Can you fly with a checked firearm? Yes, and it’s more common than you might think!
Adding a gun to your checked baggage might seem like asking for trouble, but flying with a firearm is actually not a big deal — if you know the rules and set yourself up for success.
Today, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to have a safe, convenient flight for you and your firearms.
Now welcoming all boarding groups – let’s go!
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Keep Your Gun Safe & Legal — the TSA Way
Obviously, you can’t travel with a weapon of any kind on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Firearms have to fly in checked luggage, and there are very specific rules you need to follow to do it legally.
When it comes to flying with firearms, the Transportation Security Administration is in charge. Before you leave for the airport, you need to know the TSA’s rules for firearms.
By the way, air guns are not considered firearms, but you have to store them in checked bags. They do not require declaration, but air tanks must be inspected.
Here are some TSA tips to make your trip easier:
- Check the gun laws that apply where you’re departing from, changing planes, and arriving to on your trip.
- Check with the airline you’re using to see if they have company rules you need to follow in addition to federal and state laws.
- Unload your firearm and show clear.
- Pack it in an approved hard-sided, lockable case.
- Secure the case with an approved lock.
- Pack ammunition and magazines in a separate case.
- When you get to the airport, notify the airline’s ticketing agent that you need to declare a firearm, and ask for a declarations form.
- Fill out the declaration form, put it inside your firearm case, lock it, and give it to the ticketing agent.
In addition to applicable laws, every airline has its own regulations. Check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date rules ahead of time to make sure you’re in compliance and prepared for any questions they might have.
Best Cases for Flying with Firearms
Pelican is the gold standard for airline-friendly gun cases. There is no such thing as an indestructible gun case, but Pelicans come close.
I’ve used Pelican cases for years and have a collection of sizes for handguns, rifles, or both.
The 1720 Protector Long Case is a favorite of mine, so much so I have several. It has an automatic purge valve to relieve air pressure, and stainless steel bearings. It’s watertight, crushproof, and dustproof so Im comfortable taking it anywhere.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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I also have the 1150 Protector Case for handguns.
Are Pelican cases pricey? Yes. Are they worth it? Definitely.
Want more recommendations? Check out our guide to the Best Gun Cases for great options at every price.
You can also protect your firearms with deception. Some gun owners use deter would-be thieves with cases that don’t look like gun cases.
If that’s your jam, try a case that looks like it could just as easily be carrying sports equipment, a musical instrument, or electronics.
These cases will need some modification. You can easily cut foam inserts that keep everything in place and protected from impacts.
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Best Locks for Flying with Firearms
It’s not enough to have a sturdy case. Your firearms need to be locked up, and the TSA will want to see one lock in every hole your case has.
You can buy branded “TSA-approved” locks, but we don’t recommend it. Those are for standard luggage; anyone with a master key can open them.
Whether you use a lock with a key or a combination is up to you.
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If you choose a keyed lock, always keep the key on your person. Don’t put any spare keys in your checked luggage.
Some people prefer a combination lock because they can’t lose a key that doesn’t exist. Just make sure you have the combination memorized, and avoid using a number on your ID, like your birthday.
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For a full rundown on locking your guns up, check out our 5 Best Gun Case Locks for Traveling with Firearms guide.
Based on years of experience, we recommend keyed locks with a shank clearance just tall enough to fit the gun case without allowing extra movement.
How to Pack When You’re Flying with Firearms
Packing your guns right the first time can mean the difference between breezing through security and missing your flight.
The more squared-away your gear is, the less trouble you’re likely to have when declaring your firearms.
When I fly with one or two guns, I like to zip them in a soft rifle case inside a locked hard case. If I’m flying with more, I carefully Tetris them together with foam so they stay visible for inspection and don’t get dinged up in transit.
You can cut foam to keep everything padded and organized, or you can use the Magpul DAKA grid system to set up your hard case however you want, over and over. We love it!
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Guns, locks, and hard cases are heavy, so buy a handheld luggage scale to check your luggage weight at home. They’re cheap, easier to use than a bathroom scale, and can prevent fees for overweight luggage at check-in.
