More firearms were found in carry-on bags at DFW International Airport than just about any other airport in the nation, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Three other Texas airports were also among the top 10, according to the list released Thursday that detailed the record-setting number of firearms discovered at TSA checkpoints last year — 4,239 — up 7 percent from 2017.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport topped the list with 298 firearms, including 253 that were loaded. That number was up 53 from the year before.
At DFW International Airport, 219 firearms were confiscated, 193 of which were loaded, and Dallas Love Field was ninth, with 89, including 83 loaded.
Other Texas airports on the list were George Bush Intercontinental in sixth place with 117 guns (down 25 over 2017), and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport was eighth with 93.
Another record was also broken in 2018: OF the firearms agents found, nearly 86 percent were loaded.
If someone wants to travel with a firearm, the weapon must be unloaded, locked and stored in a hard-sided container in checked luggage. Firearms and ammunition must also be declared each time they are checked in, according to the TSA.
Replica firearms, including toys, can be transported only in checked luggage.
Travelers are encouraged to check local firearms laws as well as airline policies about firearms and ammunition. TSA can impose civil penalties of up to $13,333 per violation, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.
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© 2019 The Dallas Morning News
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