Several airlines are banning firearms on flights to Washington, DC, before the presidential inauguration next week.
The measures take place amid security concerns following the violent rebellion of President Trump’s supporters on January 6 on Capitol Hill.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines will not allow passengers to bring firearms in checked baggage on flights to the DC area from Saturday, January 16 to Saturday, January 23, airline officials told Fox News. Exceptions will be made for accredited police officers.
Protesters drag and capture a metropolitan police officer as they attempt to enter the United States Capitol building. (Eric Lee / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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“Nothing is more important than doing our part to keep people safe,” said a Delta spokesman.
Alaska Airlines will temporarily ban firearms in bags shipped on flights to the DC area, among other additional security measures, starting Friday, January 15.
American Airlines will also ban firearms dispatched on flights to the DC area from Saturday, January 16, Reuters reported. Airline representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News questions.
Dulles International Airport is one of several airports in the DC area where airlines will not allow passengers to check their bags with guns before opening.
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Southwest Airlines has not announced any changes to its firearms verification policy, but an airline spokesman said the company “will continue the dialogue around any additional measures needed as we navigate the current environment, including the assessment of temporary amendments to politics “. Southwest will also continue to coordinate with law enforcement and review any updates to the TSA’s no-fly list, the spokesman said, and alcohol service remains suspended on Southwest flights because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the airlines are also taking additional precautions, such as keeping crews out of downtown Washington hotels.
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Airlines have seen several recent cases of disruptive or undisciplined flight behavior. Videos circulating on social media show passengers yelling at Senator Mitt Romney on a flight before the Capitol riot. Passengers arguing about Trump got into a dispute on another flight. And a pilot threatened to divert a flight and “evict people” on Friday after passengers screamed and refused to wear masks.
The FAA enforced its policies for unruly passengers this week, with stricter penalties for those who break the rules.
TSA allows passengers to transport firearms unloaded in rigid and controlled containers, but this rule is subject to local laws and airline policies. Passengers carrying firearms or ammunition must declare them at the time of check-in.