Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

For TX LEOs:

I have been told by some folks that one can legally carry a firearm into the airport terminal prior to reaching security (as in picking up a passenger). Can one of you guys confirm?

For TX LEOs:

I have been told by some folks that one can legally carry a firearm into the airport terminal prior to reaching security (as in picking up a passenger). Can one of you guys confirm?

As of yesterday, it bacame legal to carry concealed in the unsecured areas of the airport in GA.

The city of Atlanta have threated to lock up anyone that does so, so Ga Carry.Org is sueing the snot out of them.

For TX LEOs:

I have been told by some folks that one can legally carry a firearm into the airport terminal prior to reaching security (as in picking up a passenger). Can one of you guys confirm?

A person with a CHL or a Personal Protection Officer Authorization (PPO).


Texas Penal Code 46.02 makes it generally illegal to carry a handgun unless on your own premises or premises under your control or in your motor vehicle.

Section 46.15(b) states when 46.02 does not apply. It does not apply to CHLers, Security Guards on duty and PPOs on duty.

Section 46.03 states when NO ONE can carry, regardless of other status; One of those is "in or into a secured area of an airport". Secured area is further defined, ""Secured area" means an area of an airport terminal building to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property under federal law."

Notice that would allow the people I have listed into non-secured areas of the airport. I carry all of the time into the airport.

The Trespass by a Concealed Handgun License Holder makes it illegal to carry into a place where a proper sign is displayed; however that does not apply to places owned or leased by government entities. See PC 30.06. That means airports owned by or on the property of ANY government entity cannot have a 30.06 sign enforced.

Under 46.03 a PPO CAN carry into the secured area. I was armed on the tarmac just a couple of weeks ago. ;)

For TX LEOs:

I have been told by some folks that one can legally carry a firearm into the airport terminal prior to reaching security (as in picking up a passenger). Can one of you guys confirm?

Yes, its legal for CHL holders unless the 30.06 sign is posted prohibiting CHL holders.

Yes, its legal for CHL holders unless the 30.06 sign is posted prohibiting CHL holders.

The 30.06 sign does not apply if posted at an airport owned or leased by a government entity.

The 30.06 sign does not apply if posted at an airport owned or leased by a government entity.


Right but theres no way for a CHL holder to know who owns the airport. I still think a CHL holder would be good to go because of the 30.06 sign requirement.

Right but theres no way for a CHL holder to know who owns the airport. I still think a CHL holder would be good to go because of the 30.06 sign requirement.


Its easier than you might think. Dallas Love Field is owned by the city of Dallas. Both Dallas and Fort Worth own DFW. Hobby is owned by the city of Houston, as is Bush Intercontinental. Bergstrom in Austin is owned by the city of Austin, Corpus Christi International is owned by the city of CC, and San Antonio International is owned by the City of SA.

You get my point. ;)

Its easier than you might think. Dallas Love Field is owned by the city of Dallas. Both Dallas and Fort Worth own DFW. Hobby is owned by the city of Houston, as is Bush Intercontinental. Bergstrom in Austin is owned by the city of Austin, Corpus Christi International is owned by the city of CC, and San Antonio International is owned by the City of SA.

You get my point. ;)



True enough, I just don't think it's a fair assumption to make if its not posted correctly. A public place such as a hospital or church needs to be posted, so shouldn't the lobby's of airports. Theres just no way I'd hook a CHL holder waiting for someone in the lobby of an airport not posted with 30.06.

True enough, I just don't think it's a fair assumption to make if its not posted correctly. A public place such as a hospital or church needs to be posted, so shouldn't the lobby's of airports. Theres just no way I'd hook a CHL holder waiting for someone in the lobby of an airport not posted with 30.06.


Oh, absolutely. Airports are not off limits

My point is even WITH a 30.06 sign posted, if it is a government owned or leased facility you cannot arrest under 30.06. ;)

Oh, absolutely. Airports are not off limits

My point is even WITH a 30.06 sign posted, if it is a government owned or leased facility you cannot arrest under 30.06. ;)

Gotcha.