Passengers bringing guns to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints reached record levels across Florida in 2021. A total of 666 guns were intercepted by the TSA across the state, a 26 percent increase from the highest previous totals of 529 and 528 in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) were in the top 10 in the country for this dangerous violation of federal regulations. Both airports set records as did many other airports across the state.
Most of the 128 at FLL and the 124 at MCO were loaded. “This troubling trend threatens the safety of other passengers and our officers,” said TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz. “An accidental discharge could have tragic results.”
At Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport the 128 guns compares to a previous record of 100 in 2019. The total at MCO of 124 is one more than the record of 123 in 2018. The third highest in the state was at Tampa International Airport (TPA) where TSA officers intercepted 105 guns, four of those guns in one day back in May, and exceeded a record previously set with 97 guns in 2017. A record was set at Miami International with 80 guns stopped in 2021, where the previous record had been 60 in 2020. Pensacola International Airport (PNS), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) all set records in 2021 as well: PNS with 36, RSW with 39 and VPS with 15 guns last year.
Passengers face a civil penalty from the TSA that can reach as much as $13,910 and that is imposed regardless of whether the individual is arrested by our law enforcement partners. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck® program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time. And repeat offenders may lose their privileges permanently.
FLL, TPA and MCO are typically in the top 10 or 11 airports across the country for passengers violating the federal law. If you are going to travel with your gun, it must be in checked baggage and it is up to the traveler to know what the laws are on the other side of their trip.
The TSA offers serious tips for navigating the airport checkpoint. The first is to leave your gun at home or be sure to declare it to the airline upon check-in, have the gun unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case and check that bag!
Here are six tips for getting through the TSA checkpoint as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Tip 1: No guns in carry-ons. Airline passengers can fly with firearms only in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared at check-in. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the gun laws are on both sides of your trip.
Tip 2: Wear a face mask. You must. The federal face mask mandate for travelers remains in place for any location inside an airport or on a plane. Those who refuse to wear a mask face steep fines from the TSA.
Tip 3: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
Tip 4: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. Follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.
Tip 5: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
Tip 6: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck®. Travel with Ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.