Authorities Stop Man With Loaded Gun At Bangor Airport This Week

A 57-year-old man was prevented from carrying a loaded .380 caliber gun, with extra rounds onto an airplane by a security officer at the Bangor International Airport earlier this week.

According to WGME, the man claimed he had forgotten the firearm was in his carry-on.

Get our free mobile app

"During questioning, TSA officers say the man stated he forgot the firearm was in his bag. He was eventually escorted back to his vehicle by Bangor police to secure his firearm."

The rules for how to fly with a firearm and/or ammunition are pretty clear. The TSA's website:

"You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage."

In fact, they even provide you with a video to watch, should you need further clarification.

WGME says if you're caught traveling with a firearm, the fine can be pretty steep.

"A typical first offense for carrying a loaded gun into a checkpoint is $3,000 and can go as high as $15,000 depending on any mitigating circumstances."

Maine's 10 Busiest Commercial Airports

Maine's aviation connection is mostly considered two entities, the Portland Jetport and the Bangor International Airport.

These two facilities unquestionably handle the bulk of the commercial aviation in state. However, there are a number of smaller airports that also help ship people out of Maine.

Here is a look at the 10 busiest airports in Maine.

the information used comes from 2019 FAA statistics. This means these ridership numbers are from before the pandemic.