Despite the luxuries and technologies we’re fortunate enough to experience in this day and age, traveling can still be a nightmare. Commercial air travel has come a long way since the days of the first powered flight but that doesn’t mean we’re not still working out the kinks.

This is especially true when it comes to having to go through security and dealing with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), whose job it is to keep us secure in airports and on flights. And, new data shows that the TSA has confiscated more firearms from Orlando International Airport (MCO) than any other airport in Florida — and many in the United States.

A new report from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reveals that Orlando International Airport (MCO) was ranked among the top 10 with the most firearms found in carry-on bags throughout 2023. The TSA said it intercepted a 6,737 guns at 265 different security checkpoints in the United States — surpassing the previous year’s record of 6,542.

MCO is ranked 7th on the list with 164 firearms confiscated throughout 2023. Tampa International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports followed with 144 and 135 found weapons, respectively.

The TSA report showed that 93% of the guns found were loaded, as well.

Now, we don’t want to alarm you too much, here. Many of the owners of these weapons were legally allowed to carry them in Florida — but not onto an airplane. And there’s no evidence that anyone trying to board an airplane last year at Orlando Airport was carrying a firearm with malintent. But we were surprised at how common this is — we did the math, and it happens just about every other day.

Here’s a look at the top 10 airports with the most confiscated firearms in 2023:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – 451
2. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport – 378
3. George Bush Intercontinental Airport – 311
4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – 235
5. Nashville International Airport – 188
6. Denver International Airport – 178
7. Orlando International Airport – 164
8. Tampa International Airport – 144
9. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport – 135
10. Dallas Love Field – 125

“We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints, and what’s particularly concerning is the amount of them loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to everyone at the TSA checkpoint,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a press release. “Firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage. Passengers are only allowed to travel with an unloaded firearm, and only if they pack it properly in a locked, hard-sided case in their checked baggage and first declare it to the airline at the check-in counter.”

Click Orlando reports that when a firearm is found at a TSA checkpoint, the officers immediately notify local law enforcement who then remove the passenger from the checkpoint area. Local laws may dictate the law enforcement officer may arrest or cite the passenger.

Not only that, but bringing a firearm through a TSA checkpoint can lead to a civil penalty “up to approximately $15,000” and can also revoke any TSA PreCheck eligibility for at least five years.

The firearm should be unloaded and packed in your checked luggage. Here are the official TSA rules for traveling with firearms:

And here are the official TSA rules for traveling with ammunition:

If you must travel with a firearm, it’s important that you know the law before you head to the airport.

Stay tuned to DFB for the latest travel news, tips, and more.

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