TAMPA, Fla. — The Transportation Security Administration found 15 guns in travelers' carry-on bags this month at Bay area airports, which is more than double the normal amount.

68 guns detected this year at TIA; 80 last year

TIA spokesman says people often don't check their bags

Civil penalty could be as high as $13,333

TSA link: What can I bring?

"It's a little bit startling," said TSA spokesman Mark Howell. "If we continue at the pace that we're at right now, we will surpass last year's total." ​

Statewide last year, a total of 529 guns were found. The amount so far this year is 418. Twelve of the guns found in October were detected at Tampa International Airport.

Last year, TIA found a total of 80 guns. So far this year, 68 have been detected.

Howell believes the cause is more people traveling with guns who don't check their bags before going to the airport.

"The most common excuse we get when we find a firearm in a carry on bag is 'Oops, I forgot it was in there' or 'Somebody else packed my bag for me,'" he said.

"But you're ultimately responsible for whatever you bring to the TSA security checkpoint."

Howell said besides facing local law enforcement charges, a traveler caught with a gun in their carry-on bag can face a civil penalty from the TSA that can go as high as $13,333.

There is a legal way to travel with a gun. It must be unloaded in a carrying case that's packed into checked luggage.

The passenger must also declare that gun with their airline.