Here Is the Only Right Way to Travel with a Firearm
Gun interceptions down at PIT and nationwide in 2024
By Daniel Lagiovane
Published January 27, 2025
Read Time: 3 mins
The Transportation Security Administration intercepted 42 guns at Pittsburgh International Airport in 2024, a slight drop from 2023, when TSA confiscated 44.
In 2024, TSA stopped 6,678 firearms at 277 airport checkpoints nationwide, a decline from the 6,737 intercepted in 2023.
Pennsylvania statewide also saw a decrease in the number of firearms detected from the year before. In 2024, nine Pennsylvania commercial airports intercepted 97 handguns as compared to 103 in 2023.
“Our officers across the state are to be commended for their continued vigilance in ensuring that no prohibited or illegal items are carried onto a flight,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania. “It was good to see fewer people bringing their guns to our checkpoints in 2024, however it continues to be disappointing to see individuals who are still bringing their firearms to our security checkpoints.
“When stopped by our officers, the majority of people claim that they forgot that they had their gun with them,” Spero added. “It is careless and irresponsible to not know where your gun is. Responsible gun owners know where their gun is at all times. And they know not to bring it to an airport checkpoint.”
Spero was in Pittsburgh on Jan. 23 to demonstrate how to legally pack a firearm and ammunition if you must travel with them.

Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, speaks a