The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced its security checkpoint firearm statistics for 2024. For the first time since 2020, we’ve actually seen a (mild) decrease in the number of firearms stopped at checkpoints.
In this post:
18+ guns stopped at TSA checkpoints daily, most loaded
Now that it’s 2025, the TSA has revealed data about the number of firearms that were stopped at security checkpoints in 2024. Over the course of the year, the TSA stopped 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints, and 94% of those weapons were loaded. An average of 18.2 firearms were intercepted per day. With 904 million passengers having been screened, that means 7.4 firearms were stopped per million passengers.
As a point of comparison, in 2023, the TSA stopped 6,737 firearms at airport checkpoints, with 93% being loaded. An average of 18.4 firearms were intercepted per day. With 858 million passengers having been screened, that means 7.8 firearms were stopped per million passengers.
As you can see, we’ve actually seen a mild decrease in firearms being stopped year-over-year, which is good news (well, assuming that the TSA’s success with stopping firearms didn’t get worse).
Of the top 10 airports for firearm discoveries, four were in Texas and two were in Florida, which I think will surprise no one. The other airports were in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Tennessee.
What happens if the TSA catches with you a gun?
So, what happens if you’re caught with a firearm at a TSA checkpoint? The TSA makes three specific threats:
- You could receive a civil penalty of up to $15,000
- You could have your TSA PreCheck revoked for at least five years
- The TSA may perform enhanced screening on you in the future (in other words, you get “SSSS” on your boarding pass)
On top of that, depending on state or local laws in an airport’s location, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint may be arrested by law enforcement. However, that seems to happen very rarely. Furthermore, it’s my understanding that very few people receive a civil penalty anywhere close to $15,000.
I’ll never be able to wrap my head around this
If over 18 guns are stopped at TSA checkpoints every day, one has to wonder how many aren’t stopped. Historically the TSA has missed 90%+ of weapons when tests were conducted. Has the TSA improved considerably, or are dozens of loaded firearms getting through security checkpoints daily?
Next, I just don’t get how careless people are with bringing guns to the airport. I’m not a gun owner, but if I’m understanding the argument for guns correctly, it’s about self defense and being responsible. If that’s the case, shouldn’t you always remember you have it on you, and take extreme precautions?
It just seems like someone who shows up at an airport and forgot they had a loaded gun isn’t exactly the most responsible person, and probably shouldn’t be allowed to own a gun (then again, that opens up a whole different can of worms).
Did most of the people getting caught just totally forget that they had a gun? Did they not realize they couldn’t take it on a plane? Did they want to see if they could get away with it? Did they want to save on checked bag fees?
It seems like the punishment is pretty minimal here. For that matter, in early 2021, a US representative tried to board a flight with a loaded gun. Not only was he not charged with any crime, but the gun was even secured at the airport so he could retrieve it upon his return, so that he wouldn’t miss his flight.
I don’t want to be grim, but is it going to take a mass shooting on a plane or past a security checkpoint for stricter punishments to be put into place, to deter people from accidentally bringing guns to the airport?
I have to assume that there’s not another country in the world where nearly 20 people per day show up at security checkpoints with loaded firearms, and they just act as if that’s normal.
Bottom line
The TSA has released data for 2024 regarding firearms at security checkpoints. Over the course of the year, 6,678 firearms were stopped at airports, and 94% of those were loaded. So yeah, over 18 people per day are being stopped at checkpoints with firearms. On the plus side, at least this represents a slight reduction in the number of firearms stopped, compared to the previous year.
What do you make of this data on firearms being stopped at TSA checkpoints?
As a traveler coming from the usa.
Guns are prohibited one cannot enter canada with one
It needs to be reported on entry
google canadian laws on entering canada with a fire arm
It seems like you post this exact thing every year, and every year you are still astonished that this could happen.
Many of us carry daily, it's just the same as grabbing a phone or wallet for us. Should people be more mindful going through TSA? Sure.
But is it conceivable to think that the briefcase or suitcase you normally just throw in the car to drive to a work trip or took somewhere last...
It seems like you post this exact thing every year, and every year you are still astonished that this could happen.
Many of us carry daily, it's just the same as grabbing a phone or wallet for us. Should people be more mindful going through TSA? Sure.
