MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Tennessee airports discovered a total of 366 firearms in carry-on luggage at security checkpoints in 2022, an increase of nearly 30% over 2021.
The TSA said each of the firearms was discovered by TSA officers during the routine screening of carry-on property.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) had the most with 213 guns found, which is also the fourth highest total nationwide.
According to the TSA, 83 firearms were found at Memphis International Airport in 2022. In 2021, 67 were found. Before that, 48 in 2020, 46 in 2019, and 47 in 2018.
The TSA said every airport in the state posted all-time highs for checkpoint firearm detections in 2022. The agency said across the U.S., a firearm was detected for every 116,294 passengers screened. In Tennessee, the rate was more than triple that — with one firearm discovered for every 37,646 passengers screened.
The TSA said in 2022, about 13.77 million departing travelers were screened at Tennessee airports, almost 29% more than the 2021 total.
In addition to potential criminal citations, travelers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint and TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis.
Whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition is one of the many factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount.
The civil penalty can go up to a maximum of $14,950 per violation. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
In addition to civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, passengers need to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts.
Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.