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Hartsfield-Jackson Takes Steps to Eliminate Guns in Carry-On Luggage

August 16th, 2013

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is discouraging passengers from bringing guns in their carry-on luggage. The effort comes as the airport is on track to have the most guns confiscated at security checkpoints in the nation for the second year in a row.

Last year, 100 firearms were confiscated at airport security checkpoints. This year, officials have already discovered 67. That’s more than any other U.S. airport. So to avoid that number climbing even higher, Hartsfield-Jackson Aviation General Manager Louis Miller says the airport recently put up additional signs to warn passengers. He’s also considering putting the information in an audio announcement.

“I would hope what happens is that based on having this is that we find ourselves with fewer people coming to the checkpoint with their guns.”

Miller says most who get caught claim it was unintentional.

“The vast majority of the people who go through here are carrying their gun legally, they have a concealed weapons permit, but they forget they have it, maybe a woman has it in his purse, or a guy has it in his pocket. Once you get in there and expose yourself to it, 99 percent of the time you’re going to be arrested and go to jail and be fined.”

Passengers can travel with guns if they declare them in their checked baggage.