The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reported intercepting over 5,000 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the United States during the first nine months of 2024.
This total equates to an average of 18.3 firearms detected per day, with more than 93% of them loaded.
Despite record-breaking travel volumes this summer, firearm detections have slightly decreased compared to the same period last year.
TSA officers screened over 678 million passengers in the first three quarters of 2024, a 6.3% increase compared to 2023.
Yet, the rate of firearms discoveries during the most recent quarter (July – September) dropped to 7.5 firearms per one million passengers, down from 8.1 per million in 2023.
The TSA’s primary concern remains ensuring safety for all travelers, staff, and airport employees. David Pekoske, TSA Administrator, emphasized the risk that improperly transported firearms pose, whether brought to the checkpoint intentionally or by accident. Travelers are reminded that firearms must be secured in checked baggage, unloaded, and locked in a hard-sided case. Additionally, the firearm must be declared at the airline ticket counter during the check-in process.
| Firearms at checkpoints | Firearms per day | Rate per million passengers | Percentage loaded | Total passengers screened | |
| Q3 2024 | 1,759 | 19.1 | 7.5 | 93% | >235 million |
| Q3 2023 | 1,820 | 19.7 | 8.1 | 93% | >225 million |
Firearms are strictly prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport, and within the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even for those holding concealed carry permits or traveling from constitutional carry jurisdictions.
For international travel, it is the passenger’s responsibility to understand and comply with the firearms laws of their destination, as violations can carry significant criminal penalties.
If a passenger attempts to bring a firearm to the security checkpoint, TSA contacts local law enforcement to handle the situation. While TSA itself does not confiscate firearms, law enforcement takes possession of the weapon, and depending on the circumstances, the passenger may be cited or arrested. TSA can also impose civil penalties of up to $15,000 for these violations.
In addition to fines, a first-time offender will lose TSA PreCheck® eligibility for five years, while a second offense will result in a permanent disqualification from the program. To avoid these severe consequences, passengers are urged to follow TSA’s #PreparePackDeclare campaign and adhere to proper packing procedures.
The TSA continues to promote firearm safety and security to prevent delays and ensure a smooth experience for all travelers.
