A man from Central Pennsylvania learned the hard way this past weekend that antique firearms are still considered weapons when it comes to airport security. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials uncovered a revolver in the Middletown resident’s carry-on bag on June 9th at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). While the antique pistol was unloaded, failing to properly transport it resulted in a criminal citation. In this article we talk about Man Cited for Bringing Antique Pistol to Philadelphia International Airport.
TSA Discovers Antique Revolver Among Clothes
According to the CBS NEWS, the antique revolver was nestled among the man’s clothing when it was detected by security officers. When questioned, he informed them it was a gift from his father. While the sentimental value is understandable, all firearms must be transported properly to avoid legal troubles.
“This individual learned a hard lesson about the proper way to transport a firearm for a flight” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for PHL. “You just don’t toss a firearm into a carry-on bag along with your clothes, even if it is unloaded.”
In addition to the criminal citation from police, the man also faces a potential civil penalty upwards of $15,000 for carrying a prohibited item through airport security. The TSA takes firearms in carry-ons very seriously, even if they are family heirlooms.
15 Firearms Confiscated at PHL So Far This Year
The antique revolver marks the 15th firearm confiscated by TSA officials at PHL checkpoints year-to-date in 2024. Last year set a record with agents catching 45 guns at Philadelphia International – the most firearms ever confiscated at the airport in one year.
After a few years of decline between 2017 and 2019, firearms confiscated at PHL have increased steadily:
- 2017: 35 guns
- 2018: 35 guns
- 2019: 20 guns
- 2020: 26 guns
- 2021: 39 guns
- 2022: 44 guns
- 2023: 45 guns
- 2024: 15 guns as of June 9
Airport security experts believe the rise correlates with both increased air travel and gun ownership rates. Across all eight Pennsylvania airports, TSA agents seized 103 firearms in 2023 – a significant jump from the 82 taken in 2022.
Protocols for Flying with Firearms
While this story involves an antique pistol, the protocols remain the same for modern firearms. Any flier traveling with guns or ammunition must adhere to TSA guidelines to avoid hefty fines or arrest.
All firearms need to be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided, locked case. Ammunition must be stored properly as well. Guns can only be transported in checked baggage and require declaration at the airline ticket counter. Even with proper procedures followed, many airports still restrict items they consider dangerous.
The TSA website offers in-depth information on flying with firearms to help travelers adhere to the rules. Given the upward trend of confiscations in recent years, air passengers need to take these protocols seriously to avoid unintended legal troubles. I sincerely hope you find this “Man Cited for Bringing Antique Pistol to Philadelphia International Airport-Find Out Details” article helpful.
Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.
