100 firearms found in luggage at RDU during 2021

Officers of the Transportation Security Administration discovered 100 firearms in searches at security checkpoints at RDU in 2021. In North Carolina, only Charlotte saw more – 106.

In 2021, TSA screened about 15.5 million travelers in the Tar Heel State and found a total of 254 firearms, mor than double the 105 confiscated statewide in 2020. In addition to RDU and CLT, firearms were found in bags in Greensboro (12), Asheville (15), Wilmington (6), Fayetteville (4), Concord (4) and at Albert J. Ellis Airport in Onslow County (5) and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (2).

Under TSA rules, no firearm can be transported in carry-on luggage, even if the weapon is not loaded. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage. Firearms can fly, but only unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container in a checked bag. Those who are caught with a gun in a carry-on bag can face civil fines and even criminal charges.

According to the TSA, security officers found one firearm for ever 97,999 passengers screened in 2021. The rate was higher in North Carolina at one firearm discovered for every 61,275 who flew.