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Bringing your own ammo? Ammunition must travel in checked luggage, packed in containers specifically designed for carrying small amounts of ammunition.
According to the TSA, “small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.”
Even though the TSA approves cardboard boxes for storing ammunition during air travel, you may want to go with a stronger container. This will help prevent your ammo box from falling apart and spilling loose ammo in your luggage mid-flight.
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You can pack loaded magazines, but they still have to be inside another box because they don’t completely seal off the ammunition.
These rules don’t apply to firearm components like bolts and firing pins; they just have to travel in checked bags.
Declaring Your Firearm
When checking your baggage, you have to declare your guns or ammunition to the airline — and that doesn’t mean announcing “I have a gun!”
Rather, it means you need to fill out a declarations form.
You have to do this every time you hand over your checked luggage, even if you switch airlines during the same trip.
Asking for a firearm declaration form means you’re complying with the law, so it shouldn’t draw funny looks or suspicious treatment. Lots of people fly with firearms, and your gun probably won’t be the weirdest thing the agent will encounter during their shift.
When you walk up to the counter, simply tell the agent that you need to declare a firearm.
The agent will give you a card to fill out that records your contact information and verifies that you’ve properly stored your firearm. By law, you must place the card inside your case after signing it. The agent will then make sure that the case is locked.
If an airline agent attempts to label the outside of the case in such a way that clearly marks it as containing a firearm, inform them that, according to federal law 18 USC Sec. 922(e), “no common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container that such package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm.”
After a few questions to make sure any accessories or ammunition are stored properly, you’re usually free to go.
Other times, the agent may want to look inside the case. If that happens, open the case and show them, respecting the four firearm safety rules. Under no circumstances should the counter agent touch your guns.
A chamber flag or cable lock running through the chamber of your firearm is a helpful visual indicator that it’s unloaded, and that can speed up the process.
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Before the airline sends your luggage to TSA, lock your case and stick around in case TSA wants to conduct additional screening.
If that happens, unlock the case yourself. TSA and airline staff should never ask for your combination or a copy of your key, according to the code of federal regulations regarding traveling with firearms.
A TSA agent can open the lock with a key if they give it right back to you. Remember, you should have a key on your person, but not in your checked bag.
TSA and airline agents should never touch your firearms. If they feel it needs an inspection, they need to ask a law enforcement officer for help.
At the majority of airports, you can stand in a spot that provides you with a visual view of the space where TSA checks special baggage. When the TSA agent is finished checking the locks and scanning and swabbing the case, he or she will signal you are good to go.
Once you leave the area and go through security, pay close attention to announcements in case TSA calls you back to the luggage checkpoint.
Declaring is usually a quick and easy process, but you want to allow yourself at least an extra hour in case it takes longer. It’s much better to have more time to browse duty-free stores or grab a Cinnabon than to miss your flight.
Editor’s Note: Though flying with a firearm is nothing new, sometimes you might end up getting an agent who isn’t fully aware of the law. We suggest printing off and carrying a copy of TSA and the airline’s policy regarding flying with guns. That way, you can show them if there’s a problem.
Airline Rules on Flying with Firearms
Most airlines have rules for flying with firearms in addition to the TSA’s rules. These rules vary from airline to airline, so check your airline’s rules before you travel.
You can usually find these rules easily by searching your airline’s name and “firearm” or “gun,” or by looking on their website under the baggage policy.
We’ll give you a head start on a few airlines.
- American Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Canada Air
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
You’ll also need to know the laws for wherever you’re flying to. Airport staff only check to make sure you’re following the airline’s and TSA’s rules. Even if your gun is checked legally, you can get in serious trouble once you reach your destination if you’re breaking local laws.
Flying with Firearms Internationally
For international travel, booking direct flights minimizes the countries and customs requirements you’re subject to along the way.
Before you leave the country you need to fill out a US Customs Form 4457, which a US customs official will have to sign in person before you leave.
