When/where should I tell TSA that I have gunpowder residue on my hands?

When/where should I tell TSA that I have gunpowder residue on my hands? - Selective Focus Photography of Person Using Iphone X

I visit the gun range on a regular basis. If I have a flight the next day, when/where should I tell TSA officers that I have been shooting at a gun range and therefore might have gun powder residue on my hands. I would assume it is better to tell them before you get into the security line so they know in the event I get selected for a hand swab while in line, but I'm not sure.



Best Answer

Why do you think you need to tell them? Gun shot residue itself is not a prohibited item and I suspect is relatively common, especially at certain stations.

The worst case scenario is that if you get selected for random swabbing, it will trigger an alert sending you to additional screening. At that point, you can offer that you were shooting previously but it really doesn't matter. As long as no actual prohibited items (such as the gun ;) are found, you're good to go.




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Firearms Expert Explains the Surprising Thing That Gunshot Residue Reveals About the Shooter




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