WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is stepping up its efforts at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) following a spike in the number of firearms detected at security checkpoints. Fred Person, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Kansas, says the increase is alarming. “Last year, we had a total of 17 [firearms] for the year. This year, we’ve already found 9 — and seven of those were loaded,” he said. “That creates a significant hazard for both our passengers that are flying out as well as our screening officers.” According to Person, the TSA is launching an educational campaign to help travelers better understand how to travel with firearms — legally and safely. “We wanted to show individuals the proper way to declare these and to properly package them so that we can avoid having any issues at the checkpoint,” he said. The consequences for not properly declaring a firearm can be steep. Passengers can face a fine of up to $17,000 and may lose TSA PreCheck privileges for up to five years. “There are some significant problems that can occur if you do not declare your firearm,” Person said. So why are so many firearms showing up at the airport? Person says there’s no definitive answer, but forgetfulness is the most common explanation given. Wanted felon captured after chase in Park City “The main answer that we get here is, when somebody has a firearm, the typical answer is ‘I forgot it was in my bag,’” he said. The TSA urges travelers to start with an empty bag before packing, double-check for ammunition or firearm components, and follow all guidelines. The agency’s website, tsa.gov, provides detailed instructions for how to declare and pack a firearm for air travel.  While the guidelines are consistent across airports, each state has its own gun laws. Person emphasized that travelers should know the laws of their destination. “Just because Kansas allows open carry doesn’t mean other states do,” he said. “If you take a firearm to New York, for example, you’re always going to get arrested.” Though repeat offenders are rare, they are tracked in the TSA system. “Once you receive an investigation by TSA for having a firearm, it’s logged,” Person said. “If you come back through the airport, that fine could be increased, you could lose PreCheck permanently, and there could be other penalties.” Beyond firearms, TSA agents at ICT have intercepted unusual and dangerous items, including hatchets and swords. TSA encourages travelers to use its website to check which items are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage to avoid issues at the checkpoint. “Flying is already a stressful situation for a lot of people,” said Person. “We want to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible.” For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. ...read more read less