Travel Articles - USA Carry

PHILADELPHIA, PA — TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport stopped a Media, Pennsylvania man from bringing a loaded firearm through a security checkpoint on Monday, March 31. The 9mm handgun, containing 14 rounds, was detected during routine screening. Philadelphia Police responded, confiscated the weapon, and issued the traveler a citation.

In addition to local penalties, the traveler now faces a federal civil fine, which TSA notes can stretch into the thousands of dollars. The agency emphasized that firearms — loaded or unloaded — are strictly prohibited in carry-on bags, even for those with concealed carry permits.

“It is disappointing to continue to see travelers bring their firearms to our checkpoints,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “If you must travel with your gun, there’s a way to do so. The proper way to do it is to make sure it’s unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case and taken to the airline check-in counter.”

So far in 2025, TSA officers at Philadelphia International have detected nine firearms at security checkpoints. In 2024, the number reached 40.

Incidents like this serve as a vital reminder for responsible gun owners: double-check your bags before heading to the airport. Especially if you’re using luggage that may have previously carried a firearm, it’s easy to forget a loaded magazine or even the firearm itself. This can lead to serious legal and financial consequences — and potentially the loss of TSA PreCheck privileges.

If you’re unsure how to fly with a firearm, I break it down step-by-step in my ongoing YouTube series on flying with firearms. With 14 episodes published so far and a new one released every Tuesday, I document the entire process — from declaring a firearm at the airline counter to retrieving it at baggage claim. It’s a practical, real-world look at how to travel legally and responsibly as a gun owner. You can check out the series here: Flying With Firearms Playlist

Also, make use of the free myTSA app or reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to confirm whether your items are travel-safe. A few extra minutes of preparation can save you from serious trouble.

Stay safe, stay responsible, and fly smart.

Read the original story: TSA Stops Armed Traveler at Philly Airport — Let This Be a PSA for Responsible Travel

Welcome back to the USA Carry Podcast! In Episode 11, we dive into the topic of lone wolf attacks—a type of violence that, while often unpredictable, poses a real threat that armed citizens should understand.

In this episode, we explore what defines a lone wolf attack and why these events can be especially challenging to detect or prevent. From real-life cases like the Pulse nightclub and San Bernardino attacks, we break down the characteristics that set these incidents apart from coordinated terror activities, offering insights into how lone wolf violence can impact individuals and communities.

But it’s not just about understanding the problem; it’s about equipping yourself with practical knowledge. We discuss strategies for staying vigilant as a concealed carrier, including situational awareness tips and mental preparedness for unpredictable scenarios.

Watch the full episode above, and be sure to catch the highlights:

We hope you find this discussion both eye-opening and useful. As always, subscribe to our podcast for more episodes on concealed carry insights, personal protection, and the latest in self-defense trends.

Read the original story: Understanding Lone Wolf Attacks: What Armed Citizens Should Know | E11 | USA Carry Podcast

Dive into the art of street-wise self-defense on this episode of the USA Carry Podcast. Join Sal as he talks with John Murphy of FPF Training about the crucial skills needed to handle real-life encounters on the streets. Learn about the importance of situational awareness, legal considerations, and tactical responses that go beyond traditional firearms training. John shares insights from his popular course, “Street Encounter Skills and Tactics,” providing listeners with strategies to improve their defensive preparedness and stay safe in uncertain situations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned defender, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of self-defense with confidence.

Read the original story: Navigating the Streets: Essential Encounter Skills with John Murphy | E9 | USA Carry Podcast