TSA reports 2022 a record year for firearms discovery

TSA – Transportation Security Administration who are present at all US airports, ports and border crossings have reported that 2022 was the biggest yet for firearm discoveries.

Established in 2001 the TSA discovered 6,542 firearms either on or in passengers luggage. They also reported that 88% were loaded. This is around a 10% increase on the previous record year of 2021.

The maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation has been raised from $13,910 to $14,950.

The airports with the largest number of firearms confiscated are as follows:

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson – 448

Dallas/Fort Worth – 385

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport – 298

Nashville – 213

Travellers are permitted to transport firearms as long as they are properly stored and the items are declared to the airline at check-in.