The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is doing
its due diligence.
The government agency would like to remind you of the
rules regarding bringing a firearm on an airplane. A surprising number of
people do not know the rules, and many believe that if you have a license to
carry a concealed weapon in your state that you can automatically bring it on
an airplane.
That’s not necessarily true since an airplane is
considered under federal jurisdiction. And you can’t just
shove it in your carry-on, either.
“Passengers should pack for a trip starting with an
empty bag to be sure they are not carrying prohibited items before they enter
our checkpoints,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of
Mississippi Kim Jackson. “Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag
and also check that you do not have a pocketknife or other threats that are not
permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.”
If you are going to travel with your firearm it must
be in your checked bag, unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. You must
declare it to the airline at check-in. Travelers are responsible for
being aware of what the firearm laws are on each side of their trip or they may
be cited or heading to jail instead of to their vacation or business trip.
Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some
jurisdictions.
“We are reminding the public to place their firearms
in their checked bags and declare them to the airline,” Jackson said.
Passengers face a civil penalty imposed by the TSA
that can reach nearly $15,000.
So save yourself some money, aggravation and
embarrassment with these helpful hints.
- Tip 1: No firearms in carry-ons. Firearms
must be in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed
and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a
locked, hard-sided case. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it
is your responsibility to know what the firearm laws are on both sides of your
trip.
- Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To
reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own
suitcase, backpack, computer bag or purse before leaving home.
- Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have
a valid ID card readily available. If you are traveling with a
carry-on bag follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule -- 3.4
ounces or less for each item and the items should be placed in a
one-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger. To simplify your screening and even
before entering the checkpoint it is best to put your phones and any other
content of your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin in the
checkpoint.
- Tip 4: Help is available. Get live
assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or
via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
- Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with
ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids,
laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number
within five days, and membership lasts for five years.
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