TSA has issued a new warning for all airports. As you know, the TSA is responsible for the air safety of all travellers… Well, agents at Boston Logan International Airport have been quite busy lately… On June 16, they found a bag with a 9mm inside. Yes, a firearm… and in a carry-on bag!
Of course, there was no panic, but it did trigger an urgent statement from the TSA. Here’s what’s happening!
Why Boston Logan: TSA’s focus
The terminal in the capital of Massachusetts is not the busiest in the country, however, this year it tops the list of airports with the most weapon detections on the East Coast. According to internal data, cases have increased by 28% compared to the same period in 2024.
And what’s more, the profile of those carrying weapons matches business and tourist travellers who claim they forgot or didn’t know the rules… Really George?
Are there fines?
Of course! You can’t transport a firearm on a plane. Bob Allison, the TSA’s Federal Security Director, explained that in addition to being a serious security risk and slowing down screening procedures for all travellers, passengers carrying weapons should please double-check they’re not carrying one before boarding.
And wait for it, because the fines for breaking the law start at no less than $3,000 and can go up to $17,062!!! That’s what the current TSA regulation specifies.
Can’t I travel with guns?
In the cabin, the ban is clear: no. They can be a security risk to all travellers, even if you have a carry permit. If you need to transport one, it must be unloaded, inside a hard-sided locked case, separate from the ammunition, and of course, declared at the airline counter when you check your luggage.
A growing national problem
The number of weapons intercepted at airports is staggering, more than 6,700 weapons were intercepted in 2024 alone, a record figure… And good thing the checks exist. Imagine what could happen if they didn’t catch them…
Consequences for travellers
Those flying to or from abroad must know that the rules apply equally to foreigners and residents. Carrying an undeclared gun can lead to detention, payment of the maximum fine, inclusion on internal high-risk lists, and even future entry bans into the country!!!
So it’s better to be careful and follow the rules. If you have doubts, you can always use the TSAsk question box to get help!
Keep in mind that every security line closure, even if only for minutes, causes boarding delays and extra costs for airlines. The port authority estimates that the time lost per detected weapon costs an average of $8,500 in delays, rebooking, and extra staff… Either you get to the airport early, or your flight leaves without you.
The United States is a place where getting a gun license is not particularly difficult, but we must understand that if we own a firearm, we have the responsibility to carry it properly and follow state laws, especially when the safety of others is at stake. So yes, you must follow the current protocols in all airports and facilities you go to.
Questions & Answers
- Why has the TSA issued a warning at Boston Logan Airport?: Because it currently leads the East Coast in firearm detections for 2024, with a 28% increase compared to the same period last year.
- What incident triggered the alert?: On June 16, agents found a 9mm firearm inside a carry-on bag at Boston Logan International Airport.
- Are passengers allowed to carry guns in their hand luggage?: No.
- Can firearms be transported at all by plane?: Yes, but only in checked baggage, and they must be: Unloaded, placed in a hard-sided locked case and separate from ammunition
