Near-Record Number Of Guns Seized At Pittsburgh Airport In 2024

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP, PA — The number of weapons confiscated at Pittsburgh International Airport last year approached but did not top the record number set in 2023.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, 42 firearms were seized at airport security checkpoints, down from the 44 confiscated in 2023. Twenty-six weapons were seized in 2022.

Pittsburgh had the most weapons confiscated of any Pennsylvania airport, followed by Philadelphia International Airport with 40. Overall, the TSA found 97 firearms at all airports in the state.

"Our officers across the state are to be commended for their continued vigilance in ensuring that no prohibited or illegal items are carried onto a flight," Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, said. "It was good to see fewer people bringing their guns to our checkpoints in 2024, however it continued to be disappointing to see individuals who were still bringing their firearms to our security checkpoints."

Nationwide, TSA officers found 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints in 2024, down from 6,737 in 2023. Of the guns caught in 2024, about 94 percent were loaded.

TSA said 2024 marked the first annual decrease in firearms detected at checkpoints other than in 2020 when COVID saw a sizable decrease in the number of passengers who flew.

Below are the top 10 airports for guns found in 2024:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — 440
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — 390
3. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — 272
4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — 247
5. Nashville International Airport (BNA) — 188
6. Denver International Airport (DEN) — 166
7. Orlando International Airport (MCO) — 150
8. Tampa International Airport — 135
9. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) — 126
10. Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) — 143

"When stopped by our officers, the majority of people claim that they forgot that they had their gun with them," Spero said. "It is careless and irresponsible to not know where your gun is. Responsible gun owners know where their gun is at all times. And they know not to bring it to an airport checkpoint."

Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapon permit, firearms are not permitted to be carried onto an airplane.

However, travelers with proper firearm permits can travel legally with their firearms in their checked bags if they follow a few simple guidelines.

Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA advises travelers to familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure to ensure that they have the proper gun permits for the states that they are traveling to and from. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition so travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a locked hard-side case. Ammunition must be in its original box and can be packed inside the hard-side case, next to the firearm. Even if the box of ammunition is not full, the bullets must be in their original case. The case with the firearm should be brought to the airline check-in counter to be declared with the airline representative. Firearms are transported in the belly of the aircraft so that nobody has access to them during the flight.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.

Individuals who bring weapons to a checkpoint are subject to federal civil penalties of up to $15,000. The complete list of penalties is posted online. 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.

Travelers can use the "What Can I Bring?" feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.