NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Responsible gun owners simply don't forget about where their guns are when they travel. That's according to a regional Transportation Security Administration official, who said forgetfulness is often the most common excuse travelers give when caught with firearms. “ Most people claim that they forgot they had it with them,” said TSA regional spokesperson Lisa Farbstein. “If you're a responsible gun owner, you know where your gun is at all times.” In 2024, TSA officers intercepted a record 34 firearms at Norfolk International Airport, but so far this year, just one gun has been detected — TSA officers stopped a Virginia Beach woman after finding a loaded gun in her carry-on bag. Norfolk TSA officers intercept first gun of 2025 at ORF The firearm, a .380 caliber handgun loaded with six bullets, was discovered at the security checkpoint back in January. TSA officers notified the Norfolk Airport Authority Police, who confiscated the weapon. The case will be referred to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution. In North Carolina, TSA officers have found 50 loaded firearms in the first two months of this year. TSA officers find 50 loaded firearms at NC airports in first 2 months of 2025 Travelers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face significant consequences, including a civil penalty of up to $14,950. They may also lose their TSA PreCheck eligibility for at least five years and may have to go through enhanced screening. Additionally, local law enforcement may arrest or cite the individual. Nationwide, TSA officers intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport checkpoints in 2024, with 94% of them loaded. While this marks a decrease in firearm interceptions per million passengers compared to 2023, the agency continues to emphasize the importance of responsible packing. TSA: Virginia sets record for firearms seized at airport checkpoints in 2024 “They [TSA] remove the weapon from the checkpoint and the individual from the checkpoint to really investigate and see what's going on," Farbstein said. "But the whole idea is that the weapon is typically confiscated by the police. Again, TSA does not confiscate the guns. That's something the police do. So the threat item is then removed from the possession of the traveler.” Farbstein explained that once police confiscate a firearm, the immediate threat is eliminated. Whether the traveler can still catch their flight depends on the situation. If they're arrested, making their flight is unlikely. However, if law enforcement releases them quickly, they might still have a chance to proceed with their travel plans. Firearms are only permitted in checked baggage, provided they are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container and properly declared at the airline’s ticket counter. TSA encourages travelers to check its guidelines using the MyTSA app, which allows users to search for specific items and determine how they should be packed. For more information on TSA regulations and travel tips, visit tsa.gov. ...read more read less