The TSA has issued a heartfelt warning with clear urgency. In the first half of 2025, nine firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), making it the East Coast’s top airport for gun seizures—a distinction no one wishes for. With care and concern, this alert calls on travelers to check their bags thoughtfully, ensuring safer skies and protecting the well-being of all who journey through this bustling hub.
Whether you’re a road warrior racking up frequent flyer miles or a once-a-year vacationer, this is a travel trend you really need to understand. The issue isn’t just about rule-breaking — it’s about public safety, criminal consequences, and thousands of dollars in fines.
TSA Raises Alarm Over Armed Passengers on Flights
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Guns Found at BOS (2025) | 9 (as of June 16) |
| Year-over-Year Increase | ~28% increase from 2024 |
| Civil Penalty per Incident | $3,000 to $17,062 |
| Security Impact | Lane shutdowns, flight delays, staffing surges |
| aProper Travel With Firearms | Locked case, unloaded, in checked baggage |
| State Law Caution | Permits don’t apply at TSA checkpoints |
| Official TSA Guidelines | tsa.gov/firearms |
The TSA has gently reported finding nine loaded firearms at Boston Logan Airport in 2025, raising a heartfelt call for all air travelers to prioritize safety. This caring guide offers clear, step-by-step advice on how to legally fly with a firearm, avoid hefty fines, and follow TSA rules with ease.
Covering legal risks, state laws, and airport procedures, it’s a compassionate resource for everyone—whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned flyer. Before your next journey, let this guide help you travel responsibly, ensuring safer skies for all with kindness and clarity.
What’s Going Down at Boston Logan?
On June 16, 2025, at Boston Logan’s Terminal A, TSA officers, with care and vigilance, uncovered the ninth firearm of the year during a routine screening. A passenger had a loaded 9mm handgun—yes, fully loaded—tucked in their carry-on. This heartfelt discovery underscores the need for thoughtful travel practices, urging everyone to check their bags with kindness to ensure safer skies and protect the well-being of all travelers passing through this vibrant airport.
This isn’t a lone incident. Boston has seen a 28% spike in gun catches compared to this time in 2024. And most of these guns? Loaded and carried by people who claim they forgot they were in the bag.
Why This Should Matter to You
You might think, “Hey, I don’t carry a gun — this doesn’t apply to me.”
Not true. Every time someone brings a gun through a TSA checkpoint:
- Security lines are shut down
- Flights get delayed
- Additional screening resources are diverted
- All passengers in line are affected
“Just one firearm forces us to stop operations temporarily and alert law enforcement. It’s not just about that one traveler — it impacts everyone in the airport,” says TSA Spokesperson Dan Velez.
What the Rules Actually Say — TSA’s Firearm Policy Explained
Yes, you can fly with a gun. But no, you can’t carry it onboard. Even if you’re licensed.
TSA-Approved Way to Travel With a Firearm:
- Must be unloaded
- Locked in a hard-sided case
- Packed inside checked baggage only
- Declared to the airline at check-in
- Ammo stored separately (or within same case per airline rules)
Check your airline’s firearm policy for details. Official TSA Firearm Transport Guidelines
Legal Differences by State — Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
This is huge. Gun laws vary state by state. What’s legal in Texas or Florida might get you arrested in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts is one of the strictest states: even possession of a firearm without a state license can be a felony.
- TSA rules are federal, but state/local law enforcement prosecutes violations.
- So even if you think you’re following the rules, local laws can come down hard.
Impact on Travelers and Airport Operations
A single firearm discovery can:
- Shut down a TSA lane for 15–30 minutes
- Delay hundreds of passengers
- Cost airports $8,000–$10,000 per incident in labor and delays
- Trigger airline missed flight fees and rebooking chaos
- TSA says each incident wastes critical security resources that could be focused on real threats.
What Airports Are Doing About It
Airports aren’t standing still. Logan and others have ramped up:
- Awareness campaigns: Signs and announcements reminding passengers about firearm laws.
- Staff training: Officers are trained to quickly and safely respond to gun finds.
- Data monitoring: Weekly trend reports track where spikes are happening to deploy more staff.
- Some are even using AI tools to flag risky passengers for extra screening.
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Real Scenarios — What Could Happen to You
“I forgot it was in my backpack…”
Still your fault. You’ll face:
- TSA fine (up to $17,000)
- Arrest or criminal summons by local police
- TSA PreCheck suspension (6 months to a year)
“But I have a concealed carry permit.”
Doesn’t matter at the checkpoint. Permits are irrelevant to TSA rules.
“It wasn’t loaded.”
TSA doesn’t care — any gun, loaded or not, breaks the rules.
Smart Travel Tips to Stay Out of Trouble
- Do a bag check before leaving home.
- Label your travel bags clearly — never reuse a range bag for flying.
- Use a pre-flight checklist (wallet, keys, ID, no weapons).
- If you’re unsure, call your airline or TSA AskTSA on Twitter/X.
FAQs
Can I bring a gun if I’m military or law enforcement?
Only under specific agency travel orders — otherwise, you must follow the same TSA rules.
What if I forget it’s there?
You’re still liable. Forgetting doesn’t exempt you from fines or arrest.
Is it okay if it’s in a locked carry-on?
No. All firearms must go in checked baggage, regardless of locks.
Where can I appeal a TSA fine?
Use the TSA civil penalty process: tsa.gov/travel/civil-enforcement
