How to transport firearms correctly while traveling at Sky Harbor

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Just this morning, a passenger crossed this checkpoint with a firearm that was not locked up or properly stored away.

TSA tells us they're finding more and more of this and there's a better way to keep everyone safe.

Sixty-six passengers didn't make it past security checkpoints at Sky Harbor this year, including nine passengers in the last 10 days, and the firearm found this morning.

"Firearms should never be brought to the security checkpoint, a federal law prevents that and that's what we want people to remember," Lori Dankers said. "It's not like your local laws are, it's federal laws are dictated here at the airport."

TSA says there is a correct way to pack your firearm if you plan to head to the airport, one that will make security checkpoints much smoother.

"Number one is your firearm needs to be unloaded," Dankers said. "We want you to remove the magazine and place in its case, the firearm is well in the case and if you're traveling with ammunition, return it to its original packaging and place that in the case as well."

Arizona gun laws allow anyone over the age of 21 to carry a firearm. TSA says they do not discourage passengers from bringing a firearm on board, but rather, what's more important is that they are properly stored once crossing checkpoints.