Record set with two months left in the year
BOISE, Idaho – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that TSA officers at Boise Airport (BOI) have discovered 43 firearms in carry-on luggage in 2024. This breaks the record set in 2023 when TSA officers discovered 42 firearms during the 12-month period. Each of these firearms was discovered during routine X-ray screening in the security checkpoint.
The most recent firearm discovery occurred on Monday, October 21, 2024, around 4:30 p.m. when TSA officers discovered a Taurus G3c pistol in the carry-on bag of a traveler ticketed for travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The firearm was loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. The traveler had an additional 10 rounds of ammunition in the carry-on bag.
Monday’s firearm discovery was the ninth in the month of October. Two firearms were discovered on Friday, October 11, 2024, and two firearms were discovered on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Below is a summary of TSA firearm discoveries at BOI since 2018. Data for 2024 is current as of today.
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Boise Airport (BOI) | 21 | 19 | 22 | 34 | 40 | 42 | 43 |
More than 5,400 firearms have been discovered so far this year at airport security checkpoints. Earlier this month, TSA announced that the number of firearm finds across the country this year is down from the same point last year. Ninety-three percent of the firearms discovered nationwide have been loaded. At BOI in 2024, 86% of the firearms discovered in carry-on luggage have been loaded.
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 of up to $14,950. 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 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 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 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. MDT.