TSA finds 20% more guns in carry-on bags in 2015, and most are loaded

Airport security screeners in the U.S. found a record high number of firearms in carry-on bags last year, and most of them were loaded, officials said.

The Transportation Security Administration said that it found 2,653 firearms, 20% more than in 2014, and that 83% of them contained ammunition.

The agency suggested that the increase may be the result of better search techniques by airport screeners, although a moderate uptick in the number of travelers also may have contributed.

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“The transport of firearms by commercial air in carry-on bags represents a threat to the safety and security of air travelers,� TSA Administrator Peter V. Neffenger said. “Through increased training in detection methods, our officers are becoming more adept at intercepting these prohibited items.�

Firearms were discovered in carry-ons at 236 airports last year, the TSA said. Those with the most were:

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, with 153 firearms found

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with 144

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, with 100

Denver International Airport, with 90

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with 73

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All weapons, including guns, knives and ammunition, as well as inert bombs and realistic props made to look like firearms, are prohibited in carry-on bags on commercial planes.

Travelers who bring firearms to an airport checkpoint can face criminal charges and fines.

The TSA said it screened 708 million passengers in 2015, up about 6% from the previous year.

To read more about travel, tourism and the airline industry, follow me on Twitter at @hugomartin.

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