Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers across the state of Alabama intercepted 130 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2024. The largest number was at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) where TSA officers stopped 71 firearms at the checkpoint. Sixty-nine of those firearms were loaded.
The Alabama statewide total of 130 is 23 percent higher than the 106 passengers who brought firearms to the checkpoints in 2023. The largest increase was at Huntsville International Airport where TSA officers intercepted 33 firearms in 2024 compared to 20 in 2023.
“This is a safety concern for our officers and the travelers in the checkpoints, especially because nearly all of these firearms were loaded,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Alabama Tara Corse. “We commend our officers for their vigilance as we carry out our mission throughout the year to keep the traveling public safe.”
Nationwide TSA officers intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints in 2024. In 2023, 6,737 firearms were intercepted at airport checkpoints. It was the first annual nationwide decrease in firearms detected at checkpoints other than in 2020 when COVID saw a sizable decrease in the number of passengers who flew that year. Of the national number of firearms intercepted in 2024, approximately 94 percent were loaded. Firearms were stopped at 277 airport checkpoints nationwide in 2024.
“Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag before you enter the checkpoint,” said Corse. “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,” said Corse.
The specific numbers at the airports across Alabama last year were 71 at BHM, with 69 loaded; 33 at Huntsville International Airport, with 32 of them loaded; 15 at Mobile Regional Airport, all loaded; eight at Montgomery Regional Airport, all loaded; and three at Dothan Regional Airport, all loaded.
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 TSA immediately partners in the checkpoint, 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.
Do heed these travel tips for getting through the security checkpoint as safely, 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.
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