TSA on pace to break record of firearms uncovered at U.S. airports
- Share via
If you think that in the 14 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Americans have learned that commercial airline passengers are not allowed to carry on board a weapon — think again.
In the week that ended Sept. 18, the Transportation Security Administration collected 67 firearms from airline passengers, a new weekly record that surpassed the previous high of 65 firearms uncovered in May of 2013.
Also surprising about TSA’s latest firearm haul is that 56 of the guns were loaded and 26 had a round chambered.
Based on the total number of firearms discovered by the TSA through August (1,898), 2015 is on pace to break last year’s annual record of 2,212 firearms.
Fliers can travel with firearms in checked baggage, but they must first be declared to the airline.
To read more about travel, tourism and the airline industry, follow me on Twitter at @hugomartin.
More to Read
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.