Twenty-five would-be fliers learned an expensive lesson at the nation's airports last week: It's not a good idea to pack a gun in your carry-on bag.

In addition to 25 handguns — 21 of them loaded and six with a chambered round — the Transportation Security Administration confiscated nine stun guns, two "hair brush daggers," and the usual assortment of knives, clubs and brass knuckles.

The fact the passengers in these cases were allowed to continue their trips after their weapons were confiscated indicates that authorities found no reason to believe they were bent on terrorism or other violence. It also speaks to the number of people who carry weapons so routinely that they apparently forget they are in their purse, briefcase or backpack.