US airlines ban guns in checked bags

To prevent any potential violence in Washington DC next week during the presidential inauguration, several major airlines are temporarily banning guns in checked baggage on flights headed to DC, the Associated Press reports.

Usually firearms are permitted in checked bags as long as they’re not loaded and locked in a hard-sided container. Now, however, Delta, United, Alaska, Southwest, and American Airlines are all banning guns from Saturday through at least January 23.

Airlines are on high alert after the riots that took place at the US Capitol on January 6, and they’re stepping up their security measures.

American Airlines will not serve alcohol on flights to and from the Washington area from Saturday to next Thursday. The airline will also add security staff in the DC area airports.

Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration also promised to crack down on passenger behavior with serious penalties, including $35,000 fines and jail sentences. The Federal Aviation Administration explains that in the wake of the Capitol riots, there have been a growing number of violent incidents in the DC area involving unruly passengers.

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