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Several airlines are banning firearms on flights to Washington, DC ahead of the presidential inauguration next week.
The measures come amid heightened security concerns following the violent riot by supporters of President Trump on January 6 on Capitol Hill.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines will not allow passengers to bring firearms in their checked baggage on flights to the Washington area from Saturday January 16 through Saturday January 23, airline officials told Fox News. Exceptions will be made for accredited law enforcement agencies.
Protesters drag out and capture a Metropolitan Police officer, while trying to enter the US 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 spokesperson said.
Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines will temporarily ban firearms from checked baggage on flights to the Washington area, among other additional security measures, starting Friday, January 15.
American Airlines will also ban registered firearms on flights to the Washington area from Saturday, January 16, Reuters reported. Representatives for the airline did not immediately respond to Fox News requests.
Dulles International Airport is one of many airports in the Washington area where airlines will not allow passengers to check baggage with firearms prior to grand opening.
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Southwest Airlines has not announced any changes to its controlled firearms policy, but a spokesperson for the airline said the company “will continue the dialogue regarding any further action needed as we navigate the current environment. , including assessment of temporary policy changes. ” Southwest will also continue to coordinate with law enforcement and review all updates to the TSA no-fly list, the spokesperson said, and liquor service remains suspended on flights from the southwest due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some airlines are also taking extra precautions, such as preventing flight crews from downtown Washington hotels.
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Airlines have already seen several recent examples of disruptive or unruly behavior on flights. Videos circulating on social media showed passengers shouting at Senator Mitt Romney on a flight before the Capitol riot. Passengers arguing over Trump got into a shouting match on another flight. And a pilot threatened to hijack a flight and “dump people” on Friday after passengers chanted and refused to wear masks.
The FAA tightened its policies for unruly passengers this week, with those who break the rules facing stricter penalties.
The TSA allows air travelers to carry unloaded firearms in locked, rigid-sided, controlled containers, but this rule is subject to local laws and airline policies. Passengers carrying firearms or ammunition must declare them when checking the bag.
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