Traveling by plane is one of the most popular modes of transportation. This is despite many of the inconveniences that come along with boarding an airplane. However, the TSA recently said that far more plane passengers than most would assume attempt going through security checkpoints with guns. This becomes more alarming when you consider how many of the guns are actually loaded. 

There are rules in place for plane passengers with firearms  

Reports say that there are about 2.6 million plane passengers each day in the U.S. Of course, many guidelines are put in place to keep everyone safe while flying. Notably, people aren’t supposed to bring guns onto the plane unless they are in checked bags. However, according to the TSA, many people ignore this rule and attempt to carry guns on their person or in carry-on luggage. 

According to the report, TSA agents found more than 5,000 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first nine months of 2024. Daily, they uncover an average of 18.3 firearms of various types, with an astounding 93 percent of them being loaded. This number of plane passengers attempting to travel with guns the wrong way has ballooned. Notably, there were 6,737 firearms detected at security checkpoints in all of 2023. This number was only 6,542 the year before. 

Of course, plane passengers trying to go through checkpoints with guns face serious consequences. Naturally, the TSA will call local law enforcement. This means the traveler could be arrested and fined up to $15,000. 

The TSA released the following statement on the matter, “TSA is committed to keeping travelers, our officers, and airport employees safe, and the number of firearms being discovered at airport security checkpoints remains a significant challenge.”

We hope everyone traveling with guns will check the TSA guidelines to avoid serious consequences.