This form allows you to bring your firearms back into the country without having to pay duty on them. And this is especially important for foreign-made guns. It covers other foreign-made items and you can use it multiple times, so hold on to it for future trips.
Get all this information together early so you have plenty of time to fill out the form properly before you leave, especially if you need a visa.
Rules change. As a general rule, double-check regulations prior to each flight.
Getting Your Gun From Baggage Claim
Once you arrive at your destination, your firearms might come out with the normal luggage or with oversized items, like skis and strollers.
Why there’s no consistency in this, we’ll never know. But if your suitcase has come down the carousel and your guns haven’t, you may want to pop by the baggage office to see if they have it with the other oversized items.
Take a moment to check your case before leaving the airport to ensure it’s still secure.
Sometimes a TSA or airline employee will zip-tie your case shut, so it’s handy to have a pocket knife stashed in an easily-accessible pocket on a checked bag so you can cut it off.
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Final Thoughts
So, to sum everything up:
- Guns and ammunition both need to be in checked baggage.
- Pack your gun unloaded in a hard case with a non-TSA approved lock.
- A solid ammunition container is safer and more convenient than the original packaging.
- Declare your firearm to your airline.
- Know all applicable TSA and airline rules.
- Know the laws of wherever you’re going.
That’s it! Using this guide, you should be able to fly with your gun with relative ease. When in doubt, contact your airline or the TSA directly.
For international travel, refer questions to the local consulate or embassy of the country or countries you’re visiting.
Have you ever flown with a firearm? Let us know in the comments. Sometimes it’s easier to mail your ammo or guns to your final destination, so let us teach you How To Mail Guns Legally!
58 Leave a Reply
I think this is where the individual airline policy can be a factor... I've heard that its best is for guns and ammo to be in separate containers. But I've also had a firearm in a container and ammo in a separate one, but both containers together in a larger container. If you can, best to keep separate or consider just buying ammo at the destination.
Buying ammo at your destination is an option worth considering. And you're right - it's always a good idea to check with your airline before your flight. Rules differ from company to company, and they may change.
I have family in another state that I see frequently... they leave some hollow-points at my place and I leave some at theirs. When we arrive we load up our own ammo and before we leave we unload it. Ensures ammo on both sides without having to stop to buy any. I've also shipped ammo ahead to them or to my hotel (but that was before Vegas :/ )
Airtags in the case are a good idea as well!!! Always put one in your luggage.
Worth a note... there are specific fines and fees if an airline loses your baggage with a firearm in it. As a result, if you pack firearms... 99.999% of the time your firearm and other checked bags from the same party will travel on the same plane you are on and reduce the odds of being on a different plane and thus being lost. I tend to go carry-on only but if I have to check a bag I always pack a firearm just for this reason (in addition to personal safety reasons) as I've had luggage lost more than once. Also a note that if they do actually lose your luggage with a firearm... it will not be delivered to you later by Fedex or UPS as with typical lost luggage. You will have to return to the airport to retrieve it. This can be an issue if its a short trip and your luggage is found after you return. I know of at least one case where when it was found later the owner had to have a licensed FFL pick it up and arrange to return it.
Great tip on the airtags!
A friend of mine is flying from Tucson to Dallas with 2 revolvers, a rifle and a shotgun to attend a cowboy action shooting competition. Does anyone know what the regulations are as far as whether all the guns and ammo can be packed in the same case? If necessary, the revolvers and their ammo can be in one case and the rifle, shotgun and shotgun shells can be in another case. Thanks for any comments.
