At a Bradley International Airport Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint a man was stopped for attempting to carry a loaded firearm onto a flight Tuesday.
“Saying you didn’t know the firearm was in your bag is no excuse. Responsible gun owners have permits and should always know where their firearm is at all times,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Connecticut William Csontos. “Passengers who are traveling with firearms need to have a permit, declare with the airline during check-in that they want to travel with their firearm and ensure they are properly packed in their checked baggage.”
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100 and can go as high as $13,669 depending on any aggravating circumstances.
This also applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane.
Also, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges, officials state.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter.
If you are a traveler that is unsure of the regulations and do want to travel with a firearm, the TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
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