U.S. seizes record number of firearms

TSA seizes record number of firearms

By Katia Hetter, CNN
updated 3:28 PM EST, Tue December 2, 2014

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Many travelers claim they forgot that their guns, like this one seized at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, were in their carry-on luggage. They can still face criminal charges.
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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The TSA says it has seized 2,000 guns this year
• Most people probably forget their guns are in carry-on bags
• Follow TSA rules for including your guns in checked luggage

(CNN) -- Before you fly this holiday season, don't forget to remove your gun from your carry-on bag.

Not remembering could get you in trouble.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has seized a record 2,000 firearms from carry-on luggage this year, as of December 1.

That's more than the TSA has ever seized in any other full year of its existence. And we still have another month to go.

"The vast majority of passengers have no nefarious intent but forgot their firearm in their carry-on bag," TSA spokesman Ross Feinstein wrote in an email.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport security has seized the most guns this year, with 109 guns as of December 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is in second place with 93 gun seizures, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is in third place with 73 gun seizures.

Forgetting can be costly.

Passengers whose guns are spotted by TSA security during the screening process can be arrested by airport or local police and face criminal charges, and the TSA can impose civil penalties. And TSA Pre-check members can be temporarily or permanently banned from the expedited screening program.

"It is a reminder that passengers should check their personal belongings before arriving at the TSA checkpoint, to ensure they do not have any prohibited items in their possession," Feinstein said.

In 2013, the TSA seized 1,813 guns, up from 1,556 in 2012 and 1,320 seized in 2011. The agency seized 1,123 guns in 2010, 976 guns in 2009, 926 guns in 2008, 803 guns in 2007 and 821 guns in 2006.

If you need your gun at your final destination, don't just drop it into your suitcase and check that bag to your mom's house. Go to www.tsa.gov to find the TSA rules to follow for checking firearms and other weapons. There are also state and local weapons laws that vary by jurisdiction.

And it's not just about real guns. The TSA doesn't want you to attempt bring your firearm replicas, special gravy, cranberry sauce or super-special snow globes through passenger screening this December. Check them, ship them ahead of time or consider making your special sauce once you arrive.

Pies and cakes can go through passenger screening but may be subject to secondary screening. And a horror for Santa-believing parents everywhere: Presents may be unwrapped.

Crazy things Americans tried to take on planes in 2013

http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/02/travel...html?hpt=hp_t4