Air travel with firearms requires careful consideration and adherence to specific regulations to ensure both safety and compliance with airline and airport policies. Whether you’re a hunter, sports shooter, or simply transporting your firearm for other lawful purposes, understanding the dos and don’ts is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to fly with firearms and properly stow them in checked baggage.
Dos:
1. Research Airline Policies:
Before heading to the airport, thoroughly research the specific firearm transport policies of the airline you’re flying with. Each airline may have slightly different requirements, and staying informed will help you avoid any surprises at check-in.
2. Check Local and Federal Regulations:
Familiarize yourself with both local and federal regulations regarding firearms transportation. This includes checking the laws at your departure and arrival locations, as well as any states or countries you may be passing through during your journey.
Be sure your destination recognizes your state’s concealed carry permit. Overlooking this detail could land you in jail. Also, be mindful of scenarios where you miss your connecting flight and decide to rent a car and drive the last leg rather than wait for the next flight. This could have catastrophic results.
For example, you are flying from Columbia, SC to Fort Wayne, IN. You have a connection in Chicago. Your connecting flight from Chicago to Fort Wayne gets cancelled, so you decided to rent a car and drive to Fort Wayne. As long as your luggage is still in the possession of the airline you are fine. Once you regain possession and leave the airport in Chicago, you are breaking the law and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Chicago does not recognize South Carolina’s permit and has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and they love to make examples out of people.
3. Secure a Sturdy and TSA-Approved Safe:
Invest in a durable, lockable case specifically designed for firearms transportation. Ensure that the case meets Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. You should be the only one that has the ability to open the safe. Do not fall for this hoopla that it must have a TSA accessible lock. That is a lie. Only you should be able to get into the safe. We find that the Vaultek Lifepod safes are by far the best for this purpose. They are highly secure and very light.
4. Unload Firearms:
Always unload your firearm before packing it. Remove the empty magazine from the firearm and store it with your spare magazines inside the safe with the pistol. TSA will Xray your safe to see if your gun is unloaded.
Pack your ammunition in its original carton and keep it separate from your safe.
5. Use TSA-Approved Locks:
Secure your suitcase with a TSA-Approved lock. Do not use non-TSA-approved locks, as they may be cut off during inspection. TSA may need to get in your bag for inspection but they will never need to get in your safe without you there to open it.
Most airlines require you to use hard-sided luggage when transporting firearms.
6. Declare Firearms at Check-In:
When checking in, declare your firearm to the airline staff. Do not attempt to conceal or hide the fact that you are transporting a firearm. Compliance and transparency are crucial during this process. They will have you fill out a simple tag that will be placed on top of your safe.
We have recently found more airlines at various airports asking to have the safe opened so they can inspect the firearm right there at the baggage check in counter. This is wrong and extremely reckless. They claim it is airline policy, when in fact it is not. It is nothing more than some manager at an airport deciding this is a good idea and then instructing his clerks to require the inspection. We at Safe Family Defense are in the process of challenging this “policy” with the airlines. The only ones that can request the opening of a safe is a TSA agent. And it should be done in a secure environment away from the public.
7. Follow TSA Guidelines for Ammunition:
Pack ammunition in its original carton or in a sturdy container designed for ammunition. Keep it separate from your safe. Follow TSA guidelines on the amount of ammunition allowed, as exceeding these limits may lead to complications.
Don’ts:
1. Carry Firearms in Carry-On Bags:
Never attempt to bring a firearm in your carry-on luggage. Firearms must be transported in checked baggage only. Attempting to bring a firearm into the cabin can lead to severe consequences, including legal action.
2. Neglect Local Laws:
Ignorance of local laws is not an excuse. Be aware of the firearm regulations in all the locations you are traveling to and through. Failure to comply with local laws can result in serious legal consequences.
3. Use Non-Durable Cases:
Avoid using flimsy or non-durable cases for transporting firearms. A high-quality, secure case or safe is essential to protect your firearm during transit and to comply with TSA guidelines. Again, we recommend the Lifepod line of safes by Vaultek.
4. Forget to Verify Airline-Specific Requirements:
Every airline may have slightly different requirements for transporting firearms. Don’t assume that one airline’s policy is the same as another’s. Double-check and follow the guidelines of the specific airline you are flying with. For example, do not use soft-sided luggage.
5. Overlook TSA Inspection Procedures:
Be aware that TSA may need to inspect your firearm case. Do not pack the case in such a way that it becomes difficult for agents to access. Remember, in no circumstance should TSA ever have access to the contents of your safe without you present to open the safe for them. Cooperation with TSA procedures is essential for a smooth journey.
6. Exceed Ammunition Limits:
Stick to the TSA guidelines regarding the amount of ammunition you can transport. Exceeding these limits can lead to delays, fines, or other complications during your journey.
In Conclusion
Flying with firearms is very doable as long as you understand the rules. There is no reason anyone should refrain from flying with their defensive tools unless you are flying into a state where you are not welcome. States like Illinois, Washington, and New Jersey come to mind to name a few. It does require a little bit of planning and strict adherence to some sensible regulations. By following the dos and don’ts outlined in this guide, you can ensure a safe and legal journey with your firearms, allowing you to focus on your travel purpose with peace of mind.
Be Safe,
Joe Shahoud
Joe Shahoud is the owner and lead instructor at Safe Family Defense LLC, a firearms training academy that serves the greater Columbia, SC area specializing in pistol, concealed weapons permits, personal defense, and general education in personal safety. Visit their classes page to see what is available and enroll.
Joe is also the owner of Safe Family Safes, an online retailer that specializes in fast-access smart gun safes and other gear essential to the concealed carry lifestyle.
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