Jacqui, you can check a gun into most airports after going through major security. The thing is, it goes into the hold luggage, not the cabin luggage, so it secures safety in the cabin. In America, it is not illegal to own a gun, so these are frequently flown with licensed owners, but in the hold luggage. It is also legal to transport firearms in most other countries, including U.K. for purposes of hunting or contest shooting etc. The thing is they are not allowed in cabin luggage so it prevents hijack. What happened in USA is that the gun was legally transported in the hold luggage, but at the carousel it was reunited with the perpetrator who then decided, for reasons not understood by us or other normal thinking people, to shoot people. I had a friend who regularly took part in shooting competitions, who always took his firearm with him from the Uk to other countries. The difference was that he was scrutinised at check in and throughout his journey. What happened in USA can happen anywhere. It is just luck that this hasn't happened before. Just think of items which are not allowed in cabin but are allowed in hold luggage. As soon as it hits the carousel in the arriving country, the luggage and owner are reunited!
