How to pack your gun properly this travel season

The number of firearms seized by TSA in 2024 are double that of 2018

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A record number of guns made their way to TSA checkpoints at Richmond International Airport this year. Officials are urging travelers with guns to pack properly.

The number of travelers isn’t the only record Richmond is breaking this year. According to TSA officials, more and more passengers are packing their guns in their carry-on.

In 2018, law enforcement seized 14 guns from travelers. This year, that number more than doubled, totaling 29. Lisa Farbstein with the TSA told 8News that the majority of confiscated weapons are loaded.

“If you own a firearm, you need to know where it is at all times. That is a critical part of being a responsible gun owner. Knowing where it is at all times,” Farbstein said.

Despite several reminders warning travelers that firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags, Farbstein says travelers often forget that their guns are with them.

“They seem to know where the wallet is, they seem to know where their cell phone is and their keys, just not their deadly weapon,” Farbstein said.

While she says there is no reason to believe these travelers posed a threat to the safety of others, their forgetfulness caused them serious consequences and delays for other travelers.

If you plan on traveling with a gun this holiday season, officials urge you to pack your weapon properly by making sure your gun is unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case and declared at the ticket counter.

If not, gun owners can face serious consequences, including losing their TSA precheck if they have it, being arrested and being fined up to $15,000 depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense.