Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are screening record numbers of passengers across the country. Passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport early and know what is in their bags. TSA officers at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) have already intercepted six firearms at the security checkpoint so far this year.
“Passengers are reminded to be sure they are not carrying prohibited items before they enter our checkpoints,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Mississippi Kim Jackson. “Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag and also check that you do not have a pocketknife or other threats that are not permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.”
Most items that are prohibited in your carry-on bag can be placed in a checked bag. But anything that is flammable, corrosive or explosive cannot travel anywhere on the plane. Hand grenades, even replica ones, cannot travel on the plane in checked or carry-on bags.
If you are going to travel with your firearm it must be in your checked bag, unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. You must declare it to the airline at check-in. Travelers are responsible for being aware of what the firearm laws are on each side of their trip or they may be cited or heading to jail instead of to their vacation or business trip. Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.
The most recent firearm intercepted by TSA at the Gulfport-Biloxi checkpoint was on May 28th when a 57-year-old woman headed for Atlanta entered the checkpoint with a loaded 9 mm Smith & Wesson M&P firearm. On May 4th, a 61-year-old man headed to Charlotte entered the checkpoint with a Ruger 03500. The firearm was loaded with a round chambered.
“Last year passengers across the state of Mississippi brought 50 firearms to our security checkpoints with seven of those at GPT. So far this year we have stopped 25 firearms across the state,” Jackson said. “The trend is unfortunately escalating, including right here in Gulfport.”
The specific calendar year-to-date totals across Mississippi are 17 stopped at Jackson, six stopped at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, and one each at Greenville Mid-Delta Regional Airport and Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport.
“Thanks to the experience and vigilance of our TSA officers, each of these firearms was intercepted before they could make it into the cabin of an aircraft,” Jackson added.
Many of the passengers across the country who bring firearms to a federal security checkpoint are arrested or issued notices to appear in court. Regardless of whether the individual is arrested or cited by law enforcement, with whom we immediately partner, passengers face a civil penalty imposed by the TSA that can reach nearly $15,000. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck® program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time, possibly permanently.
The TSA is seeing record-breaking numbers of passengers traveling across the country so be sure to arrive early and do heed these travel tips for getting through the security checkpoint as efficiently and stress free 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 suitcase, backpack, computer bag or purse 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.