BANGOR, ME —
question
Can I fly on a plane with a firearm?
source of information
answer
Yes, you can travel with firearms on a plane as long as you follow these very specific rules.
what we found
TSA representatives said the number of firearms found at airport security checkpoints across the country has steadily increased.
Oscar de los Reyes is the TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Maine. Reyes said finding guns at checkpoints is common across the country. It's legal to travel with a gun, but there's still a right and wrong way to do it.
“What's serious is accidental discharges, and we're trying to avoid that,” Reyes said.
Reyes said the number of guns found at airport security checkpoints has tripled in the past decade, citing 6,7000 guns detected at airport checkpoints last year. Reyes said 93 percent of those guns were loaded.
“Officers need to spend time making sure it's not a threatening item or a safety concern for other travelers,” Reyes explained, adding that people don't want to dispose of firearms. He said if stored properly, it will delay everyone's passage through TSA.
Bangor Police Department Public Information Officer Jason McAmbry said if you want to travel with a firearm, you must first be responsible.
“If you're going to play the game, make sure you know the rules,” McAmbry said.
So, here's a question. What is the correct way to travel with a firearm?
The TSA's firearms carry guidelines state that firearms must be stored in a lockable case with hard sides. I can't even load a gun. While traveling, guns must be separated from ammunition, stored in a suitable case, and packed in checked baggage. Firearms cannot be packed with carry-on baggage.
“This is a good way to make sure the gun isn't loose,” Reyes said. “That it's properly contained. It's not loaded, that's very important. Also, the ammunition is properly repacked as well and the firearm is not brought on board with other things. Make sure it can be safely transported under the plane”Public. “
Reyes said if a firearm is found at a TSA checkpoint, they could face legal liability.
“We are considering civil penalties and possible criminal referral, including fines of up to $10,000 for first offenses,” Reyes said.
Failure to follow firearm safety regulations will not only result in hefty fines. You may also be arrested or placed on a no-fly list.
“Sometimes it's just for the airline, but if it violates federal law, no, no!” McAmbry said. “Don't fly. You misunderstand. I don't just mean today. I mean forever. I'm sure there are still people on the list who did something stupid.” ”
McAmbry said the severity of the impact depends on the situation.
If you plan on traveling with a firearm, be sure to visit the TSA website to fully understand how to properly store your gun while traveling.
McAmbry said if you don't want to travel with a gun but don't want to leave it at home, you can always contact your local police department and ask them to keep your gun in your possession until you return from your trip. said. If you're traveling abroad, you can also leave your weapon at your local Border Patrol station and see if you can retrieve it once you get back to your state, he said.
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