I came across an article online last night that I though would be perfect for this forum called
How To Fly with Firearms from Tech Prepper, which calls itself "A 'Nerd' Survival Guide." Whether you want to travel for hunting, relocating, or if you just want to be prepared on a business or leisure trip, you may have lots of reason for wanting or needing to take a firearm along when you travel by air. This article gave me the idea to make a post about the rules of taking firearms with you when flying.
The gist of the article boiled down to four main points of order that you need to know before traveling via air with a firearm:
Firearms must be unloaded. Don't take a loaded gun on the airplane. You probably shouldn't even take a loaded gun into the airport. Very few people are allowed to fly with loaded firearms and chances are that you aren't among
that group.
Firearms must be checked. You can't take your nail clippers through security, you can't take your pocket knife through security, you can't take your screwdrivers through security and you certainly can't take your guns through security. I suppose you could try but it would no doubt end very badly for you so it isn't recommended.
Firearms must be in a locked hard case. This is pretty self explanatory. A hard case so it's protected from bumps and bruises. A locking case so it's protected from unmotivated theives. The article author recommends pelican cases. I like pelican cases so I'm inclined to agree with the article author.
You must sign an afadavit saying that your firearms is unloaded. This afadavit is signed in front of the agent to whom you present your cased firearm and is locked in the case with the firearm.
The article also presented information on bringing along ammunition whilst traveling by air:
Ammunition must be in the original manufactures container. This, presumably, means exactly what it sounds like it means.
Ammunition must be kept separate from the firearm. As does this.
The total Weight of Ammunition allowed per person is 10 pounds. And this.
The exact information from the TSA website is as follows:
Traveling with Special Items
Firearms & Ammunition
Improperly packaged firearm.
You may only transport firearms, ammunition and firearm parts in your checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
Failure to adhere to the following regulations will preclude passengers from traveling with firearms, ammunitions or firearm parts:- Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
- The firearm must be unloaded.
- The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
- The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
- TSA inspects all firearm cases at the ticket counter. Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation. If travelers are not present and the security officer must open the container, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
- Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
- Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
- Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above.
- TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.
These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Also, please note that other countries have different laws that address transportation and possession of firearms. If you are traveling internationally, please check regulations at your destination about their requirements.
There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers who may fly armed by meeting the requirements of Title 49 CFR § 1544.219. Law enforcement officers should read our policies on traveling with guns.
Don't forget to check with your individual airline for any special restrictions or requirements for traveling with firearms.