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TSA seeing uptick in guns detected at airport checkpoints, as it prepares for Christmas travel rush

Travelers are urged to arrive at the airport early and avoid packing prohibited items in their carry-on luggage.

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — It’s that time of year, when millions of people nationwide are packing their bags, including those across central Pennsylvania.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record number of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday and airports like Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) are expecting a busy Christmas week as well.

“Christmas is unique because things get spread out," said Scott Miller, spokesperson for HIA. "They go for the first weekend, some come home, and then some leave for the New Year’s weekend. Also with Penn State being in the Peach Bowl, there will be a lot of traffic to Atlanta late that week as well.”

TSA says the thing that will help everyone have a smooth flying experience is if travelers make sure they pack smartly.

Every year, TSA says prohibited items, like aerosols, drinks, and knives, in carry-on bags slow down the travel process.

In 2023, TSA officers also saw a significant increase in the number of guns being detected at checkpoints, many of which are loaded.

“Officers have already detected more than 6,000 guns at airports across the country," said Lisa Farbstein, spokesperson for TSA. "The record was set last year at 6,542. This year we’re highly likely to set a new record.”

It’s not a record the government wants to set.

Similar trends are being seen at HIA too.

“The guns are the most frustrating things, and people say they forgot and I understand that but it’s a major issue," said Miller. "It’s a hugely prohibited item that can’t go through the checkpoint.”

You are allowed to fly with a gun, but it must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard case, in a checked bag that will be packed away in the belly of the plane, rather than the cabin.

If you are caught with a gun, it’ll be up to police if charges are filed locally.

But federal charges are guaranteed.

“TSA will issue a federal civil citation that runs into the thousands of dollars so it’s a very expensive mistake to make," said Farbstein.

"The smarter you are with packing, the smarter you are in advance, and the better you are with packing, the better your experience is going to be," added Miller.

If you're unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither you can download the free myTSA app, which has a “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. 

You can also ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).

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