In 2024, Michigan residents showed improvement in keeping their firearms at home or packing them properly before flying. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) data released this month, there were 92 incidents of firearms being found at Michigan airport security gates. This was a decrease of nearly 26% from the previous year, 2023.
As expected, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), being the busiest airport in the state, recorded the highest number of firearm incidents, with 60 cases. However, this was a significant drop of 37.5% from 2023 and represented the lowest number of firearm discoveries at the airport since 2020.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids had 19 firearm-related incidents. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City and Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT) in the Upper Peninsula recorded five and three incidents, respectively.
The TSA has clear rules regarding the transportation of firearms. An unloaded firearm is allowed only in checked baggage if placed in a locked, hard-sided container. Passengers must also declare their firearm and/or ammunition when checking their bag at the airline’s ticket counter. Firearm parts, toy guns, and replicas are also subject to the same rules and must be checked in.
People who violate these rules may be detained and face misdemeanor charges. They could also be hit with a civil penalty up to $14,950. Additionally, violators may undergo enhanced screening, and their TSA PreCheck eligibility can be revoked for a minimum of five years.
On a national level, TSA officers at airports across the country stopped approximately 6,678 firearms in 2024. This equates to about 18 firearms being discovered per day, or about one firearm for every 135,383 passengers screened. Notably, a large majority (94%) of these firearms were loaded. It is important to note that ammunition is not allowed in carry-on bags and must be declared to the airline when stored in checked luggage.
For comparison, here are the top 10 airports in the country with the highest number of firearm discoveries at TSA checkpoints in 2024:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): 440 firearms
- Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW): 390 firearms
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston: 272 firearms
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX): 247 firearms
- Nashville International (BNA): 188 firearms
- Denver International (DEN): 166 firearms
- Orlando International (MCO): 150 firearms
- Dallas Love Field (DAL): 143 firearms
- Tampa International (TPA): 135 firearms
- Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS): 126 firearms
While the numbers show a decrease in Michigan, the national statistics reveal an ongoing concern. As the number of travelers continues to rise, so does the need for awareness about the safe transportation of firearms. Proper packing and understanding of TSA regulations will ensure smoother and safer travel for everyone.
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