TSA warns flyers to bring this one item to security checks they must follow the protocols or face hefty fines.
The Transportation Security Administration advises people on safe and legal travel, which includes packing with an empty suitcase to avoid accidentally bringing prohibited items.
The TSA will stop flyers for bringing in undeclared loaded guns to security checks (Stock Image)[/caption]
Loaded guns now come with strict protocols[/caption]
TSA warns flyers that they must declare loaded guns[/caption]
TSA has advised flyers that prohibited items must be unloaded and declared at security.
It also tells flyers to check the laws per state and destination for items, as rules can vary depending on where you are in the United States.
In recent years, the TSA has reported record numbers of people bringing their guns to the airport in carry-on luggage, according to local news station KGNS.
In 2024, the TSA located 6,678 firearms, all undeclared for carry-on luggage, as firearms are prohibited in the secure areas of airports.
94% of the weapons were loaded.
From 2022 to 2024, more than 6,500 guns were found by TSA agents, with most of the guns in 2024 found at Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta International Airport.
“If someone that wants to cause harm takes a gun with him and all the other guns are in the underbelly of the plane, there won’t be a way to defend ourselves,” traveler Arturo Torres told KGNS.
Meanwhile, other flyers believe only people like undercover agents should be allowed to carry a firearm on the plane.
Some of the consequences of bringing in these guns include fines, TSA Pre-Check, which allows passengers expedited screening being revoked for 5 years, and the passenger goes through enhanced screenings to make sure they are not trying to do something unlawful.
“Someone who brings a firearm to a checkpoint can face fines of up to $15,000, lose TSA PreCheck privileges, and forfeit the money spent on the program,” Patricia Mancha, TSA Media Spokesperson for Texas, told KGNS.
The agency advises that travelers’ guns must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at the ticket counter.
“The firearm must be empty, no ammunition inside,” said TSA agent Marco Brewster.
“Clips with rounds are okay as long as they are not loose. The locked container is placed inside your checked suitcase, which is then processed at check-in.”
If you want to bring your gun on a plane, you will need to check it as opposed to putting it in your carry on.
Foods that are banned and allowed on flights
THERE are strict rules travelers have to follow when going through airport security checkpoints when it comes to food and drink.
Food and drinks that can be carried in both carry-on and checked in luggage:
- Baby food
- Bread
- Candy
- Cereal
- Cheese
- Chocolate (solid)
- Coffee
- Cooked meats
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Dried fruits
- Fresh eggs
- Gum
- Nuts
- Pies and cakes
- Pizza
- Protein powders
- Salt
- Sandwiches
- Snack bars
- Snacks
- Solid Foods
- Dry Spices
- Tea
Some foods and drinks must follow special instructions
- Travelers can carry baby formula products that weigh more than 3.4 ounces.
- Travelers cannot carry more than 3.4 ounces or 100ml of water in their carry-on luggage. This rule applies to other drinks and liquid products such as coffee and gravy.
- Canned foods must follow the 3-1-1 rule.
- Liquid chocolate products cannot weigh more than 3.4 ounces.
- Travelers might be asked to store cream cheese items in different bags ahead of being scanned.
- Travelers heading to the US from Hawaii cannot carry fresh fruit in their hand luggage.
Banned food and drink
- Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof
Source: TSA
Any small arms ammunition will need to be securely packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes – or any packaging specifically designed to carry ammunition.
Paintball guns and markers must be in checked baggage without the compressed air cylinder attached, according to the TSA.
BB guns, on the other hand, depend on the state you’re flying out of.
Firearms that are not allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage at all include flare guns, flares, and gun powder, while holsters, however, can be carried in your carry-on or checked luggage.
TSA TRAVEL WARNINGS
TSA has released other travel warnings, such as flyers now facing $2,570 fine if they pack two banned Labor Day essentials.
This includes fireworks and firearms.
Sammy Kershaw was caught with a loaded firearm in his carry-on at Lafayette Airport, which landed him a $5,000 fine.
His explanation was a packing mistake, and after this incident, he urged flyers to double-check their bags before flying.
Flyers can now also face a $2,570 fine for bringing cordless hair tools on planes.
The tool itself is not the issue, but the butane pack and gas cartridge that flyers bring with the tools can create a hazard.
