TSA, RDU addressing increase in firearm detections

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The TSA and RDU are putting a message out to all travelers, firearms and weapons of any kind are prohibited from going through TSA screening lines.

ABC11 got a look at some of the items that have been surrendered to TSA here at RDU just within the month.

This includes pocket knives, mace, brass knuckles, and tools bigger than 12 inches.

Most of these are considered weapons even if you consider them self-defense devices.

None of which can be in your carryon luggage.

Dan Velez with TSA said they've detected 109 firearms which is five more than last year but have screened fewer people in North Carolina in general.

This can lead to passengers to miss flights.

"That's going to depend on what local law enforcement determines whether or not the individual has a permit to carry the firearm, whether or not the firearm was loaded, whether or not this is a repeatable offense. They take all that into consideration. Most of the time, travelers will still be able to catch their flight. However, there are times we are delayed long enough that they missed they missed their flight and they have to rebook," he said

He says there is a safe and legal way to travel with a firearm of self defense devices, but through TSA is not it.

"You got to make sure that you bring it up to the airline counter. You have a hard sided case that you can lock it, it's unloaded and you tell the airline that you have a firearm, they'll write up a thing, you sign it, a little sheet goes in your case and you're on your way," said Velez.

If you're caught with it in TSA they call law enforcement immediately and you could face a fine as small as $1,500 or up to $15,000.