TSA: Man Tries to Bring .45-Caliber Handgun Onto Flight at Reagan Airport

A man has been cited after he tried to bring a loaded handgun onto an airplane at Reagan Airport on Tuesday.

A man from Barhamsville, Va., apparently tried to board a flight while carrying a .45 caliber handgun that was loaded with seven bullets, according to a statement from the Transportation Security Administration.

A TSA officer spotted the handgun when it went through the conveyer belt, leading Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police to cite the man.

Although you can bring a gun with you when you travel, it must be placed in checked baggage and declared to authorities. Firearms must also be unloaded and packed in a locked, hard-side case, and separate from the ammunition. It would also be wise to review the laws of the state you are traveling to, as they can vary greatly.

There was no impact to flight operations at Reagan, the TSA said.