So far this year The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stopped 39 guns from making it onto Jacksonville flights, which is a new record. In fact, record numbers of guns have been stopped at airports across the state.
The TSA and Jacksonville Aviation Authority are reminding holiday travelers to leave the guns and weapons of all types at home.
"The escalation is not only troubling but dangerous as most of the guns have been loaded,” said TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz in an email to WJCT News.
In addition to firearms, TSA officers have stopped thousands of pounds of other weapons across the state. TSA officers have confiscated everything from brass knuckles and knives to hazardous materials such as flammable chemicals.
Related: Track Flights AT JIA And Airports Across The Country
Passengers that insist on bringing guns can find themselves facing up to a $13,000 fine and possible arrest, according to the TSA.
“Travelers are reminded that they might be heading to jail rather than to their desired destination if they don’t focus on what is inside their carry-on bags,” said Koshetz.
The TSA is reminding travelers that each time an officer has to open a carry-on bag due to prohibited items, it slows down the line for you and everyone else.
That also applies to electronics. Any electronic gadget larger than a cell phone must be removed from your bag and placed in a bin at the checkpoint, unless you are in the TSA precheck program.
But even TSA precheck passengers may occasionally be subject to additional screening.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
