JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A total of 42 guns were confiscated at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at Jacksonville International Airport last year, according to TSA.
That’s up from 36 in 2020.
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While 42 at JIA in 2021 is not a record, TSA described it as a “troubling” situation.
Nationwide, TSA prevented 5,972 guns from getting through security checkpoints in 2021. That’s the highest number in TSA’s 20-year history, passing the previous record of 4,432 guns intercepted in 2019. Of the guns found last year, 86% were loaded.
BREAKING NEWS: @TSA officers prevented 5,972 guns from getting through airport security checkpoints nationwide in 2021. That’s the highest number in TSA’s 20-year history, surpassing the previous record of 4,432 guns caught in 2019. pic.twitter.com/bP4LJKVMFB
— Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) January 18, 2022
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The TSA offers six tips for getting through checkpoints as quickly as possible:
- No guns in carry-ons. Airline passengers can fly with firearms only in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared at check-in. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the gun laws are on both sides of your trip.
- Wear a face mask. You must. The federal face mask mandate for travelers remains in place for any location inside an airport or on a plane. Those who refuse to wear a mask face steep fines from the TSA.
- Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
- Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. Follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.
- Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
- Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with Ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.