So is the only thing needed to fly international with rifles/shotguns the Customs Form 4457 filled out prior to leaving the US? Import permit for New Zealand is pretty straight forward to get. Thanks
Consider revising the quoted statement below my writings. My ammunition was seized, oh wait! “Donated” to local law enforcement. This was left over 9mm loose ball Ammo as shipped by the manufacturer to the range in a heavy duty zip lock bag. I figured what harm could it be to store this bulk style zip lock bag of Ammo in a hard shell gasketed water tight lockable Harbor Freight container. Well a TSA supervisor demanded the key and behind closed doors without my presence they violated my handguns and ammunition packaging without law enforcement presence. Oh wait, it gets better! TSA called in the police to question and detain me because the TSA supervisor had a hard on to make my day hell. The supervisor tried everything he could to light my fuse and when I remained calm and yes sir - no sir everyone without a fight that sent him through the roof! He thought he found himself a red neck convict bearing a pistol permit. In the end I was escorted to the TSA checkpoint by this same supervisor who taunted me with threats and that I should expect upwards of a $12,000 fine for transporting loose Ammo in a locked box! You can’t make this story up! The quote…. “Shotgun shells and ammunition .75 caliber or less can be stored in the same hard case as a firearm (still in the container specifically for ammunition), but don’t have to be.“
Can shotgun shells (in the original manufacturer cardboard package) be placed in the gun case with the gun? .... or do I need some sort of separate ammo box that is then placed in the gun case?
Do I need a CCW to fly with a firearm like to Florida for example?
Since firearms are declared and inspected at check-in, is the case ever "stickered" as holding a firearm? That would eliminate the advantage of a disguised case. Several airports have been discovered and charged with operating firearms theft rings.
It's covered in the article.
The quick answer is NO.
: 18 USC Sec. 922(e),
“No common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container that such package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm.”
This great article, but I am a looking to travel with just my carry gun. I was looking at the LifePod 2.0. It comes with a cable you can put around the inside frame or handle post inside the liner of the bag so the LifePod cannot just get grabbed out of the bag easily.
Anyone have thoughts on that?
This is a thorough and useful article.
FYI: Alaska Airlines allows up to 50 pounds of ammunition (packaged as described in this article), as long as all segments of your travel are on flights operated by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air.
Hello, I plan on moving to Puerto Rico very soon.
Does anyone know about disassembled firearms? What if I have just the upper (ar15) in a gun case with no bcg and no lower? Or disassembled lower?
Its not considered a firearm right? But i would imagine id still need to declare it. Ill check around on TSA and airline websites. Thanks for any info!
Ya know what this was a dumb question i dont even know why I asked. An actual question i have is what else would they ask when you declare it? They wont ask for any sort of registration right? Or for a Firearms ID card?
"United States Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, firearm definitions includes: any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; and any destructive device. 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.
Don't use the advertised Master lock. A comb pick opens that just as fast as a key. Plenty of videos on th internet showing just how fast.
So the traveling with a pistol or long gun. A word of caution when traveling by air. Almost EVERYONE misses this so no dumping on these folks. I lived in New York with the FAA for 15 years. I was in SYR. This tale did not HAPPEN to me but to a fellow who was on the same flight so I know it to be true. We were on a direct flight to SYR from Charlotte. SYR was fogged in bad. Runway vis was less than minimums, 200' and 1/2 mile vis, and with ILS Cat 1 we weren't getting in. The Cat II1 ILS at SYR was out and we were degraded to Cat 1. Not landing at SYR today, thank you very much. I ain't sweating it cause the airlines are REQUIRED to have enough fuel on boar to shoot the approach, fly the missed approach and divert to their back up field plus 45 minutes at normal cruise. BUT I digress. We divert to La Guardia. So what, you say. LOL! La Guardia is in New York City, Joe Stalin lives there I understand. Well, we land no sweat. Looks like we are going to have to overnight there until the first flight to SYR in the morning. The airlines are required to give you your baggage. That's right, they also reported to the NYC Police that there was a handgun in his luggage. LOL! Did you say "clown car, arriving!" You should have. Officer Friendly was waiting. Into the cuffs and into the back seat. Loud protestations to the contrary. Did he ever get his weapon back? I have no idea. I know he wasn't on the flight the next morning to ask him. So be cautious where they are going and NEVER argue with a man with a gun! Adios for now!
Flying to Manchester NH with a checked handgun.
Flight diverted to Logan (Boston).
I knew this would at least be an issue when trying to declare it the next day.
Picked up suitcase at luggage claim and literally ran to the National counter.
