North Carolina Airports see increase in firearm detections in 2024

CHARLOTTE – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) saw a rise in the number of firearms detected at airport security checkpoints across North Carolina in 2024. TSA officers detected 250 firearms at airports statewide, an increase of 12 compared to 2023.

TSA officers detected the 250 firearms in carry-on luggage, where they are prohibited under federal law. The majority of these firearms were loaded (240), increasing the potential risk and severity of these incidents. This increase highlights the ongoing need for public education and heightened awareness about the rules and regulations surrounding the transport of firearms through airports.

The increase in the number of firearms detected at North Carolina airports contrasted with the decrease in national firearm detections. Throughout 2024, TSA officers nationwide detected 6,678 firearms in carry-on bags or on passengers at checkpoints. In 2023, TSA detected a record 6,737 firearms at security checkpoints nationwide.

Nationally, 94% of firearms detected by TSA officers were loaded. In North Carolina, the rate of loaded firearms detected was 96%.

“TSA is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all travelers, and we urge passengers to review the rules regarding firearms before arriving at the airport,” said Gregory Hawko, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Charlotte Douglas. “There are clear and simple rules for flying with firearms, and we want to make sure passengers understand them to avoid delays, fines, and potential legal consequences.”

He added that gun owners should visit the TSA website for instructions on how to properly travel with a firearm. 

TSA Security Checkpoint Firearm Detections at North Carolina Airports (2022 to 2024):

(Note: TSA officers do not confiscate firearms)

TSA officers detected seven fewer firearms than they did last year at Charlotte Douglass security checkpoints. CLT’s 117 firearm detections ranked 13th nationally in 2024. They ranked 11th in 2023. In 2024 CLT accounted for 47% of total detections in the state. In 2024 TSA officers at Raleigh Durham detected 13 more firearms than in 2023. RDU’s 89 firearm detections ranked 19^th nationally.  

2024 top 13 airports Nationally for firearm detections:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International        440

Dallas/Fort Worth International                     390

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental       272

Phoenix Sky Harbor International                  247 

Nashville International                                   188

Denver International                                       166

Orlando International                                      150

Dallas Love Field                                           143

Tampa International                                       135

Austin-Bergstrom International                      126

Salt Lake City International                           122

Harry Reid International                                 119

Charlotte/Douglas International                     117

When a firearm is detected at a security checkpoint, TSOs immediately contact local law enforcement, who remove the passenger and the firearm from the checkpoint area. Depending on local laws, the law enforcement officer may arrest or cite the passenger. TSA does not confiscate firearms.

In addition to any action taken by law enforcement, TSA fines passengers who bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint with a civil penalty up to approximately $15,000, revokes TSA PreCheck® eligibility for at least five years and may conduct enhanced screening to ensure there are no other threats present. 

In some cities, local law enforcement may file criminal charges against travelers who bring firearms to the TSA checkpoint. TSA will assess civil penalties that vary by number of previous offenses and whether the firearm was loaded at the time. The complete list of penalties is posted online. Firearms are not permitted in the passenger cabin of an airplane; this includes travelers with a concealed weapon permit.

Airline passengers can fly with firearms in checked baggage if the firearms are properly packed and declared at check-in. However, firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA advises travelers to familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure to ensure they transport guns in accordance with applicable laws. 

Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.

For more information on how to properly travel with a firearm, visit: The transporting firearms and ammunition page on TSA.gov. You can also view the complete list of penalties on TSA.gov.