TSA: Record Number of Guns on Carry-On Bags were Found in 2015

A record number of firearms were discovered inside of travelers' carry-on bags with the majority of them being loaded, a report from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed.

In the report, the TSA stated that it found 2,653 guns, which represented a 20 percent increase from 2014. 83 percent of those guns were loaded. The agency stated that the increase did not necessarily mean that more people carried guns. Instead, the increase could be due to better screening and searching techniques by the TSA agents. The TSA noted that agents conducted six percent more screenings on passengers in 2015 than in 2014.

Guns were found at 236 airports. The five airports that had the highest rates in order were Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (153), Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta (144), Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (100), Denver International Airport (90) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (73).

"The transport of firearms by commercial air in carry-on bags represents a threat to the safety and security of air travelers," TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger said. "Through increased training in detection methods, our officers are becoming more adept at intercepting these prohibited items."

Travelers who are found with firearms or ammunition at checkpoints can face civil fines from the TSA. Some could face criminal charges from the police.

Guns that are unloaded and properly stored are permitted in checked luggage. All weapons, which include guns, knives, ammunition or realistic replicas, are not allowed on carry on bags.