Grabbed a rental car and drove the 90 some miles.
Maybe I was lucky the po-po weren't waiting on me too.
Is it advisable to check my Pelican 1170 pistol case as a stand alone item or place it in my checked luggage? This is about a space issue in my luggage. I've always placed it in my baggage but have had TSA officials completely empty my bag even though the pistol case was in full view when the bag was opened. Time consuming and irritating to say the least.
Read through all the comments and didnt see anything about electronic sights and/or handgun mounted lights. Are these permitted…wondering more about potential issues with having batteries. Is there any insight concerning air travel with either of these mounted on a handgun? Thanks.
I had a problem flying out of Las Vegas with my firearm. I pack small revolver specifically because I fly with expensive electronics that I need to pack properly and I don't want careless people behind the scenes breaking anything. That said, when I was flying out of Vegas the TSA guys made me give them my keys so they could take my luggage behind the scenes and go through it. I wish I would have had the law printed out where it says "§ 1540.111.c.2 (iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination." However, the way the guy was talking it sounds like that wouldn't have made a difference.
Had this happen to me in Nashville once. I told the agent to kick rocks I would not give my key up and wouldn’t allow any inspection without my presence. He eventually gave up and my rifles showed up unscathed. I only knew because I read the statutes a dozen times before I left home.
I may be slow but, Delta's "manufacturers" case? Specific to brand or just a case specifically for a weapon?
What about CCW upon landing considering its concealed ? Does the local law inforcement check to make sure at the airport it’s legal ? I flew out of Seattle and during my time gone they made open carry illegal? How will that affect my return?
I've never seen or heard of local PD doing checks at airports.
If they made open carry illegal while you were gone, I would recommend not open carrying.
Good article. The info on the TSA locks and the recommendation for the Pelican 1200 case were extremely helpful. One recent change I noticed was that you MAY use TSA locks on your gun case, but you don't have to. Personally, I would NOT. Anyway, I recently flew from Florida to San Diego with a firearm, and returned by car. Since info is scarce and sometimes conflicting, I thought I'd share my experience.
I didn't want any issues, so I emailed the Firearms Bureau at California DoJ for info. NEVER received a response. So my wife called the North San Diego PD. The sergeant she spoke with said they had no concerns as long as I complied with the regulations for transporting the firearm. He said my bag may be sent directly the the airline's Baggage Service Office, but it may also come off the carousel with all the others. If so, I should NOT open my bag in any public area at the airport. Instead, I needed to take my bag to the Baggage Service Office, inform the individual there that I flew with a declared firearm, and that I needed to inspect my bag to make sure my firearm was still in the bag. Then, I was to proceed directly to my transportation, and even though the weapon was in a locked case, he recommended stowing the bag in the trunk of the vehicle, and of course, to not remove the firearm from my bag until I arrived at my destination.
He further advised that I bring a receipt for the firearm in the event anyone questioned me as to whether or not I had acquired it legally. He then gave us the number for the SD Harbor Police, as they were the Federal agency that has jurisdiction at the airport. Finally, he gave us his name and phone number, saying to call him in the event I ran into any problems.
The call the the SD Harbor Police went the same way. They told us they didn't care as long as I followed proper procedures, and they confirmed everything the sergeant from the NSDPD told us.
What actually happened was my bag was sent directly to the Baggage Service Office. I waited at the baggage carousel just in case to reduce the chance of someone stealing it, and when it was clear it wasn't coming off the carousel, I proceeded to the BSO. My bag was indeed sitting there.
Now, remember that part of the TSA reg that says a bag CANNOT be marked in any way to indicate it contains a firearm? Well, there was a red tag on my bag that said "Return to BSO." I don't know when that was placed on my bag, as I didn't see the agent place it on there when I checked it (but he could have.) I guess it technically met the requirement since it didn't specify the bag had a firearm. Personally, I'm glad it went straight to the BSO so no thief had a chance to pinch my bag off the carousel. Anyway, I told the agent at the BSO that it was my bag, I had a declared firearm, and I wished to inspect the bag before I left. She only asked for ID before allowing me to inspect the bag. Once I ascertained the firearm was still there, I closed up my bag and departed. Aside from the usual TSA drill, being asked for my ID at the Baggage Service Office was the only question anyone asked. My weapon stayed locked in the case and in my bag during my stay, and I placed the bag in the trunk of the vehicle when I departed. Once safely at my first stop in Arizona, I discreetly loaded my mags and placed my firearm in my EDC holster for the rest of the drive. No issues whatsoever.
