Traveling On Airplanes With Guns: What You Need To Know

Firearms of any kind, as well as ammunition, firearm parts, and realistic replicas, are prohibited at TSA security checkpoints. These items are allowed in checked bags, if unloaded, declared to the airline, and properly packed in a locked, hard-sided container.

When TSA officers find a firearm at a checkpoint, they notify law enforcement. The police department takes possession of the firearm and determines if there will be criminal charges. Separately, TSA has the authority to levy a civil penalty of up to $11,000 against a passenger who brings a firearm to the checkpoint.  The average penalty for a loaded firearm is $3,000; the average for an unloaded gun is $1500.

Nationwide through the end of last week, TSA officers discovered more than 2,200 firearms in carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints. In 2015, TSA officers discovered 2,653 firearms in carry-on bags -- a 20 percent increase over 2014.

Last week, two firearms were discovered at Oklahoma City checkpoints. Both were found on September 7 (two different passengers and one loaded and one unloaded).

In Oklahoma City, 16 firearms have been found at the checkpoints in 2016. And in 2015, 24 were found.

9/19/16 Update: This past week, TSA confiscated two more loaded guns.

For more information, visit firearms and ammunition pages at tsa.gov.