More Guns Are Being Brought To Charlotte Airport

More people are bringing guns to North Carolina's largest airport, continuing a four-year trend.

In 2013, 26 guns were brought to the Charlotte Douglas Airport. Already this year, authorities have found 17. That's on pace to match last year's record of 55.

The local record wasn't even in the top ten of airports across the country. According to a blog from the Transportation Safety Administration, 3,391 firearms were found at checkpoints, including a pink Hello Kitty handgun. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was the national leader, with almost 200 guns found.

“In addition to all of the other prohibited items we find weekly in carry-on bags, our officers also regularly find firearm components, realistic replica firearms, bb and pellet guns, airsoft guns, brass knuckles, ammunition, batons, stun guns, small pocketknives and many other prohibited items too numerous to note,” the TSA reports.

Police say most people who bring guns to the airport simply forget they have them with them.

But that lapse of memory can come with a heavy cost. People who bring weapons to the airport can be fined $3,000 or more.

Airports including Piedmont Triad International post reminders that guns, ammunition and knives are not allowed at TSA checkpoints.

Unloaded firearms are allowed in checked baggage, but there are restrictions. The TSA has listed the guidelines here.