TSA Finds Gun Stuffed Inside Raw Chicken

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week posted photos of a pistol found stuffed inside a raw chicken, prompting them to remind travelers to properly check firearms when flying.

“The plot chickens as we barrel our way closer to Thanksgiving. For us, it’s a time to be thankful that our officers are always working around the cluck to keep you safe,” a TSA spokesperson wrote about the incident.

“We hate to beak it to you here, but stuffing a firearm in your holiday bird for travel is just a baste of time. This idea wasn’t even half-baked; it was raw, greasy, and obviously unsupervised,” the spokesperson continued.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the individual who stuffed the bird with the pistol was fined or charged for the undeclared gun.

SEE ALSO: TSA Quick Tips on Flying with Firearms

However, the agency attempted to use the incident as a teachable moment for travelers.

“As we enter the busiest holiday travel period, remember if you are going to travel with your gun it must be in your checked bag, but be sure you know what the gun laws are on each side of your trip or you may be heading to jail instead of to your family gathering,” TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz wrote in a recent statement.

“Guns may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions,” Koshetz continued.

The TSA has handed out more than $52 million in civil penalties over the past three years to travelers who were caught carrying guns through airport checkpoints. In 2022, that number is already over $20 million and the holiday travel season is just weeks away.

First-time offenders face a fan of $1,500. But the fine doubles to $3,000 if the firearm is loaded. Roughly 87% of the firearms detected are loaded. Repeat offenders face a maximum fine of nearly $14,000, according to the agency.

The TSA offered these five tips to help travelers get through the checkpoints as quickly and efficiently as possible:

• Tip 1: No guns in carry-ons. Firearms must be in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the gun laws are on both sides of your trip.
• Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own bag before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?” link on TSA.gov.
• Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. Follow the liquids, gels and aerosols rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage. Empty your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin.
• Tip 4: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
• Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.   

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