TSA: Travel safely with firearms; review of penalties
MILWAUKEE - As Thanksgiving approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding travelers that firearms are never allowed at the TSA checkpoint or in carry-on bags.
"We have had more than 5,000 firearms stopped at airports across the country so far this year. We are on pace nationwide to set a record at the end of this year for firearms stopped at the checkpoint. Here in Milwaukee, we've had 19 firearm stops so far this year," said Jessica Mayle, spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA on Wednesday, Nov. 15 provided a demonstration on the safe and legal way to pack a firearm. They also reviewed local criminal and civil penalties that passengers can face and discussed other holiday travel tips which will help passengers complete the security screening process safely and efficiently.
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"Responsible firearm owners always know where their firearms are. It's incredibly dangerous to introduce a gun into a checkpoint environment. Overwhelmingly, these guns are loaded. So we really just want to remind passengers, if you are traveling with a firearm, do it the right way," said Mayle. "Passengers aren’t doing this intentionally, they say ‘Oh my gosh, I forgot I had it in my bag.’ The consequences are still the same."
Transporting firearms, ammunition
- You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only.
- Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter.
- The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.
- Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.
Carry-on baggage screening in standard lanes
- Food: In most cases, food or snacks such as fruit, health bars, and sandwiches can stay inside your carry-on bag. There are special instructions for liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as for baby food, breast milk and medically necessary items.
- Packing: If you are preparing for your flight, be aware that how and what you pack can impact the screening process. Be sure that you check for prohibited items and remember to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
"There can be local criminal consequences. We do contact the sheriff's office," said Mayle. "You can get a federal civil penalty from TSA that can be in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances, if it's your first offense. If you're a TSA PreCheck member, you can lose your pre-check privileges for several years. So lots of consequences. It's an expensive mistake."
Jessica Mayle
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Contact AskTSA or TSA Contact Center with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations and for clarification on what you may or may not transport in your carry-on or checked baggage.
The number of firearms detected at airport security checkpoints nationwide continues to increase.