A brand new examine from USAFacts experiences that within the first six months of this yr, TSA officers stopped greater than 3,000 weapons from occurring US planes (a mean of 17 a day). In 2021 in its entirety, 5,972 weapons have been intercepted, a quantity that exceeds 2019’s quantity by greater than 35 p.c – a big determine contemplating we aren’t again to pre-pandemic passenger ranges. Disturbingly, 86 p.c of the weapons confiscated in 2021 have been loaded. In line with TSA guidelines, you may solely journey with an unloaded firearm in a locked hardsided baggage as checked baggage solely, not carry-on.
Understanding all this, the pure query arises, which airports have probably the most points with individuals attempting to deliver firearms on board with them? We’ve information to share from 2021 and 2020, due to this TSA press launch.
In first place (although we hardly suppose this deserved a medal) is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport, with the most important variety of weapons caught in 2021 (507) and in 2020 (220). In 2018, earlier than the pandemic, 300 weapons have been captured.
Coming in second for confiscated firearms was Dallas/Fort Price Worldwide, with 317 weapons caught in 2021. Houston George Bush Intercontinental got here in third with 245, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide with 196. These high 4 airports have been ranked in that very same order in 2020 as properly. Listed below are the following airports so as:
5. Nashville Worldwide (163)
6. Denver Worldwide (141)
7. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide (128)
8. Orlando Worldwide Airport (124)
9. Louis Armstrong New Orleans Worldwide (119)
10. Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide (115)
The New Orleans airport was not on the highest 10 checklist in 2020; its arrival on the checklist in 2021 took the spot away from Las Vegas McCarren Worldwide.
You’re all questioning – you need to be – what occurs if a loaded gun (in checked or carry-on) baggage doesn’t get intercepted and fires unintentionally on the aircraft? The Factors Man explains that it might puncture the cabin’s stress hull or window, or might begin a fireplace. It might additionally create harmful panic amongst passengers and crew and will, clearly, kill somebody.
And what are the repercussions for the particular person whose gun will get confiscated on the airport? They could be arrested and fined as much as $13,910, though TSA’s web site says it’s normally $1,500-$2,475 plus prison referral. And no, they don’t get the gun again.
Excited about different airline information? We’re jazzed about these electrical planes.
Or perhaps trains are extra your pace? Amtrak’s upgrading.
