Number of firearms stopped at RIC in 2023 down from previous year

In total, 117 firearms were detected in 2023 at Virginia's eight commercial airports (one fewer than were detected in 2022), with Reagan International in Northern Virginia (39) recording the most.

About 93% of the 6,737 guns stopped nationally last year at airports were loaded, according to the TSA.

TSA officials are concerned about the number of firearms that are being discovered at airport security checkpoints, and officials say that the majority of individuals who bring guns to checkpoints claim that they forgot that their gun was in their carry-on bag.

Officials also noted that the penalties for carrying a firearm to an airport security checkpoint can vary significantly from one state to another. Although it is illegal to bring a gun to an airport checkpoint in Virginia, travelers with proper permits can legally travel with a firearm if the gun is in their checked bags and is unloaded.

Travelers are encouraged to check the gun laws of the state they are traveling to make sure that they have the proper permits for the firearm. Firearms can be legally transported in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a locked hard-side case. Ammunition must also be in its original box and packed inside the hard-side case.

For details about how to travel safely with a firearm, visit the TSA website.