The Transportation Security Administration is again warning absent-minded gun owners to check their bags thoroughly before heading to the airport.
It comes after a ‘crazy’ spike in guns found in bags at the three Tampa Bay Area airports.
TSA officers found 15 guns in travelers’ carry-on bags this month at Tampa International Airport, Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, and St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport.
That is more than double the usual rate.
"It’s a little bit startling. If we continue at the pace that we’re at right now, we will surpass last year’s total," said TSA spokesman Mark Howell.
"This October has really been a crazy month at the Bay Area airports."
Howell says the three airports discover about seven firearms a month on average.
"We’re really trying to get the word out to passengers to pay attention to what they have with them."
Howell said 85% of the weapons were loaded.
Travelers can be issued with a civil citation of up to $13,333 for bringing a gun to the airport.
"A very costly mistake for forgetting to check your bag," Howell added.