Finally, I flew with a Springfield XD/.40 Sub-Compact, with only the flush 9-round mags to avoid any issues with their hi-cap magazine laws.
I know this was long, but hopefully it will be helpful.
Does anyone know if there are rules about flying with firearms that you are not the owner of? My boyfriend is the owner. He's already at our destination and I would be bringing the firearms with me.
There is no problem with that. I have done it many times, even internationally. They don't even ask.
A couple hints based on my travels. Maybe over kill, maybe not.
I made some labels with my name and cell number and put them on the outside and inside of my case in case TSA wants to call me and check the gun. Or just write it on the case with a sharpie or other marker.
I carry an extra set of locks in my bag. In Pre-TSA, I had an airport officer in a Not-Gun-Friendly state threaten to cut the locks off because I did not respond to the phone call fast to make sure the gun was unloaded. If he had cut the locks I would not have had a way to lock the case. I kind of think that was his intent.
I only travel with hand guns so I usually use a Pelican 1170 case. But I put one of those smaller metal gun cases with the locking cable in my bag. A backup for the Pelican, but more for If I am in a state that requires locking case in a rental car.
And to answer Dan, I always put the gun case in my big suitcase and declare it when you check in. Probably less chance of airline people stealing it. I usually try to use one of the locking cables to attach the case it to the metal frame of the suitcase. Not fool proof, but make it harder to steal the firearm.
If it sounds like I have had a lot of trouble flying with a firearm, I really have not. The Pre-TSA airport officer was the only time where I really thought it was going bad. The TSA I have dealt with have always been profession, as long as you just follow the rules and don't try any shortcuts. The rules are pretty clear and Kat covered them very well.
Maybe I’m just a little slow on the draw here but I’m still not sure if I can put the approved hard case for a handgun in my regular suit case or if it has to go by itself?
Well, I am also confused. Does anyone know the answer to Dan’s question?
As a separate checked bag. If you think about it, it make sense. The purpose is to declare the weapon for inspection/special tagging. If you transport it inside of another checked bag then you are transporting a firearm without declaring it and leaving it for TSA to discover. While it may be a completely innocent mistake it's easier to just avoid these kinds of hassles. Active Self Protection has a great video about getting caught up in red tape while transporting firearms. It has been a painless process for me the 4 or 5 times I've done it for work, just involves an extra 5 to 15 minute wait for TSA to clear you on your way.
UPDATE: My wife just flew with her firearm and interestingly, for both the flight out and back, they (two different airlines) had her declare the firearm, tag it, and the put it in her checked bag. So I guess it is entirely possible for them to ask you to do that. I just had not had them ask me to do that on any of my work trips when I carry. Just wanted to share what we learned with the rest of y'all.
In all of the airline specific rules that I looked at you have the option to place the gun case inside your checked bag or not. My opinion is that unless the gun case is for a long gun I prefer it to travel in my larger checked bag. That’s how I always travel with it. It’s larger, heavier and harder to steal.
If you have a hard keyed case that also has a hand combination quick release, make sure you take the battery out. Batteries may be flagged as possible bomb material.
I've flown with a firearm many times. The MOST important thing to do is to flap your arms faster.
It's true, we just tested it.
Hope the landing was soft, David.
With airline fees for oversized or over 50lb. baggage, on a few trips I actually send my gear UPS for less money than the carriers charge. No hassle, no waiting around inside the airport. Sometimes, I search ahead of time for a good sporting goods store nearby (Not Dick's) and just buy some ammo there. Ain't the internet great! Cheers.
