TSA detects 6,737 firearms at airport security checkpoints in 2023

WASHINGTON—During 2023, the Transportation Security Administration intercepted a total of 6,737 firearms at airport security checkpoints, preventing them from getting into the secure areas of the airport and onboard aircraft. Approximately 93% of these firearms were loaded. This total surpasses the previous year’s record of 6,542 firearms stopped at checkpoints and represents the highest one-year total in TSA’s history. “We […]

TSA now accepts mobile IDs in Google Wallet on Android mobile devices, starting with the State of Maryland

WASHINGTON—In collaboration with the State of Maryland and Google, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts Maryland-issued mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards in Google Wallet on Android mobile phones at select TSA airport security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck® passengers will be able to use this new feature at checkpoints for identity verification at 25 participating airports. “TSA’s partnership with Google […]

TSA awards up to $1.3 billion to procure additional CT X-ray scanners for airport checkpoints

WASHINGTON—The Transportation Security Administration this week announced the award of three orders for a combined total value of up to $1.3 billion for Computed Tomography (CT) scanners to include up to 426 base, 359 mid-size, and 429 full-size units, if all options are exercised, for deployment across TSA checkpoints starting Summer 2023. Analogic Corporation will provide base-size units. IDSS Holdings […]

Apple announces Maryland as one of first states to adopt driver’s licenses, state IDs in Apple Wallet

CUPERTINO, CA—Apple on Wednesday announced that it is working with several states across the country, which will roll out the ability for their residents to securely add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet on their iPhone and Apple Watch. Arizona and Georgia will be the first states to introduce this new innovation to their residents, with Connecticut, Iowa, […]

Nineteen years after 9/11 terrorist attacks, TSA remains focused on evolving challenges

WASHINGTON, DC—The Transportation Security Administration hosted a 9/11 commemoration event on Friday morning at the agency’s headquarters in Arlington, Va., to mark the 19th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, remember the victims, and honor their families. “September 11th was a traumatic day and a tragedy that continues to be felt by all Americans, including many TSA employees who […]

TSA prepares for summer travelers with updated security procedures

WASHINGTON, DC—With the Memorial Day holiday weekend kicking off the start of summer, the Transportation Security Administration is preparing a very different travel season given the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. TSA has implemented changes to the security screening process that reduce the potential for cross-contamination at the security checkpoint in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. TSA has […]

TSA: Number of guns brought to airport checkpoints in 2019 up 5 percent

WASHINGTON, DC—Transportation Security Administration officers caught more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. In total, 4,432 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags or on passengers at checkpoints across the country last year, averaging about 12.1 firearms per day, approximately a 5% increase nationally in firearm discoveries from the total of 4,239 detected […]

TSA: Plan ahead for another high volume travel period

WASHINGTON, DC—The Transportation Security Administration expects another high volume period for the upcoming holiday season. Between December 19 and January 5, TSA estimates 42 million passengers will travel through security screening checkpoints nationwide, an increase of 3.9 percent from 2018. “I can’t express enough how proud I am of the TSA workforce,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Year after year, […]