The Transportation Security Administration said the
number of guns its agents have found on travelers at airports across
Texas is up, with the biggest spike at Dallas Love Field.
This month
alone, TSA agents seized six guns at Love Field -- 15 so far this year.
Compare that to just 1 gun during the same time frame, last year.
Despite
checking in more than three times the number of passengers, the agency
seized 16 guns so far this year at Dallas/Fort Worth International
Airport -- just one more than at Love Field.
All of the travelers had concealed handgun licenses and simply forgot they were armed, the TSA said.
But whether it is an accident or not, all passengers caught with a weapon in their carry-on are arrested. The civil fines can reach up to $10,000.
“If you are
planning on taking a quick weekend trip, that can turn into an expensive
endeavor if you don't take that time upfront that you know everything
in your bag,” said Amy Williams, TSA federal security director at Love
Field.
Williams said travelers must transport guns in checked baggage. Each airline has its own individual policies.