KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A message to anyone flying out of KCI: don't pack a gun in your carry on bag, or you could be arrested and fined.
It's a problem that continues to get worse according to the Transportation Security Agency.
TSA confirmed to 41 Action News they've seen an increase in guns being confiscated this year.
Here are some of the numbers Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for TSA, gave to 41:
In 2016, 44 guns were confiscated at KCI. As of Nov. 26, 2017, that number was 58.
Nationally, the problem is just as bad. TSA confirmed the number of guns confiscated at airports across the nation is up by nearly 400.
"With more people traveling, and more people getting guns, you are going to see more people get caught with guns packed in their bags," Howell said.
TSA regulations do not allow travelers to take guns or ammo through security checkpoints.
If they do bring a weapon to the checkpoint, the could be arrested and fined up to $11,000.
The TSA has some tips on properly packing a weapon or ammunition, if you choose to do so.
Firearms
- Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only.
- Firearm parts, including firearm frames and receivers, are prohibited in all carry-on baggage and must also be placed in checked baggage.
- All firearms, ammunition and parts in checked baggage must be declared at the airline ticket counter during the check-in process.
- Replica firearms may be transported in checked baggage only.
- Travelers are encouraged to check regulations related to carrying firearms where they are traveling from and to, as laws may vary by destination.
- Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked bags.
Ammunition
- Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
- Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as described in the packing guidelines above.
