JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – With Independence Day approaching, the Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport expects to see more passengers.

An increase in travel for the holiday also comes with making sure those who are traveling for the first time or seasoned travelers are making sure they understand the importance of safety. Those tips include making sure you pack your own bag and don’t have prohibited items in your carry-on bag.

Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags and must be in checked bags in the proper case and unloaded. Passengers will need to declare the weapon with the airline at the time of check-in.

The most recent firearm intercepted by TSA at the Jackson checkpoints was on June 11, 2024, when officials said a 33-year-old man headed for Chicago entered the checkpoint with a 9 mm SCCY/CPX 1 firearm. On May 9, a 54-year-old man headed to Houston entered the checkpoint with a 9 mm Kel-Tec Sub 2000.

“If you travel, if you choose to to to to fly, we want to make sure that you have a safe experience. And the ultimate goal is for us, TSA, that you and other passengers get to your destination safely,” said Kim Jackson, TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Mississippi.

TSA officials encouraged travelers to arrive two hours before their flight departs to ensure a stress-free travel experience.