But is it conceivable to think that the briefcase or suitcase you normally just throw in the car to drive to a work trip or took somewhere last time you traveled with would still have a weapon in it you just didn't think about? Also yes. I don't have minor children, I'm not worried about if my guns are always locked away in a safe. Sometimes they are in a suitcase or briefcase or backpack that I haven't thought about for quite some time.
All that being said, as a daily carrier, I have an almost panic attack every time I go through TSA, worried maybe I forgot to clear a bag, and have, on more than one occasion, actually stopped before going into TSA in order to make absolutely sure there isn't one in my bag. That's what we should do, but it is totally understandable that this could be forgotten.
And stop acting all shocked that they are loaded. Any gun owner knows they are always loaded.
I think you're drastically overestimating the number of people who have concealed carry licenses and carry daily. I also think you should automatically lose your CC license and the gun if you carry it into a TSA checkpoint, since you've obviously shown that you lack the ability to carry it only where allowed by law. There's a thing called responsibility that comes along with privileges. "Oopsie I forgot the gun in my bag tee-hee, no...
I think you're drastically overestimating the number of people who have concealed carry licenses and carry daily. I also think you should automatically lose your CC license and the gun if you carry it into a TSA checkpoint, since you've obviously shown that you lack the ability to carry it only where allowed by law. There's a thing called responsibility that comes along with privileges. "Oopsie I forgot the gun in my bag tee-hee, no harm no foul" is not an excuse.
Perhaps it would be more responsible of you and other CC permit holders to, as another commenter mentioned, keep a separate "clean" bag or bags for your air travel that you never, ever put your carry weapon in. If you can afford your carry weapon, CC license, and ammunition, you can absolutely afford another suitcase and backpack.
One has to wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments Dusty. However, it is not for me to dwell upon the madness which some who carry firearms and report herein.
Now one is aware of their mental perturbations of such passengers, at least steps can now be taken to avoid mass market internal US air travel.
"It seems like the punishment is pretty minimal here." Umm in NYC if your caught with a gun without a specific NYC license you not only get arrested you get charged with a violent felony and face a minimum of 3 1/2 years in prison on the top charge and up to 15 years in prison. People have been arrested when they were merely transiting through the airport and there was an issue where they...
"It seems like the punishment is pretty minimal here." Umm in NYC if your caught with a gun without a specific NYC license you not only get arrested you get charged with a violent felony and face a minimum of 3 1/2 years in prison on the top charge and up to 15 years in prison. People have been arrested when they were merely transiting through the airport and there was an issue where they had to collect their baggage and go recheck it. I don't think stricter punishments are the answer for people who are not criminals and have constitutional rights.
Please share data from the 22 airports that have private security but no TSA (SFO, MCI, STS, etc.) TSA is 100% on confiscating water bottles but 6% on confiscating weapons during DHS Red Team tests.
Well the good news is that Trump has fired the head of the TSA. He didn’t want someone in the position that had been appointed by a prior president who obviously didn’t know what he was doing.
Surely many of these people forget they have a gun with them, but then realize it on the flight or at their destination. I wonder what they do on the return leg? Is there a way to mail your gun home so you don’t have to travel with it?
A few times a year you also hear about these people who do this on an international flight and end up having an illegal gun...
Surely many of these people forget they have a gun with them, but then realize it on the flight or at their destination. I wonder what they do on the return leg? Is there a way to mail your gun home so you don’t have to travel with it?
A few times a year you also hear about these people who do this on an international flight and end up having an illegal gun in a foreign country. For every person that gets caught, there must be many who do not. Would love to hear the stories of what they do.
Lastly, I think the x-ray machines are actually really good at flagging guns and I wouldn’t be surprised if they catch nearly all of them. I think the “90% of weapons get through” stat is when they are intentionally testing security with plastic knives and fake bombs and things that are less obviously weapons. But clearly some guns do get through.
Assuming you flew to a place where you are authorized to have a firearm you can simply check the firearm in your bag following the proper procedure. You can fly with firearms in checked luggage you just can't bring them in your carry on.
Merrriiika fak yeh!!
Although one has received extensive training in the use of firearms, etc, notwithstanding, as a regular US visitor, I am somewhat dismayed by the revelations both in the article and comments below.
From now onwards I will pay much more attention to my fellow passengers.
Madness …. another disaster waiting to happen in society with so many dysfunctional citizens.
