Wondering about the evolution of aircraft cabin security. For as long as I’ve been flying, passengers haven’t been allowed to carry guns on commercial flights. Was there ever a time when this was not the case? Say, back in the 1940s or 1950s, would I have been allowed to carry a gun onto a plane with me?
I think yes, up until the hijacking trend in the 60’s. That’s when metal detectors started to be put before boarding.
That’s my recollection too.
According to Reddit, “For any passenger, Law Enforcement Officer or not, flying with a concealed weapon was legal and generally allowed until 1961 when congress passed legislation to criminalize the practice. For some years thereafter, flying with an openly carried firearm in the cabin was allowed.”
I would have thought loaded firearms would be prohibited from inside any pressurized cabin; even military aircraft.
I always thought it hilarious that Beatrix Kiddo flew to Japan with her enormous sword propped up in a seat next to her. In ‘Kill Bill’.
All first class seats have katana holders. You didn’t know?
Interesting - that’s the same year Richard Matheson’s short story “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” was published. In Matheson’s version, the main character carries a pistol onboard, which he uses to shoot the gremlin on the airplane’s wing. In the better-known Twilight Zone adaptation, released in 1963, he has to steal a pistol from a sleeping air marshal.
The 1954 John Wayne movie The High and the Mighty shows a passenger pulling out a gun, for whatever help a work of fiction is on this question. If I remember correctly, the guy pulls it out to shoot someone but the plane swerves. Later, somebody actually gives it back to him.
In the opening scene of the 1988 movie Die Hard, another passenger notices John McClane carrying a gun on a plane. McClane tells him “It’s ok, I’m a cop”. But I don’t know if it was actually possible for even a police officer to carry a gun on a plane in 1988. I know I had no problem carrying a pocket knife onto planes before 2001.
I don’t know how they would stopped you before they started using metal detectors. When I flew the Eastern Shuttle between Boston and New York in 1970 you didn’t even need a ticket, and I don’t remember any checks. I smuggled my hamster on board inside a camera bag in December 1970 with no problem.
When I asked Mr. Google if air marshals today can carry weapons onto a plane I got the following. (Presumably they wouldn’t go through normal passenger security checks.)
Yes, air marshals, also known as sky marshals, are authorized to carry firearms on airplanes and are considered undercover law enforcement officers who blend in with passengers while carrying concealed weapons to protect flights from potential threats; they only use their weapons to stop an ongoing crime onboard a plane.
Key points about air marshals and weapons:
- Firearms carried:
Typically, air marshals carry a Glock pistol, like the Glock 19 Gen5, chambered in 9mm.
- Undercover presence:
Their primary role is to remain undetected by passengers while monitoring for suspicious activity.
- Limited presence:
Not every flight has an air marshal due to the limited number of available agents.
- Legal authority:
As federal law enforcement officers, they have the legal authority to use their firearms if necessary to prevent a serious threat.
Don’t give the terrorists any ideas!
They could just smuggle them up their bums.
And yes you could carry guns, as noted, with no way to check, how could they know?
Which is why there was a whole spate of “take this plane to Cuba” hijackings in the late 60s early 70s, until metal detectors came into use.
IIRC you were supposed to check your gun with the pilots, but the airlines didnt check or have metal detectors.
Of course, Air Marshals are armed but a lot of Federal LEOs carry pistols on planes. Local cops can, too, when traveling on official business.
Also before 2001: the x-ray screeners at DC’s National Airport hesitated about the Swiss Army knife that I forgot was in my carryon but decided to let it slide.
The ones in Houston for my return trip had no problem at all.
You can’t do that now as they don’t allow outside food or beverage.
But some airlines expect you carry on your own entertainment devices, so …
There are caveats- per Google AI-
"Yes, law enforcement officers can carry guns on planes if they meet certain requirements, including:
- Being a full-time or federal law enforcement officer
- Being sworn in to enforce criminal or immigration laws
- Having the employing agency authorize the weapon for assigned duties
- Completing the TSA’s “Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed” training course
- Having an operational need to have the weapon accessible
The operational need must be determined by the employing agency and can be based on:
- Being assigned to a protective duty
- Conducting a hazardous surveillance operation
- Being required to report to another location armed and prepared for duty"
Emotional Support Hamster! 
In a training course, I saw photos of the floorboard damage caused by an air marshal accidentally discharging their weapon in flight. There was blood in the photo (had mostly been cleaned up) and the repair request indicated the marshal had injured their leg. I don’t recall what the extent of damage was under floor or to the airframe.
I also don’t know what the consequences of this event were for this person.