TSA Reports Surge in Firearms Detected at Major US Airports in 2025

Key Takeaways

• TSA detected 49 firearms at San Antonio Airport in first five months of 2025; 43 were loaded.
• Hollywood Burbank Airport found three loaded firearms in carry-on bags in May 2025.
• Violators face fines up to $12,210, criminal charges, and loss of TSA PreCheck privileges.

TSA Reports Sharp Rise in Firearms Detected at San Antonio International Airport and Other Major US Airports

A sharp increase in firearms found at airport security checkpoints has put the spotlight on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), especially at San Antonio International Airport (SAT). As of June 3, 2025, TSA officers at SAT have detected 49 firearms at security checkpoints since the start of the year. Of these, 43 were loaded. This surge, including three firearms found in carry-on bags within just three days at the start of June, has prompted urgent warnings from TSA officials about the correct way to travel with firearms.

This trend is not limited to San Antonio. At Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), TSA officers discovered three loaded firearms in carry-on luggage in May 2025 alone. For comparison, only six firearms were found at BUR during all of 2024. These numbers show a worrying rise in incidents and have led to stricter enforcement and renewed calls for traveler awareness.

Why Are Firearms Being Found More Often at Airports?

TSA’s main job is to keep travelers safe. The agency has strict rules about firearms: no guns are allowed in carry-on bags. All firearms must be unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case, and placed in checked baggage. Travelers must also declare any firearms at the airline ticket counter during check-in.

Despite these clear rules, the number of firearms found at airport checkpoints remains high. In 2024, TSA intercepted 6,678 firearms at checkpoints across the United States 🇺🇸, a slight drop from 6,737 in 2023. Of those found in 2024, about 94% were loaded. Firearms were detected at 277 airport checkpoints nationwide.

At the regional level, the Baltimore/Washington area saw 117 firearms intercepted in 2024, up from 105 in 2023. Each major airport in that region set new records for annual firearm detections.

San Antonio International Airport has already seen 49 firearms detected in just the first five months of 2025, with a noticeable spike in early June. Hollywood Burbank Airport has nearly matched its 2024 total in the first five months of 2025.

What Happens If You Bring a Firearm to a TSA Checkpoint?

Bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint is a serious offense. The consequences can be severe and immediate:

• Criminal Charges: Local law enforcement may arrest or cite the traveler.
• Civil Penalties: TSA can impose fines of up to $12,210 per violation. The exact amount depends on whether the firearm was loaded and if ammunition was accessible.
• Loss of Trusted Traveler Status: Offenders lose access to TSA PreCheck and Trusted Traveler programs, which means longer wait times and more thorough screening in the future.
• Travel Disruptions: Passengers may miss their flights due to law enforcement response and extra screening.

Even if you have a concealed carry permit, you are not exempt from these rules. The same penalties apply to everyone.

TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland, Christopher Murgia, explained, “We much prefer that travelers properly travel with firearms by packing them properly in their checked baggage and declaring their firearm to their airline for a flight.”

At Hollywood Burbank Airport, TSA Federal Security Director Anita Minaei said, “The recent spike in the number of firearms brought by travelers departing BUR is concerning. We are asking all firearm owners to pay attention to where your firearm is at all times and to be sure it is packed properly for travel on a commercial aircraft.”

How to Legally Transport Firearms When Flying

Travelers who need to bring firearms with them must follow these steps:

1. Unload the Firearm: Make sure the firearm is completely unloaded before packing.
2. Use a Locked, Hard-Sided Case: Place the unloaded firearm in a locked, hard-sided container. Only the passenger should have the key or combination.
3. Check Ammunition Rules: Ammunition must also be transported in checked baggage. Follow both airline and TSA guidelines for packing ammunition.
4. Declare at Check-In: When you check in at the airline ticket counter, tell the airline representative that you have a firearm, ammunition, or firearm parts.
5. Check Local Laws: Before you travel, check the firearm laws at your destination to make sure you are following all state and local rules.

For more detailed information, travelers can visit the official TSA firearms and ammunition guidelines.

What’s Behind the Increase in Firearm Detections?

Experts say several factors are causing the rise in firearms found at airports:

• More Gun Ownership: The number of people owning firearms in the United States 🇺🇸 has increased in recent years.
• Lack of Awareness: Some travelers may not know or remember the rules about traveling with firearms.
• Complacency: Some people may become too comfortable with airport security and forget to check their bags for firearms before traveling.

TSA has responded by increasing public awareness campaigns, raising fines, and revoking expedited screening privileges for violators.

Technology Upgrades and Security Improvements

To address the growing problem, TSA is investing in new technology. The agency is rolling out Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units and expanding the use of mobile driver’s licenses and digital IDs at select airports. These upgrades are designed to make identity checks faster and more accurate, which helps TSA officers focus on finding prohibited items like firearms.

