Lesson 7: Traveling With Firearms

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

Contact the TSA Contact Center with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations and for clarification on what you may or may not transport in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Firearms

When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.

• Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.

• As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. 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.

• 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.

• TSA is NOT required to inform you of the local gun laws for your final destination. Be sure to check the gun laws before you fly to ensure you can legally posses a firearm in that state.

Ammunition

Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.

• Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm.

• Firearm magazines may be loaded with ammunition, however they must remain outside of the firearms.

• Loose ammunition is not permitted in the hard-sided case.

• Ammunition that is not loaded in a firearm magazine must be stored in it’s original ammunition box or packaging.

• Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).

• Replica ammunition, shell casing jewelry and key-chains must also be checked with firearms and ammunition.