CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Transportation Security Administration intercepted 1,503 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the country during the first quarter of 2024.

Legal analyst Scott Goodman says usually when this happens, it’s unintentional.

“They don’t happen that often but over the years, in every single case, it’s always been a situation where it has been unintentional,” Goodman said. 

As millions are expected to travel through the sky over Memorial Day weekend, Goodman says you may want to double-check your bags if you own a firearm. 

“Take your time, be very thorough in the search of your luggage before you start packing your bag to make sure nothing is there,” Goodman said.

And while the fines can be up to $15,000, Goodman says in most cases he’s experienced, penalties have been much lighter. 

“When it comes to court the cases usually have been dropped because it's been found to be an unintentional act,” he said. 

But international penalties can be much more severe as now five Americans are being held in Turks and Caicos due to ammunition being found in their luggage. 

Goodman says even though the ammunition could have passed through American airports, he doesn't believe they will face any charges in the United States. 

“Even though you may be from somewhere, if you commit the crime somewhere else, you are not going to be brought back to the country you are from and tried a second time,” Goodman said. 

For those who do plan to travel with an unloaded firearm, the TSA has a full list of requirements on its website.