Always check your handbag for a gun before flying

Plenty of Louisiana residents love to exercise their Second Amendment rights, but you need to make sure you do not have a gun on your person when you go through TSA at the airport. It is worth reiterating the point, especially after the season finale of the hit show, Atlanta, which saw the lead character, Earn, accidentally bring a gun in his backpack before his flight.

Even if it was a total accident, you are not going to get off scot-free. There will be consequences, so it is paramount to inspect your luggage before leaving your house to make sure you do not have a gun anywhere in your belongings. Otherwise, you will have to contend with criminal charges.

How to travel with a firearm

There is a litany of reasons why you may need a gun with you on your trip, and there actually are ways to fly with a gun. First, it is important to remember any firearm will need to go with your checked luggage. No gun will go on as a carry-on.

You will need to store the firearm in a hard-sided container. Additionally, the gun cannot have any ammo inside. To be on the safe side, you should completely remove the magazine, too. When you check in your luggage, you will need to declare you have a firearm. You will also need to fill out a short document asserting the gun is in fact yours.

The consequences

You may have a gun in your backpack or purse you completely forgot about until you hear an alarm go off at TSA. In this instance, the TSA can fine you up to $10,000. You may be able to reduce the fine by pleading your case. The state will look at your criminal background and whether or not you artfully concealed the weapon. At the scene, you should be completely cooperative. Make it clear it was an accident.