Took Delta to Nashville from Anchorage Alaska. The ticket counter and TSA bought my hard case in Alaska no problem. Nashville ticket counter refused it and wouldn't allow any work around. Had to catch a taxi to a sporting goods store and buy another one. Got back just in time. I was an extra hour early for the first check in so that was an aha moment for me. If you can pry your case open even a little bit, some ticket counters will refuse it.
I would strongly recommend one additional step when transporting a pistol inside your checked baggage (in an approved hard sided, locked case). I run a flexible cable thru a lock on the hard sided Gun case and around the suitcases frame (some times thru the unzipped fabric). This prevents a “grab and run” when reaching into your checked baggage by any baggage handlers in the belly of the plane or in the terminal. This has occurred to friends of mine. Easy to do and costs under $20 total (lock and cable)
I have a few points and questions on this subject.
1) In the past the declaration form was signed by the passenger and counter signed/stamped by the check in agent and then PUT INSIDE THE GUN CASE. This is the procedure shown in the TSA video at There is supposed to be no identification of any form on the baggage that it contained a firearm - no sticker, no secret code on the bag tag, no NOTHING. Has this been changed? Such outside tags scream STEAL ME.
2) According to Delta Airlines, "All firearms checked as baggage must be picked up at the Baggage Service Office upon arrival at your final destination. ID will be required to claim your checked firearm". I understand that this MIGHT be the case with oversize cases, they wind up automatically with the skis, golf clubs, etc. Pickup required at the service office with ID indicates a violation of the "no identification" of the bag contents practice cited above.
3) Locked cases will include those with combination locks. I used Halberton aluminum camera cases. The passenger is supposed to retain the key at all times but the case may be opened for inspection in the presence of the passenger who unlocks the case or gives the key temporarily to the agent. HOWEVER, with a combination, if you give it to the agent he then has possession of it after you leave the screening. Even if you offer to activate the combination (so they are not given it) they often refuse to let you touch the case. I have gone round and round with various agents on this (and other firearm issues). Furthermore, this situation would appear to EXCLUDE TSA-recognized locks even though their use is approved on the above web site. The universal master keys are held by TSA (and possibly others) and can be used any time and at any location inside a TSA secure area or by an unscrupulous agent.
What is the experience with this? How can the combination lock situation be handled? What are your thoughts on all this.
Bob in Wyoming
Hey Guys, I fly a lot for work but never with firearms. I am flying southwest this weekend and want to know if I can put my soft sided gun bag inside my hard sided golf travel bag, and then lock the whole golf bag. Is that okay? I have many soft sided cases, but no hard sided cases at this time that will fit 3 rifles. Thanks!
I'm not sure, the best way would be to ask Southwest directly - they should be able to give you exact information!
The fact that my luggage with declared and screened firearms comes up the normal baggage claim carousel is idiotic and ludicrous. These should be picked up at a manned location and positive ID required. That TSA/ATF etc. do not require this is insane. No airports verify claim checks anymore so why give them too?
It’s actually a good thing as it prevents singling out the bag/container as containing a firearm and encouraging theft. I put my handgun in a hard case inside my suitcase and it works extremely well.
Going to Alaska on American Airlines. Can we put a pistol and rifle in same case?
There is no limit to the number or type of firearms (rifles/shotguns/pistols) per case. Different firearm types may be in the same case as long as each type is properly packed.
Cut and pasted the above from Alaska Airlines, Special Baggage. Transporting Firearms section of their website.
I have flown dozens of times with multiple firearms for competitive shooting. I always use a pelican case with my own keyed locks. I have flown with well over 11 lbs of ammo and never been questioned. I think if you have your stuff packaged looking professional they won't flag you. The trickiest part is every airport and airline has their own little quirks. Just give yourself a little extra time and you'll be fine. The hardest part is keeping everything under 50lbs to avoid extra charge. I have had many TSA agents look inside my cases and say WOW, looks like you know what you're doing! I fly mostly Delta and have never used an original manufacturers case. Spend the $ and get a pelican and customize the foam for what you want to bring and lock it at every point that can be locked.
