The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now seizing nearly 20 guns at airports every day.
So far this year, they have found more than 5,000.
This is on track to break last year’s record of 6,542 firearms.
For the third quarter just ended, TSA officers found 1,800 firearms in carry-on bags.
The vast majority – 94% – were loaded.
Firearms can only be transported unloaded in hard-sided chaecked in suitcases under special conditions.
It comes as the number of people flying has increased but so has the rate of guns found at airports.
TSA can impose a civil penalty of up to $15,000 for bringing an unchecked gun to the airport.
The more banned or suspicious items found, the longer the wait for everyone else, the TSA says.
