Here are six videos that you should watch if you plan to fly with firearms in the summer. Before you even get close to an airport, you should familiarize yourself with the current Federal Regulations for gun transport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has a INFO page which outlines the requirements for airline passengers who are traveling with firearms or ammunition. Visit the TSA Firearms and Ammunition page and read it from beginning to end. Before your trip, check the regulations for the airline(s). Some airlines have specific requirements, like weight restrictions. Two other tips are: 1) Weigh your guns and ammo before you arrive at the airport so that you can comply with all airline flight restrictions without being charged a surcharge; 2) Carry printed copies of TSA and airline luggage regulations pertaining firearms – this will help you when dealing with airline staff. TSA’s general advice is: “You can only transport unloaded firearms as checked baggage in a hard-sided, locked container. Declare your firearm and/or ammunition at the airline’s ticket counter when you check in your bag. The container must be able to completely protect the firearm. Locked cases which are easily opened are not allowed. Traveling by Air With Firearms – Advice from a Legal Expert This video is by a very knowledgeable lawyer. William Kirk, Washington Gun Law’s President, explains everything you need to do to travel legally and safely with a firearm when you are traveling domestically. Kirk says: “While many think this is a complicated formula involving various state laws, TSA regulations govern domestic travel with a firearm. Colion Noir – Air Travel with Packed Firearms Colion Noir, a popular YouTube host and lawyer, has created a video that shares key points about traveling with firearms. Colion Noir says: “Don’t make costly mistakes. Get informed and ensure that your firearm journey is hassle free and legal.” Bag Check: Be prepared for the TSA’s checkpoint by learning the essential pre-flight checklist. 2. Airline Check: Learn about the differences between airline policies, and ensure that your trip is smooth by reviewing the firearm guidelines of your chosen carrier. 3. Law Check: Know the laws in each state you will visit on your trip to stay on the right side. 4. The Gun Case: Learn the essentials about the TSA-required lockable hard-sided case and which one I recommend. 5. Ammo transport: Learn how to safely transport ammunition while still staying within the weight limits. Step-by-Step Gun Transport — Good Tip This 18-minute Spiritus Systems’ video offers some very practical tips for gun owners who travel by air. The host explains the features to look for when buying a rifle case. He also explains the best way to pack your rifle and gear, and how to label and keep track of your gun/ammo case. This video is worth watching from beginning to end if you are new to air travel with guns. Highlights are listed below by video time: 00:01 Introduction and Regulations00:51 Storage Containers Options
2:50 What Type of Lock Should You Use?
6:25 Tape Tip
7:16 Labeling your bag with contact information and firearm considerations 8:07
Documents 10:03
Tracking your Bag
13:20 Packing your Ammo
16:00 How to Pack Your Rifles & Gear Efficiently Our friend F Class John travels by plane to major F Class matches (most recently, to the V2 Finales in Texas). John has learned the most efficient and economical way to transport expensive match rifles and optics. F-Class John demonstrates in these two videos how to pack your equipment and rifles, and how you can use carry-on bags for optics and non-regulated items. TSA Video on Airline Travel with Ammo and/or Guns This is the newest official TSA video about gun/ammo transport via airlines. Start packing your bag for a flight with an empty one. (Be sure to check that there are no forgotten ammo or gun parts inside the bag before you begin packing). Follow the tips in this short video if you plan to travel with a gun. Also, remember that you can NEVER bring a gun in your carry-on. You should also not “pack” when you enter the airport, even if you hold a CCW permit. TSA.gov Firearms/Ammo Transport INFO Page.
Official TSA Guidelines on Airline Travel with Firearms & Ammo When you travel, comply with all laws regarding firearms possession, as they vary between local, state and international governments. * Declare every firearm you want to transport as checked luggage. Ask your airline if there are any restrictions or fees. Firearms are to be unloaded, locked in a container with a hard-sided lid and transported only as checked baggage. According to 49 CFR 1540.5, a loaded firearm is one that has a live round or component thereof in the chamber, cylinder, or magazine of the firearm. TSA considers a loaded firearm when both the firearm as well as the ammunition are readily accessible by the passenger. To ensure compliance with TSA regulations, only the passenger should keep the combination or key to the lock. You can use any type or brand of lock to secure the firearm case. This includes TSA-recognized ones. The same civil fine/penalty applies if you bring an unloaded firearm and ammunition to a security checkpoint as if you brought a loaded gun. Civil penalties can be found on the Civil Enforcement page. Firearm parts such as magazines, clips and firing pins are not allowed in carry-on luggage, but can be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms and firearm replicas as toys can only be transported in checked luggage. Rifle scopes can be transported in both carry-on and check-in baggage. TSA Guidelines for Ammunition Transport on Flights Ammunition cannot be transported in carry-on luggage, but can be transported in checked luggage. Check with your airline about the quantity limits of ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clip, whether loaded or unloaded, must be securely packed or included in a hard-sided firearm case. 49 CFR 175.10(a)(8) defines the requirements for the transportation of ammunition in checked luggage. Small arms ammunition (up.75 caliber) and shotgun shells (of any gauge) must first be packaged in a box made of fiber, wood, plastic or metal that is specifically designed to transport ammunition. Then, the airline will need to know about it. Ammunition can be transported in a hard-sided, lockable case with a firearm as long as it is packed according to the above instructions. You cannot use firearm clips or magazines to pack ammunition unless the clips or magazines completely encloses the ammunition. Firearm magazines and clips of ammunition, whether they are loaded or empty, need to be enclosed in a hard-sided case. *INTERNATIONAL: Before traveling with a firearm, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website for requirements and information.
