How many guns does TSA confiscate?

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 3,251 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023, which ended June 30. The total represents an average 18 firearms per day at TSA checkpoints of which more than 92% were loaded.



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There are vast amounts of weapons seized in airports each year. These confiscated weapons, such as loaded firearms, unlicensed guns, and dangerous weapons, are usually destroyed, kept as prosecution's evidence, auctioned on eBay, or sold at a state surplus warehouse store.

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In the United States, there is no limit to the number of firearms that a passenger can transport in checked baggage on a commercial flight. However, each firearm must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container that is specifically designed for transporting firearms.

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E. LEOs are the only employees authorized by TSA to carry firearms.

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Do air marshals carry guns? Yes, federal sky marshals are licensed to carry guns. They only fire the gun to stop an ongoing crime aboard the plane.

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Based upon the authority in Section 6A, herein above, TSA's use of force and weapons policies shall be consistent with the DHS Use of Deadly Force Policy, this directive, and all Federal laws. TSA LEOs shall adhere to the requirements of all Federal law and this directive. C.

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Lock your gun case before you and the counter agent take it to be checked by TSA. Stay in the immediate area. If TSA needs the case opened for some reason or has questions, you must be present. At most airports you can stand in an area that provides you with a visual of the space where TSA checks special baggage.

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According to TSA, agents find one firearm for roughly every 116,394 passengers screened at security checkpoints.

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From a pen gun to a gun hidden in peanut butter, an additional 570 firearms were found at security checkpoints in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the latest data from the national agency. Last year, 6,542 firearms were found in carry-on bags at more than 260 airports.

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Which airports seized the most guns in 2022?
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - 448.
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 385.
  • Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) - 298.
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 213.
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) - 196.


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There are vast amounts of weapons seized in airports each year. These confiscated weapons, such as loaded firearms, unlicensed guns, and dangerous weapons, are usually destroyed, kept as prosecution's evidence, auctioned on eBay, or sold at a state surplus warehouse store.

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Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

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Here's what the TSA says about transporting guns and ammo, in a nutshell: Your firearm must be packed and unloaded in locked, hard-sided pistol cases in your checked baggage. Never attempt to carry on a firearm.

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Empty shell casings are allowed in carry-on bag as long as the projectile is no longer intact. They are allowed only if the primer has been removed or has been discharged. If the projectile is attached & the powder has been drilled out, it is considered a replica and not allowed in carry-on.

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Federal law does not limit the number of guns a person may buy in any given time period. However, federal law does require federal firearm licensees (“FFLs”) to report multiple sales of handguns to ATF and other specified law enforcement agencies.

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A chest X-ray exposes patients to roughly 1,000 times the radiation of an airport scanner. The Health Physics Society estimates that airport X-ray scanners deliver 0.1 microsieverts of radiation per scan.

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You can decline both tech options for a physical screening, which includes a Transportation Security Administration officer inspecting your body with their hands with a “sufficient pressure to ensure detection” of potential risks.

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As a part of its operations, the TSA employs armed federal air marshals to prevent and respond to terrorist acts involving the civil aviation system.

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