November 13th 2021 Travelling by Air with Firearms – Know the Rules
Photo of airport by Politikaner, Creative Commons License. Thanksgiving is just two weeks away. Many readers will soon be traveling to celebrate the holiday with their families. This article is for you if you plan to fly with firearms in November. Before you travel to an airport, it is important that you are familiar with the current Federal Regulations regarding gun transport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has a webpage that outlines the essential requirements for airline passengers who travel with firearms* or ammunition. Visit the TSA Firearms and Ammunition website and take the time to read it. Before you travel, make sure to check the regulations of any airline with which your flight is scheduled. Some airlines have weight restrictions and special requirements. Here are the TSA’s key guidelines regarding firearm travel: Unloaded firearms may be transported in a locked, hard-sided container and checked baggage only. When you check your bag at the counter, declare the firearm and/or ammunition. The firearm must be completely enclosed in the container. Locked containers that can be opened easily are not allowed. Check your checked baggage to make sure that the firearm is properly secured. For clarification on the rules and regulations governing firearm transport, contact the TSA Contact Center. Firearms: You should adhere to the laws regarding firearms when traveling. These laws vary from one country to another. For information and requirements, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site before you travel internationally. Each firearm must be declared each time it is presented for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline for information about any restrictions or fees. Firearms must not be loaded and stored in a hard-sided container. They can only be transported as checked baggage. 49 CFR 1540.5 states that a loaded firearm includes a live round or component of ammunition in the chamber, cylinder, or magazine. TSA personnel may request the key or combination to unlock the firearm container. Any brand or type of lock can be used to secure your firearm case. This includes TSA-recognized locks. Unloaded firearms with ammunition are subject to the same civil penalty/fine that loaded firearms. Information on civil penalties can be found at the Civil Enforcement Page. Firearm parts such as magazines, clips and bolts, as well as firing pins, cannot be carried in carry-on baggage. However, they can be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms, as well as firearm replicas that are toys can be carried in checked baggage. Rifle scopes can be carried in both carry-on and check baggage. Ammunition Ammunition may be carried in carry-on luggage but is not allowed in checked baggage. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be packed securely. 49 CFR 175.10 (a),(8) outlines the requirements for ammunition transport in checked baggage. You must declare to your airline that small arms ammunition (upto.75 caliber) and shotgun shells (of any gauge) must all be packed in a fiber (such a cardboard, wood, plastic, metal or metal box specifically designed for ammunition transport. If the ammunition has been packed in the same way as a firearm, it can be transported in a hard-sided, locked container. If ammunition is packed in ammunition-enclosed firearm magazines and clips, they cannot be used. No matter how loaded or empty your ammunition clips or firearm magazines, they must be packed in a box or placed inside a locked case. Check with your airline to determine the ammunition limit. Tom McHale has more tips for airline travel
Tom McHale wrote a great article for the Beretta Blog entitled Ten Things You Should Know About Flying with Guns. This informative article can be found on the Beretta Blog. Here are two of Tom McHale’s travel tips: Weigh your ammunition and gun case
Most airlines allow ammunition up to 11 lb. You will be charged more if your luggage weighs more than 50 pounds. Although this sounds like a lot, it was actually quite reasonable when you consider that my bag with shotgun, rifle and ammunition weighed in at over 50 pounds. You can also pack ammo in the same locking bag
Another area that is misunderstood, and full of internet myths, is this one. It is important that your ammo be kept in a safe container, and not loose. Technically, ammunition can be kept in magazines. However, I don’t recommend it. Although it meets the law storage requirement, too many airline and TSA agents may not approve. You can use a plastic ammo container or original cardboard packaging to transport your gun in the same lockable bag as your gun. * United States Code, Title 18, Chapter 44, firearm definitions include: any weapon (including starter guns) that can, or is designed for, or may easily be converted to expel projectiles by the action of an explosion; the receiver or frame of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or silencer; and any other destructive device. 49 CFR 1540.5 defines a loaded firearm as having a live round or any component thereof in the chamber, cylinder, or magazine. Similar Posts
