DALLAS — TSA officers discovered six firearms in carry-on luggage at Dallas-Fort Worth airports in one day.
TSA officers say they found four firearms in carry-on luggage at security checkpoints at DFW Airport and two at Dallas Love Field on Feb. 28.
So far in 2024, the agency says officers found 59 firearms at security screening checkpoints at DFW Airport and 31 firearms year-to-date from Dallas Love-Field.
TSA found a record 6,737 guns at airport security checkpoints in 2023, and the agency says DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field were among the top 10 airports in the country for firearm discoveries last year.
Last year, TSA found 358 guns at security checkpoints at DFW Airport and 119 at Dallas Love Field. This is up from 353 found at DFW Airport checkpoints in 2022 and 114 at Love Field in 2022.
“Travelers must always be aware of what is in their possession and their baggage. Firearms are subject to search as soon as they enter airport property and are not allowed on the secure side of the terminal,” Love Field said in a statement to WFAA. “Those traveling through Dallas Love Field should remove firearms from their person or carry-on, unload and properly pack them in checked luggage, and declare them to the airline staff at check-in as directed by the Transportation Security Administration.”
TSA can issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint.
A typical first offense for carrying a loaded gun into a checkpoint is $3,000 and can go as high as $15,000, the agency says. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits, according to the agency.
“Before you enter a TSA security checkpoint, make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on nor on your person,” said Amy Williams, TSA’s Federal Security Director for DAL. “With so many of the intercepted firearms loaded, an accidental discharge could result in tragedy.”
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case, and declared at the airline check-in counter.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Other headlines: