RALEIGH, N.C.— This Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer travel season and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers across North Carolina airports are fully prepared and staffed for a bustling summer.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects that the 2025 summer travel season in North Carolina will see passenger volumes comparable to 2024, when nearly eight million travelers were screened at the state’s airports during the summer months.
In 2024, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) experienced six of its 10 busiest days during the summer, with Thursdays typically being the peak screening day. Similarly, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) saw four of its 10 busiest days in the summer, with Fridays generally recording the highest screening activity.
“We expect heavy passenger volumes throughout the Memorial Day weekend and encourage all passengers to arrive in the terminal at least two hours prior to departure,” said Jennifer Gordon, TSA’s Federal Security Director at RDU. “Unfortunately, with the increase in passengers comes the possibility of more firearms being brought to the checkpoint. Firearm detections can slow down and sometimes even close a lane. Please be sure to travel properly with your firearm.”
In 2025, TSA officers have detected 102 firearms at North Carolina airport security checkpoints to date. During the same period in 2024, officers detected 99 firearms. Based on the current trend, TSA officers are projected to detect approximately 250 firearms at North Carolina security checkpoints, aligning with the total detected in 2024.
Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. Passengers may travel with a firearm, but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the ticket counter.
“The consistent detection of approximately 250 firearms at North Carolina airport security checkpoints in both 2024 and our projected 2025 figures underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and traveler awareness to ensure safer skies,” said Gregory Hawko, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Charlotte Douglas. “TSA is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all travelers, and we urge passengers to review the rules regarding firearms before arriving at the airport.”
As a friendly reminder, to ensure a smooth screening experience, bring an acceptable form of ID. Since implementing REAL ID on May 7, 91.5% of passengers are presenting a REAL ID or another acceptable ID, such as a passport at North Carolina airports. Passengers 18 and older are required to present a TSA accepted form of identification at TSA checkpoints.
SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS:
Tip 1: Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. If you begin packing for travel with an empty bag, you are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited.
Tip 2: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself at least two hours to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the security checkpoint. If you do not have a REAL ID or some other form of acceptable ID, you should arrive at the airport even earlier than the suggested two hours for additional screening.
Tip 3: Enroll in TSA PreCheck®: Enjoy the same great TSA PreCheck benefits now with more enrollment options. Travelers have three TSA PreCheck enrollment providers to choose from: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos – meaning more price options and enrollment locations. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Please note, TSA PreCheck benefits are not automatic.
Traveling as a family? Learn how TSA PreCheck works when traveling with your children 17 years old and under that do not have their own KTN. Visit tsa.gov/precheck to learn more about the benefits, enrollment locations and renewing your membership.
Tip 4: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.
Tip 5: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Our AskTSA team is available and can answer your questions 365 days a year; live assistance is available from 8 am – 6 pm (ET).
- X: @AskTSA
- Facebook Messenger: www.fb.com/AskTSA
- Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
- Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)
TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something®. Those traveling abroad for the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.