Can you guess how many firearms were found at airport checkpoints in 2024?
The answer should be zero.
After all, it is against federal law to bring a loaded or unloaded firearm to and through an airport checkpoint.
But in 2024, Transportation Security Administration officers discovered 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints around the country. Most — 94% — of the firearms found were loaded and were discovered in passengers’ carry-on luggage, in personal belongings, on passengers and even hidden inside some baby strollers.
While the number is alarming, it’s not like everyone showed up at airports with guns last year. The agency screened more than 904 million passengers in 2024, so the total number of firearms found comes out to about 18.2 firearms "found" each day of the year and 7.4 firearms per million passengers screened.
The total number of firearms found at airport checkpoints has risen steadily since at least 2008, with a big decline in 2020 reflecting limited travel during the coronavirus pandemic. However, the 2024 total of 6,678 firearms represents a minor decrease from the 6,737 firearms the TSA found in 2023.
The TSA’s “Prepare, Pack, Declare” public awareness campaign explaining the steps for safely traveling with a firearm may be doing some good. The agency’s sometimes cheeky social media posts that show off the myriad firearms "caught" at airports might have also helped.
While the number of firearms that officers “found” in 2024 doesn’t break records, it’s still a dangerous tally. As former TSA Administrator David Pekoske put it, "One firearm at a checkpoint is too many.” It creates a safety risk for passengers and employees and slows down operations.
And keep in mind that it’s not only "real" firearms that muck up the work at airport checkpoints. The "don’t bring" list includes toy guns, BB guns, cap guns, compressed air guns, firearm silencers or suppressors, flares and flare guns, gunpowder, ammunition, holsters, gun lighters and anything else that looks like a firearm or part of a firearm.
Which airports topped the list for most firearms found?
In 2024, the TSA discovered firearms at 277 airport checkpoints, with the most firearms — 440 — found at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The other airports on the top 10 list for firearms discoveries include:
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 390
- Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 272
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): 247
- Nashville International Airport (BNA): 188
- Denver International Airport (DEN): 166
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): 150
- Dallas Love Field (DAL): 143
- Tampa International Airport (TPA): 135
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): 126
How is it going, firearm-wise, in 2025? According to a TSA spokesperson, TSA officers have found 300 firearms at airport checkpoints nationwide as of Jan. 20.
What happens when the TSA discovers a firearm at an airport checkpoint?
If TSA officers detect or even suspect that there’s a firearm in a piece of carry-on luggage or on a person at an airport checkpoint, they’ll stop the line, close the lane and call in local law enforcement officers. These officers will open the bag and look for the firearm or firearm component, the TSA says.
If they find a firearm, the TSA will call in local law enforcement officers. Depending on local laws, the person who brought the firearm to the airport may be arrested or cited. In some cases, travelers may simply put their firearm in their checked luggage or hand it off to a friend or family member who is not traveling before continuing on their way.
The TSA leaves confiscating firearms up to local law enforcement but warns that in addition to any action taken, the agency has the authority to levy a maximum civil penalty of $14,950 per firearm and to revoke a person’s TSA PreCheck eligibility for at least five years.
Still want to take your firearm with you when you fly?
You may, but you’ll need to follow the rules and put your firearm and any ammunition in your checked luggage. You will need to unload your firearm, pack it in a hard-sided container with a lock and declare it to the airline when you check your bag.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.