Airlines ban DC-bound travelers from checking firearms ahead of inauguration

Most major US airlines Thursday said they will prohibit passengers flying to major airports serving the Washington, DC, to check firearms, further tightening security ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Delta, Alaska Airlines, United, American Airlines, Frontier and Southwest said the new policy, which starts this weekend and runs through next week, comes after last week’s deadly riot at the US Capitol and a spate of politically motivated disturbances on flights and at airports. Law enforcement authorized to carry firearms will be exempt. Airlines, airports and hotels are ramping up security ahead of Wednesday’s inauguration. Several airports said they will add more police, while airlines are increasing staffing at airports and booking overnighting crews at airport hotels instead of the city center. American Airlines said late Wednesday it will suspend alcohol sales for DC flights and provide private transportation for crews to and from the airport instead of usual shared vans. “We’re all on high alert based on the events over the last couple of weeks in Washington,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said. A spokeswoman for the TSA, which scans checked and carry-on bags, said it can detect improperly checked or undeclared firearms. The FAA Thursday said it implemented a “zero tolerance” policy for travelers who are unruly or interfere with flight crew duties, fining them up to $35,000.<br/>