While these tools can help catch more firearms, they also require travelers to stay informed and follow the rules. As reported by VisaVerge.com, TSA’s investment in advanced screening technology and digital ID verification is expected to improve detection rates and streamline enforcement, but ongoing traveler education is needed to prevent unintentional violations.

What Are the Impacts for Travelers, Airlines, and Law Enforcement?

Travelers:
People caught with firearms in their carry-on bags face serious consequences. They may be arrested, fined, and lose access to TSA PreCheck. They will also face longer wait times and more invasive screening in the future. Even if the firearm was brought by mistake, TSA and law enforcement treat the incident seriously.

Airlines:
Airlines support strict enforcement of firearm rules to keep all passengers safe and avoid legal problems. They work closely with TSA to make sure travelers know the rules and follow them.

Law Enforcement:
Police and airport security must respond quickly when a firearm is found at a checkpoint. This can cause delays and disrupt airport operations. Law enforcement agencies also handle any criminal charges that may result.

TSA and Security Staff:
TSA officers are under more pressure to spot firearms and enforce the rules. They must balance keeping the public safe with treating travelers fairly.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

Over the past decade, the number of firearms found at TSA checkpoints has generally gone up. There were only minor drops during the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2024. Most of the firearms found are loaded, which raises serious safety concerns for everyone at the airport.

In response, TSA has updated its policies many times. The agency has increased fines, taken away expedited screening privileges, and launched public awareness campaigns to remind travelers of the rules.

Recent Policy Changes and Enforcement

TSA’s current policy is clear: no firearms in carry-on bags. All firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and checked in with the airline. Ammunition must also be packed in checked baggage, following both TSA and airline rules.

If you break these rules, you can face:

• Civil penalties up to $12,210 per violation
• Criminal charges
• Loss of TSA PreCheck and Trusted Traveler status
• Travel delays and missed flights

TSA has also started using new technology to catch violators and make the screening process more efficient. The agency is expanding the use of digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses, which help verify traveler identities and focus security efforts where they are needed most.

What Should Travelers Do to Stay Compliant?

If you plan to travel with a firearm, follow these steps:

• Double-check your bags before leaving for the airport to make sure you are not carrying a firearm or ammunition in your carry-on.
• Review TSA and airline guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition.
• Declare all firearms and ammunition at the airline ticket counter.
• Follow all local and state laws at your destination.

If you are unsure about the rules, visit the TSA’s official firearms and ammunition page or contact the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 or [email protected].

What’s Next? Future Outlook for TSA and Firearm Enforcement

TSA is expected to keep up or even increase its enforcement efforts. The agency will continue public education campaigns and may raise civil penalties if the trend continues. Technology will play a bigger role, with more airports using advanced screening and digital ID systems.

If the number of firearms found at checkpoints keeps rising, TSA may suggest new policy changes or ask lawmakers for more authority to deal with the problem.

Summary Table: Firearms Detected at Major US Airports (2024–2025)

Penalties: Up to $12,210 per violation, loss of TSA PreCheck, possible criminal charges.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Never bring firearms in your carry-on bag.
• Always pack firearms unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided case, and check them with your airline.
• Declare all firearms and ammunition at check-in.
• Check local laws at your destination.
• Breaking the rules can lead to arrest, heavy fines, loss of TSA PreCheck, and missed flights.

For the most current updates, travelers should check the official TSA website and follow TSA’s social media channels for real-time alerts and guidance.

Final Thoughts

The rise in firearms found at San Antonio International Airport and other major airports is a serious issue that affects everyone—travelers, airport staff, airlines, and law enforcement. TSA’s strict rules and penalties are meant to keep everyone safe. By following the rules and staying informed, travelers can avoid trouble and help make air travel safer for all.

If you have questions about traveling with firearms, contact the TSA or your airline before you travel. Remember, a little preparation can save you from big problems at the airport.

Learn Today

TSA → U.S. agency that enforces security at airports, ensuring passenger safety during travel.
Firearm → A weapon such as a gun that can shoot bullets or projectiles.
Carry-On Bag → Hand luggage that passengers take into the airplane cabin with them.
Checked Baggage → Luggage handed over to the airline to be transported in the plane’s cargo hold.
TSA PreCheck → A trusted traveler program allowing expedited security screening at participating airports.

This Article in a Nutshell

TSA reports rising firearms found at major US airports, especially San Antonio. Travelers must declare and pack firearms legally to avoid severe penalties and travel disruptions. Awareness and technology upgrades aim to enhance airport safety and enforcement, protecting passengers and staff from unauthorized weapons on flights nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com