What exactly is paying more attention to your other passengers going to do in this situation? In the last 30 years I don't recall one passenger who got a gun onto a plane actually using it for ill intent. So you just want to know if they might have a gun so you can do what exactly?
The last US hijacking or use of a gun on a plane for nefarious reasons in the US...
What exactly is paying more attention to your other passengers going to do in this situation? In the last 30 years I don't recall one passenger who got a gun onto a plane actually using it for ill intent. So you just want to know if they might have a gun so you can do what exactly?
The last US hijacking or use of a gun on a plane for nefarious reasons in the US was in 1972. The gun isn't your safety threat on a plane, it's a pilot going mental or a lunatic breaking out a window or opening an emergency exit. Maybe you should start studying them instead.
Absolutely, messed up passengers, plus messed up airline staff, with or without guns, equals messed up travel experience and increased risk to life.
Who’d ‘ave thunk it Mr President?
The second amendment theoretically dictates that the military and law enforcement have the right to bear arm, not citizens, to defend and protect a free country. Social sciences have no right or wrong answers, only the vast landscape of grey areas that can be interpreted in any ways so the powerful and wealthy have the final say and impose their beliefs on the rest of the country. When Reagan was CA governor, he and his...
The second amendment theoretically dictates that the military and law enforcement have the right to bear arm, not citizens, to defend and protect a free country. Social sciences have no right or wrong answers, only the vast landscape of grey areas that can be interpreted in any ways so the powerful and wealthy have the final say and impose their beliefs on the rest of the country. When Reagan was CA governor, he and his allies rolled out the law, in less than a month, that forbade guns near and around the legislature building, after the armed Black Panthers demonstrated outside. Reagan and the NRA advocated against citizen gun ownership. Fast forward today, mass shootings are normal occurrence in our daily lives that happen in schools, grocery stores, workplaces, homes, worship centers, etc...
Coincidentally, Trump just designated Mexican cartels as terrorist groups. The implication is gun manufacturers will violate the laws if American guns are found
in cartels possession. If Biden blatantly violated the Leahly laws with impunity, then there is no hope to curb gun violence in this country until a few elites feel the pain of gun violence that ordinary people experience. The LAPD will lose its most profitable customer in gun proliferation, not the SDPD which is closer to the border. Globally, the US controls at least 40% of hi-tech weaponry market. It is a foregone conclusion how the Supreme Court will rule , after it expanded gun ownership rights in the country When you bring up 9/11 destruction without mentioning 1/6 violence, your hypocrisy shines and lack of factual knowledge speaks volume.
I remember reading an article in late 1990s about the Saudi commandos rescued passengers from a hijacked plane on their soil. There were a few fatalities and the hijackers were shot and arrested. Turned out none of the hijackers had weapons on the plane, such as grenades and guns.
Umm this is not the law. Nice try. The supreme court has already ruled that private citizens have a constitutional right to arms. It is not a debate. It is settled law by the highest court.
Yup, settled law. Just like the right to an abortion.
I forgot to leave my Glock in the glove compartment. It happens. I wouldn’t do anything anyways. Planes would be safer with responsible gun owners on board. Same goes in our children’s schools. Churches and definitely schul as anti semitism skyrocketed over 1000% under the former President Joe Biden. ‘MERICA
“Schul” says it all lol
Sorry as a gun owner I'm still not ok with the idea of some Spirit Airlines passengers being armed.
A lot of teh mens like to perform fellatio on their guns, so they can't ever leave them (their?) behind.
Username checks out.
"if I’m understanding the argument for guns correctly, it’s about self defense and being responsible"
Welp, however the thought process goes, it sure has nothing to do with being "well-regulated," having membership in a "militia," or contributing to the "security of a Free State." All of those phrases are non-operable and ALL that matters is the "right to keep and bear Arms."
In summary, just don't think too much about it- and keep hoping...
"if I’m understanding the argument for guns correctly, it’s about self defense and being responsible"
Welp, however the thought process goes, it sure has nothing to do with being "well-regulated," having membership in a "militia," or contributing to the "security of a Free State." All of those phrases are non-operable and ALL that matters is the "right to keep and bear Arms."
In summary, just don't think too much about it- and keep hoping that one of those guns that TSA missed will not be on your flight.
Not sure why anyone would bring a gun onboard. Number one how guns did the TSA miss? Number two, how many of those people would have simply flown without incident? There's the risk versus cost benefit. Looking for guns is something a screening process should do well and the equipment used should do that. Having people take off their shoes and not being able to travel with a bottle of water is stupidity beyond imagination....
