2023):
| Airport | 2024(YTD) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|
Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) |
59 |
358 |
353 |
279 |
|
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) |
31 |
119 |
114 |
97 |
|
Total |
90 |
477 |
467 |
376 |
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded gun into a checkpoint is $3,000 and can go as high as $15,000 depending on any mitigating circumstances.
“Before you enter a TSA security checkpoint, make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on nor on your person,” said Amy Williams, TSA’s Federal Security Director for DAL. “With so many of the intercepted firearms loaded, an accidental discharge could result in tragedy.”
This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Here are five tips for getting through the TSA checkpoint as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Tip 1:No firearms 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. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the firearm laws are on both sides of your trip.
Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home.To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” link on TSA.gov.
Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint.Have a valid ID card readily available. If you are traveling with a carry-on bag follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule of 3.4 ounces or less for each item and the items should be placed in a one-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger. To simplify your screening and even before entering the checkpoint it is best to put your phones and any other content of your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin in the checkpoint.
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.