TSA Collected 1.4 Million in Fines From Gun-Toting Passengers Last Year
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued fines totaling $1.45 million USD last year, according to a report by The Washington Post. The Washington Post obtained this information thanks to a request made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The report also revealed that the number one source of civil penalties levied by the TSA was due to passengers or crew attempting to bring firearms through security checkpoints.
More than 4,000 actions were filed against travelers or crew who attempted to bring a firearm through security checkpoints. This number includes travelers or visitors to major international airports that were found to have a loaded weapon even if they weren't traveling. The majority of firearm-related incidents occurred at airports in the southern and western United States.
Roughly a quarter of all firearms confiscated by the TSA were found at the following airports: Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL); Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW); George Bush Intercontinental in Houston (IAH); Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX); Denver International (DEN); and Dallas Love Field (DAL).
The majority of firearms found by the TSA (96%, or 3,932 firearms) were discovered by agents at screening checkpoints. 10 claims were the result of improperly packed firearms in checked luggage (it is not illegal to travel with properly packed firearms in checked bags). The TSA and law enforcement also found two firearms at Known Crew member checkpoints, checkpoints used exclusively by select airline crew members.
If 4,000 seems like a rather large number, it is. The TSA noted that there has been an increase in the number of loaded firearms confiscated at security checkpoints in the past few years. According to the TSA, an average of 76 firearms are found at checkpoints each week. This is especially concerning not only for the security implications but also due to the inconvenience a loaded firearm causes at security screening checkpoints.
Bringing a firearm into the security screening checkpoint or sterile area is quite obviously a serious offense. However, the TSA and law enforcement are somewhat limited in their ability to levy penalties on offenders. The maximum federal penalty for bringing a loaded firearm through a screening area is just $13,000, and only local law enforcement can issue criminal charges. While $13,000 is a sizable fine, it is not an extreme amount. Additionally, individuals who attempt to bring a firearm through security rarely receive jail time and arrest is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, it is a crime and can create a major inconvenience for travelers and law enforcement.
H/T: The Washington Post
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.