Not sure why anyone would bring a gun onboard. Number one how guns did the TSA miss? Number two, how many of those people would have simply flown without incident? There's the risk versus cost benefit. Looking for guns is something a screening process should do well and the equipment used should do that. Having people take off their shoes and not being able to travel with a bottle of water is stupidity beyond imagination. And that is the issue with TSA-most of it is nothing more than expensive, wasteful theater.
I hate airport pat downs but just remember men. It’s not gay if it’s TSA.
Has the doctor figured it out yet?
Please publish data from airports like SFO, MCI, and the 20 others that have private security and do not use TSA. TSA is 100% on confiscating water bottles, but under 6% on confiscating weapons during DHS Red Team tests.
Gonna be honest I'm a little surprised it's only about 18 per day. That's 18 per day from about 2.9 million people going through TSA per day. I can accept that something like 0.00062% of people are forgetful and accidentally forget to unpack their gun. Yes yes the number of gun owners going through TSA is much lower than 2.9 million per day but still.
A lot of gun people are some combination of selfish, dumb, and forgetful. They're also very easily riled up. Bad news.
@Doug - "...The unbelievably expensive and cumbersome security process at airports has NEVER caught a terrorist. Not once."
I suppose this could be looked at in several different ways. Maybe they have been deterred by the security checks? Maybe they are resorting to different methods? (cars?)
I don't think the security checks are there to "catch " bad guys but maybe to just prevent an act from happening?
Just my $.02
> I suppose this could be looked at in several different ways. Maybe they have been deterred by the security checks?
Lisa: By your logic I could claim that this rock keeps tigers away.
Homer: Oh, how does it work?
Lisa: It doesn’t work.
Homer: Uh-huh.
Lisa: It’s just a stupid rock.
Homer: Uh-huh.
Lisa: But I don’t see any tigers around, do you?
Homer: ...Lisa, I want to buy your rock.
I suspect most people who bring them through have it in a bag or briefcase they carry with them regularly, not actually on their person. Would make it easier to not think about it when rushing to catch a flight.
This is almost certainly what is happening. People just grab their bag for a weekend trip or something or don't check the side pockets. That's why gun owners should have clean baggage that they NEVER carry firearms and ammo in to avoid this very situation.
How much does the TSA suck if they miss about 90% of weapons??
The solution is more guns. Let's treat planes like schools. Let's give every FA a gun. Then planes will be safe and it won't matter if people being them through security or not. Freedom.
Statistically, the TSA misses almost 90% of prohibited items taken through security. Let's assume for a moment that they actually find 90%. This would indicate that almost 700 people flew with a loaded weapon last year and yet nothing bad happened. Why? Because it turns out that most people don't want to hijack airplanes and kill people. The focus must be on identifying dangerous people, not on trying to find dangerous items. I'm not suggesting...
Statistically, the TSA misses almost 90% of prohibited items taken through security. Let's assume for a moment that they actually find 90%. This would indicate that almost 700 people flew with a loaded weapon last year and yet nothing bad happened. Why? Because it turns out that most people don't want to hijack airplanes and kill people. The focus must be on identifying dangerous people, not on trying to find dangerous items. I'm not suggesting allowing firearms on board aircraft, I'm simply pointing out that the TSA has the wrong priorities (and that the intrusive security theater isn't making people safer).
Please provide proof of your stats as I cannot believe it’s 90%
https://abcnews.go.com/US/tsa-fails-tests-latest-undercover-operation-us-airports/story?id=51022188
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/investigation-breaches-us-airports-allowed-weapons-through-n367851
Air rage is a thing, Doug and if the angry guy has a gun in the overhead locker......
Again, I'm not saying that we should allow guns on airplanes. I'm emphasizing that the post-9/11 idea that terrorists are everywhere and that we should be scared of strangers is largely a convenient excuse to continue to accumulate government power at the expense of freedom (see also: Patriot Act, CTA, etc). The unbelievably expensive and cumbersome security process at airports has NEVER caught a terrorist. Not once.
Mass shootings in schools don't even stop them, why should mass shootings on a plane?
That being said - i HOPE they do impose stricter punishments and realise safety is paramount.
gun usage is one thing I will never understand about this country.
It’s also mostly the usual Bible Belt states in the south.