Record Number of Firearms Found at BWI Airport Checkpoints in 2016

HANOVER, MD — There's a mixed bag of news for passengers who travel regularly via Baltimore Washington International Airport: a record-setting number of firearms were seized at the airport and at airports across the country in 2016, but BWI isn't in the top 10 for the most seizures. Transportation Security Administration officers detected 24 firearms at BWI checkpoints in 2016, up significantly from the 16 detected in 2015: a 62 percent increase, authorities said.

The top five airports where TSA officers detected guns at checkpoints in 2016 were: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International with 198; Dallas/Fort Worth International with 192; George Bush Intercontinental at Houston with 128; Phoenix Sky Harbor International with 101; and Denver International with 98. These same airports were in the top five for guns at checkpoints in 2014 and 2015.

Authorities pointed out that firearms are never allowed at security checkpoints. Passenger who try to transport firearms through security checkpoints face criminal charges and up to $12,000 in civil penalties.

TSA officers screened more than 738 million passengers nationwide in 2016, or 43 million more passengers than in 2015.

In total, 3,391 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging approximately nine firearms per day, about a 28 percent increase in firearm discoveries from the total of 2,653 in 2015. That's a record number of firearms seized. Eighty-three percent of the guns caught in 2016 were loaded.

What is the proper procedure for transporting firearms on flights?

Firearms are never permitted in carry-on bags. Firearms are permitted in checked bags if the following requirements are met:

• They are declared to the airline in advance.
• They are unloaded and properly packed.
• The carrier possesses the necessary permits.

Firearms carried as checked baggage must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read the guidelines.
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on, but may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers should check with their airline if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees.

More information on how to travel with a firearm can be found on the TSA's website.

»Patch file photo of BWI Airport