Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials have indicated Florida air travel passengers have brought a record number of guns to TSA checkpoints.
According to the agency, the present number of 700 guns is higher than in any previous year and includes records set at 12 individual airports. Almost every firearm was loaded, and most had ammunition chambered.
“An accidental discharge could result in tragedy,” TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz said. “Every passenger bears the responsibility of knowing exactly where their gun is before entering the security checkpoint.”
According to the TSA, the largest number of guns officers have intercepted were 129 guns at Orlando International Airport (MCO); 120 guns at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL); 102 guns at Tampa International (TPA); 83 guns at Miami International (MIA); 58 guns at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX); 37 guns at Southwest Florida International (RSW); and 28 at Palm Beach International (PBI).
“As we enter the busiest holiday travel period, remember if you are going to travel with your gun, it must be in your checked bag but be sure you know what the gun laws are on each side of your trip, or you may be heading to jail instead of to your family gathering,” Koshetz said. “Guns may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.”
The TSA noted all firearms must be in checked baggage, properly packed, and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case, and all prohibited items should be left at home.
Additionally, the agency recommends travelers enroll in TSA PreCheck, which avoids removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, and light jackets.