TAMPA, FL (WFLA) — The Transportation Security Administration at Tampa International Airport is reminding travelers to leave guns at home. They say a total of 64 guns have been stopped by TSA officers so far this year, including 4 guns in one day, at TPA.
Other prohibited items TSA officers have stopped in the checkpoint have included stun guns, hand grenades, brass knuckles and martial arts weapons. Passengers bringing firearms – most of which were loaded – has been escalating with more guns stopped already this year than in all of 2015.
TSA will present travelers with additional tips on Tuesday. While making travel less stressful, these tips will help you avoid civil penalties of up to $11,000 and possible arrest. If you must travel with your gun, it must be in checked baggage, unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline at check-in.
Here are some other tips to be reminded of:
The 3-1-1 rule: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1-quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag is permitted per passenger; and the plastic bag must be taken out of your suitcase and placed into a screening bin. Travelers in the TSA Precheck program can leave this bag inside their carryon during screening.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces, and they don’t have to be in the zip-top bag, but they must be declared for inspection at the checkpoint before you send your bag into the x-ray tunnel. If in doubt, put your liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in your checked baggage. But make sure they are not HazMat as certain chemicals are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags.
Be prepared. Each time a TSA officer has to open a carry-on bag due to prohibited items, it slows down the line for you and everyone else. Practicing the 3-1-1 rule and leaving home without your gun or other prohibited items will facilitate the checkpoint experience and reduce your travel stress.
