Loaded firearm discovered by TSA at SAT on June 3, 2025, during routine X-ray screening in the security checkpoint.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today reminded travelers flying with a firearm on a commercial aircraft to pack their firearm properly prior to coming to the airport. This advisement comes after TSA officers at Sat Antonio International Airport (SAT) three firearms in carry-on luggage so far this month.
The most recent firearm discovery in carry-on luggage was today around 8 a.m. This comes after firearms were discovered in carry-ons Monday, June 2 and Sunday, June 1. Since January 1, 2025, TSA officers have detected 49 firearms at the security checkpoint during routine X-ray screening of carry-on property. Of those, 43 have been loaded.
When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on the X-ray screen, TSA immediately notifies officers with the San Antonio Police Department who respond to the security checkpoint. A law enforcement officer removes the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and engages with the traveler. What happens to the firearm and the traveler is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency.
In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, TSA can levy a civil penalty against the traveler of up to $12,210. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations. They will also receive enhanced security screening during their travels.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited items is also available.
TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or not at all. Travelers can use TSA mobile app, myTSA, or message “@AskTSA” on X or Facebook if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.
TSA also wants to remind travelers that REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025, at airports nationwide. Every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of ID accepted by TSA to board a commercial aircraft.
Those who do not have a REAL ID or another form of photo ID accepted by TSA may experience delays and receive additional screening when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint.