DAYTON, Ohio — The Transportation Security Administration said officers prevented two firearms from being brought onto planes at Dayton International Airport in two different incidents last week. 

They stopped the firearms on Monday, Feb. 3 at around 5:30 a.m., and Friday, Feb. 7 at around 8 p.m. When spotted on the X-ray screen of the carry-on luggage, TSA agents immediately contacted airport police in both incidents.

Both firearms were loaded, TSA said.

“Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint is a careless, expensive mistake that endangers other passengers,” Ohio TSA Federal Security Director Donald Barker said. “Passengers should start with an empty bag when packing to ensure they are not bringing any prohibited items to the checkpoint, and review guidance on the safe and legal way to transport a firearm if they need to do so.”

It's the first two firearms caught at Dayton's airport so far this year. Last year, seven were found altogether.

Passengers who try to bring a firearm through a TSA checkpoint face fines of about $15,000, as well as have their TSA PreCheck eligibility revoked for at least five years. 

People can travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a lock hardback case and were declared at the check-in counter, according to TSA. Passengers are encouraged to check firearm laws, as they vary by state and locality.