PHOENIX – A record number of firearms have been detected at security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport this year. Agents of the Transportation Security Administration in Sky Harbor found 177 firearms in hand luggage while checking passengers on Monday, surpassing the previous record of 130 from 2019. 123 firearms were found last year. Due to the pandemic, however, there were fewer passengers than in previous years. “That’s not a good record,” said Patricia Mancha, TSA spokeswoman in Arizona. “We want to remind people that you can travel with your firearm. Just do it the way it’s supposed to. ”Travelers have to pack their unloaded weapons in a locked, hard container that belongs in a checked bag, not hand baggage. They must also register each weapon with the airline when they check in their baggage. Replica and toy weapons must also be carried in checked baggage. The same applies to ammunition, which must be securely packaged or contained in the same lockable hard case as the firearm. “Every time someone brings a prohibited item – such as a firearm – to the security checkpoint, the inspections are stopped and the local law enforcement authorities are called,” said Mancha, adding that the traveler is likely to miss their flight. Here are some other items that you must not have in your hand luggage. pic.twitter.com/3F6MCzZEDs – Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) December 10, 2021 Bringing firearms and other weapons to an airport security checkpoint can result in a federal civil penalty that can cost thousands of dollars depending on the offense. Earlier this year, Phoenix Sky Harbor ranked fourth nationwide for most weapons discovered by TSA agents at security checkpoints. Mancha said it was unclear where the airport now ranks as the numbers are still being tallied. “We hope our passengers in Phoenix will know the rules for the rest of December and not put us on that top list,” she said. Follow @GriseldaZetino we want to hear from you. Do you have a story idea or a tip? Forward it to the KTAR news team here.
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