HUNTSVILLE — The number of firearms intercepted by Transportation Security Administration officers was up 65% in 2024 over 2023 at Huntsville International Airport, the TSA said.
Across the state, officers intercepted 130 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2024.
The largest increase in year-to-year comparisons was at HSV where TSA officers intercepted 33 firearms in 2024 compared to 20 in 2023, a 65% increase. Of those 33 firearms last year, 32 were loaded with ammunition.
“This is a safety concern for our officers and the travelers in the checkpoints, especially because nearly all of these firearms were loaded,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Alabama Tara Corse. “We commend our officers for their vigilance as we carry out our mission throughout the year to keep the traveling public safe.”
So far this year, the TSA at HSV has intercepted one firearm, a Glock loaded with16 rounds.
“We encourage new travelers and those who may not have flown in a while to become familiar with the TSA rules surrounding what can be carried through the security checkpoint and onto an airplane,” said Port of Huntsville Public Relations Manager Mary Swanstrom. “One useful piece of advice is to completely empty luggage and purses of all articles before packing for a trip.”
TSA officers intercepted 71 firearms at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport last year compared to 70 the previous year. This year, 12 have been stopped at BHM.
The Alabama statewide total of 130 in 2024 was 23% higher than the 106 passengers who brought firearms to the checkpoints across the state in 2023.
Nationwide, TSA officers intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints in 2024. In 2023, 6,737 firearms were intercepted at airport checkpoints.
It was the first annual nationwide decrease in firearms detected at checkpoints other than in 2020 when COVID saw a sizable decrease in the number of passengers who flew that year. Of the national number of firearms intercepted in 2024, approximately 94% were loaded. Firearms were stopped at 277 airport checkpoints nationwide in 2024.
“Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag before you enter the checkpoint,” said Corse. “And also check that you do not have a pocketknife or other threats that are not permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.”
Most items that are prohibited in carry-on bags can be placed in a checked bag. But anything that is flammable, corrosive or explosive cannot travel anywhere on the plane. Hand grenades, even replica ones, cannot travel on the plane in checked or carry-on bags.
For passengers traveling with a firearm, it must be in a checked bag, unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. The weapon must be declared to the airline at check-in.
“Travelers are responsible for being aware of what the firearm laws are on each side of their trip or they may be cited or heading to jail instead of to their vacation or business trip,” said Corse. “Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.” said Corse.
The specific numbers at the airports across Alabama last year were 71 at BHM, with 69 loaded; 33 at Huntsville International Airport, with 32 of them loaded; 15 at Mobile Regional Airport, all loaded; eight at Montgomery Regional Airport, all loaded; and three at Dothan Regional Airport, all loaded.
Many of the passengers across the country who bring firearms to a federal security checkpoint are arrested or issued notices to appear in court.
Regardless of whether the individual is arrested or cited by law enforcement, with whom TSA immediately partners in the checkpoint, passengers face a civil penalty imposed by the TSA that can reach nearly $15,000. If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time, possibly permanently.
Do heed these travel tips for getting through the security checkpoint as safely, efficiently and stress free as possible.
Tip 1: No firearms in carry-ons. Firearms must be inchecked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the firearm laws are on both sides of your trip.
Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own suitcase, backpack, computer bag or purse before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” link on TSA.gov.
Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. If you are traveling with a carry-on bag follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule of 3.4 ounces or less for each item and the items should be placed in a one-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger. To simplify your screening and even before entering the checkpoint it is best to put your phones and any other content of your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin in the checkpoint.
Tip 4: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.
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