TSA finds more guns in carry-on bags in ’15

Airport security screeners in the U.S. found a record high number of firearms in carry-on bags last year, and most of them were loaded, officials said.

The Transportation Security Administration said it found 2,653 firearms, 20 percent more than in 2014, and that 83 percent of them contained ammunition.

The agency suggested that the increase may be the result of better search techniques by airport screeners, although a moderate uptick in the number of travelers also may have contributed.

“The transport of firearms by commercial air in carry-on bags represents a threat to the safety and security of air travelers,” TSA administrator Peter V. Neffenger said. “Through increased training in detection methods, our officers are becoming more adept at intercepting these prohibited items.”

Firearms were discovered in carry-ons at 236 airports in 2015, the TSA said. Those with the most were:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, 153 firearms found.

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 144.

• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 100.

• Denver International Airport, 90.

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 73.

All weapons, including guns, knives and ammunition, as well as inert bombs and realistic props made to look like firearms, are prohibited in carry-on bags on commercial planes.