Several airlines are banning firearms on flights to Washington ahead of next week’s presidential inauguration.
The moves come amid heightened security concerns following the violent riot by supporters of President Trump on January 6 at the Capitol.
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 representatives told Fox News. Exceptions will be made for recognized law enforcement.
Protesters drag and capture a Metropolitan police officer as they enter the U.S. Capitol building. (Eric Lee / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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“Nothing is more important than doing our part to keep people safe,” the Delta spokesman said.
Alaska Airlines will temporarily ban firearms from selected bags on flights to the DC area from Friday, January 15, including security measures.
American Airlines will also ban banned firearms from flying to the DC area on Saturday, January 16, Reuters reported. Representatives of the airline did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News.
Dulles International Airport is one of several airports in the DC area, where airlines do not allow passengers to check suitcases with firearms before the inauguration.
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Southwest Airlines has not announced any changes to its firearms policy, but an airline spokesman said the company would “continue the dialogue on additional measures needed as we navigate the current environment, including evaluating temporary policy changes. ” Suidwes will also continue to coordinate with law enforcement and review any updates to the TSA’s no-fly list, the spokesman said, and the alcohol service remains suspended on Suidwes flights due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the airlines also take additional precautions such as keeping crew members out of downtown Washington.
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Airlines have seen several recent cases of disruptive or insignificant behavior on flights. On videos circulated on social media, passengers were seen shouting at Senator Mitt Romney during the flight ahead of the Capitol riot. Passengers arguing over Trump ended up in a screaming match on another flight. And one pilot threatened Friday to divert a flight and ‘drop people off’ after passengers rumbled and refused to wear masks.
The FAA this week strengthened its policy for rioting passengers, with those violating rules facing stricter penalties.
The TSA does allow air travelers to carry loaded firearms in closed containers with hard, encased containers, but the rule is subject to local laws and airlines. Passengers carrying firearms or ammunition must declare this when checking the suitcase.