Flying With Your Firearms
Traveling, especially flying, with firearms has a lot of uncertainty, questions, and myths associated with the subject. I didn’t realize how many people don’t travel with their firearms just because they are under the assumption that they can’t. Honestly, most people just lack the right information.
The short answer to the question of “Can you fly with your firearms?” would be, YES. However, proper planning and research must be done before arriving at the airport ready to board a plane.
First, and foremost, it’s necessary to know the local laws of wherever you are traveling to.
Not all states share the same gun laws, so it’s wise to know the local carry laws of the states you are traveling to be in 100% compliance with the law. If a layover in a state which has strict carry laws such as New York or Illinois occurs, it is best to not take possession of your luggage and have it forwarded to your final destination.
Next, it’s a must that you are aware of the TSA’s rules on transporting your firearms and ammunition.
In a nutshell, the rules are:
Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks. (It is worth noting that TSA-recognized locks have universal keys and can be opened by anyone who has that universal key. So it is of our opinion to not use a TSA lock.)
Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint.
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.
In addition to the TSA’s rules, each airline may have their own policies as well so it would be wise to be aware of them. We’ve listed the major domestic airline firearm policies below:
Next it’s time to pack your firearms in the right case.
Having your guns packed properly can mean it only takes a little while to get screened by security or the possibility of you missing your flight.
Remember, you must store your firearms in a hard-sided case. It’s worth mentioning that if your gun case will be its own standalone checked baggage, keep in mind that multiple people will be handling it from departure to arrival. Durability and security need to be your main focus points when choosing a case. We offer Pelican cases which are the cases that we prefer when it comes to traveling with firearms.
When it comes to your ammunition, it must be checked in as well and must be stored in containers specifically designed for ammo. While the manufacturer’s cardboard fiber box is sufficient, it’s not recommended as it can potentially tear apart during transport. Options that are more solid and durable such as these would be far better.
Now that you’re all packed, it’s time to head to the airport and check your bags. Declaring your firearm is the next, and most important, step in the process.
Once you arrive at the airport, head to the ticketing counter to check your bags and tell the ticketing agent that you would like to declare your firearm. While this may sound like an intimidating task, we assure you that it is not.
Simply, you’ll fill out a card with your contact info. The ticketing agent will verify that your firearm is properly stored and locked.
After completing the card, the agent will make you unlock the case, put the card inside of the case and re-lock it. You will usually be directed to stick around until a TSA agent checks your luggage and firearm case as well. They may need for you to re-open the case. Remember that you are the only person who can unlock your case. Do not give an agent your combination to your lock and if he requests your keys to your lock, ensure to immediately receive them back.
After TSA has checked your luggage and firearm, they may direct you to stick around but usually you will be allowed to go ahead and travel to your concourse. In my experience, declaring a firearm has never held me up more than 20 minutes but definitely allow for extra time.
The final step in the process is picking up your firearm from baggage claim.
Most of the time, your luggage and your firearm cases will come down the baggage carousel. When it’s not on the carousel, you will more than likely find your luggage/firearm case in the baggage claim office. This will vary from airport to airport as to where your luggage can be found but it will be one of the two places. After you receive your luggage, ensure that it’s still secured and nothing is missing. Sometimes your luggage will be zip-tied so it is best to travel with a small pocketknife in an easily accessible pocket on your checked baggage so that you can undo the zip-tie.
That pretty much covers everything that will get you onto a flight with your firearm as stress-free as possible. Remember to always check with your particular airlines for their rules and if you have any questions or are unsure of anything.
Happy flying and happy shooting.