Hi Scott,
Question for you since you said you fly delta, if I say fly in to Atlanta but then catch a connecting flight to FL, will I have to redeclare the firearm in Atlanta? or will they just see it is declared already and transfer my luggage as usual onto my next flight?
They will transfer the luggage as normal.
I just did my first cross-country, multiple-stop, multiple-airline trip with firearms.
In Seattle, Alaska Air had me sign an "unloaded" tag and taped it to the pelican case. Then I had to carry my bag to a TSA check who did a search and swab of my luggage. Finally I carried my bag to the oversized bag drop off.
In Salt Lake City, I just picked up my bags and left.
Leaving SLC, American Airlines questioned me the hardest, but then just dropped the "unloaded" tag into my luggage on top of my case. I personally carried my bag to the oversized/special luggage drop off and waited for it to go through xray, then I was good to go.
In Charlotte, NC, I picked up my bags and left.
Leaving Charlotte, the American agent was a bit easier, but then I waited to meet with a TSA agent who took me to a room behind the check-in counter, had me unlock my case and examined it. This made me the most concerned, because I had two sidearms in one case (no problem), and because I had my daily carry ammunition packed in one of the magazines instead of a box. He had no problem with that either - he picked it up and we spoke about it. He was only looking for loose ammunition. He also complimented the case and the locks, commenting on how often he saw folks trying to use manufacturer's cases that were pry-able or flimsy and the flexible cable locks or TSA-compliant locks. He picked up but did not attempt to work the slides on either sidearm, saying he would need a firing chamber to do so safely. So the only way he could have possible confirmed they were unloaded was by weight/feel. I asked if other airports had such chambers, and he said he wasn't aware. Afterwards we re-secured everything, then he had me watch him carry the bag to the luggage check to confirm it was in the system. This check-in took the longest, but it was the most educational and informative.
Back in Seattle, I was startled when baggage claim took my luggage off the carousel before I reached it, and insisted I show ID. I lost my temper a bit on this one. "Its policy because there's a firearm" I was told, but they were unable to show me where it was written down. My retort was that my ski equipment costs more than my firearm, but they don't require ID for my ski bag, and if they wanted to see my luggage receipt fine, but they had no right to my ID. They also couldn't explain how it could be American Airlines policy in Seattle but not in Charlotte. I'm writing a letter to the airline to complain about this further and will follow up with Eric if he's interested.
All told it was an interesting experience that I'll probably repeat now that I know more. The only consideration is that it was a trip I could have done with only carry-on if I hadn't been bringing a firearm with me.
After an hour on hold with United airlines they said I could carry 11 lbs of ammo on each checked bag- not 11 lbs per individual person .
I recently flew Delta. They REQUIRE TSA locks. I complied. When I arrived at destination my revolver was damaged. My bag had been inspected because I use TSA ziplocks to verify. I had to spend a half a day finding and going to a gunsmith. It turns out the gun was probably opened to check for ammo but slammed back into the frame thus causing the cylinder to become out of sync.
What is one to do about TSA required locks & TSA damage ??
Just visited Delta site and couldn't find anything stating they "require" TSA locks. TSA does currently allow them to be used, but it is a bad idea IMO. You can file a complaint with the TSA for the damage and attempt to recover it. The article also states that Delta requires a manufacturer case, but that has never been true in my experience in reading their rules and flying with firearms with them. That is one of 3 options and ONLY if it is sturdy enough to protect the firearm from being accessed.
Thank you for the insights. I fly with 1-2 guns when I am traveling to states that honor my carry license. Good tip on the TSA approved locks. All of mine are, but after your coments, I am switching to something that only I have the key for. If they need to open the case, is rather be there.
Glad we could help out, Mike!
Never, under any circumstances, is TSA approved locks on cases containing the firearm. Print/point out the regulation to the agent. If they persist, get a supervisor.
I have seen one consistency in posts and that is issues/challenges with Delta Airlines. I fly United and have never had any issues and I fly out of Chicago of all places.