The airports in Orlando and Tampa were among the top 10 in 2016 for firearm discoveries, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
- 3,391 firearms were found in carry-ons this year
- 83 percent of those weapons were loaded
- In Tampa TSA found 79, in Orlando 86
In the post, the TSA writes that in 2016 alone they discovered 3,391 firearms inside of carry-on bags.
Eighty-three percent of those weapons found were reportedly loaded.
Their findings were scattered throughout 238 airports – including Tampa International Airport, where they located 79 firearms, and Orlando International Airport, where they discovered 86.
Orlando International Airport ranked sixth in the top 10, with TPA at ranking eighth.
According to the TSA, firearm prevalence in American airports was up 28 percent in 2016 compared to the previous year. The trend has been gaining upward momentum without fail since 2007, when a mere 803 firearms were detected.
Firearms aren’t the only danger, though. Knifes, chemicals and swords disguised as canes also presented issues for TSA officers.
“TSA officers regularly find sword canes, credit card knives, belt buckle knives, comb/brush knives, knives hidden in shoes, knives hidden in thermoses and knives hidden under the bag lining near the handle mechanism.”
Pen knifes, lipstick stun guns and throwing stars hidden in phone cases were also found.
Not all items that raised suspicion were designed for devastation – some were simply replicas that took TSA officials hours to secure.
"The problem with these types of items is that we don’t know if they are real, toys or replicas until TSA explosives experts are called upon. Inert items can lead to disruption, closed terminals and checkpoints, which often result in canceled or delayed flights. Pictured here are just a few examples of times our officers discovered inert grenades in carry-on and checked bags last year."
Curious if a certain items can be taken on a flight with you? Visit the TSA's website, and don't make any of these mistakes: