At Hartsfield-Jackson International, the world’s busiest airport, the sheer volume of passengers contributes to its position as the airport with the most guns found at security checkpoints nationally.
Even without counting connecting passengers who don’t pass through security, Hartsfield-Jackson is still among the busiest airports in the nation. The 96 guns found at security checkpoints in 2012 was a record for the Atlanta airport.
“The figures … should provide an assurance to the public that these items are being kept off of aircraft,” said Transportation Security Administration spokesman Jon Allen.
At Hartsfield-Jackson, travelers who are found with guns at security checkpoints are typically arrested and face criminal charges, along with a civil penalty from the TSA, Allen said.
Georgia has more liberal gun laws than some other places. For example, guns are allowed in the terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson up until security checkpoints because of a 2010 state law.
The airport said that in April it responded to a complaint by removing signs posted on the doors to the domestic terminal saying guns are prohibited, acknowledging that the signs contradicted state law.
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