Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport again had more guns caught at security checkpoints than any other airport in the nation, according to the Transportation Security Administration’s tally for 2024.
It’s the ninth year in a row that the Atlanta airport has had the distinction. There were 440 firearms caught at Hartsfield-Jackson last year, TSA said Wednesday, far ahead of the 390 guns caught at second-place finisher Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
But the number of guns caught at Hartsfield-Jackson was down 2.4% from 451 in 2023. The total number of firearms discovered in carry-on bags across the country was down by less than 1% to 6,678 in 2024.
TSA said it caught an average of more than 18 guns per day across the country, including an average of more than one a day at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Of the guns found at checkpoints, about 94% were loaded, according to TSA.
“One firearm at a checkpoint is too many,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a written statement. “Firearms present a safety risk for our employees and everyone else at the checkpoint.”
When a gun is discovered at the checkpoint, it also slows down operations and can cause delays for other travelers as the checkpoint is closed down for law enforcement to respond.
“The vast majority of the passengers that are caught with firearms at our checkpoints tell us that they simply forgot that it was there,” Robert Spinden, federal security director in Atlanta for TSA, said last year. “I think as people are getting ready for the day, it’s so commonplace to grab your cellphone, your keys, your wallet and your firearm.”
The slight decline in gun total discoveries came as passenger counts grew last year. The rate of gun discoveries nationally declined to 7.4 firearms per million people, from 7.8 firearms per million people in 2023.
TSA and airports have put up more signs to discourage travelers from bringing guns to security checkpoints, and sought to inform passengers through educational campaigns.
“We’re starting to turn the corner I think,” TSA spokesperson Mark Howell said Wednesday. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
Firearms and ammunition are prohibited in carry-on bags on airlines. Passengers can travel with an unloaded gun if properly packed in a locked, hard-sided case in their checked bag and declared before flying at the airline check-in counter.
Last year, Maj. Kelley Collier, who is the airport commander for the Atlanta Police Department, said those caught with unholstered, loaded guns would be charged with reckless conduct, a misdemeanor.
Those caught with guns at airport checkpoints could also face civil fines of up to about $15,000. TSA also says those caught can lose their eligibility for the TSA PreCheck trusted traveler program for at least five years.
While Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport based on the total count of passengers and seat capacity, some other airports may have more passengers passing through security checkpoints. That’s because a majority are connecting passengers in Atlanta, which is Delta Air Lines’ largest hub, since those connecting passengers do not go through security in Atlanta.
Top 10 airports for firearm discoveries at TSA checkpoints in 2023
- Atlanta, 440
- Dallas Fort Worth, 390
- Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental, 272
- Phoenix Sky Harbor, 247
- Nashville, 188
- Denver, 166
- Orlando, 150
- Dallas Love Field, 143
- Tampa, 135
- Austin, 126
How to properly pack a gun for air travel
TSA says passengers may travel with a firearm, but it must be:
- Secured in their checked baggage.
- Packed unloaded.
- Locked in a hard-sided case.
- Declared to the airline when checking the bag at the airline ticket counter.
Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints.
TSA warns that if you are caught with a firearm in your carry-on luggage, you could face criminal prosecution. Those who are members of TSA’s PreCheck trusted traveler program would lose PreCheck membership for five years and could face a civil penalty of up to $15,000.
“Each firearm brought to a checkpoint, whether by accident or on purpose, presents a threat to other passengers and our employees, and causes delays for the traveler with the firearm,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a written statement.
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