Another record year for seized guns at airports
Yet another record haul of firearms was discovered at US airports in 2018.
Just released TSA data showed 4,239 guns were seized at 249 airports nationwide, with the majority loaded.
It marks a 7% increase compared to 2017.
That’s a lot of absent-minded fliers with virtually everyone saying they forgot their gun was there.
Ten major airports accounted for nearly a third of all guns found.
Atlanta had the most, with 298 firearms discovered in carry-on bags.
There were four Texas airports in the top 10 – Dallas-Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field, Houston and Austin.
Overall it is now the 10th straight year the number of firearms discoveries have grown.
Fliers attempting to take a gun through security risk a fine of up to $13,000.
Apart from guns, there was the usual haul of knives and other dangerously sharp objects, as well as stun guns, inert grenades and mortar bombs.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers