Yes—checked only. In the U.S., unloaded guns must ride in a locked hard case inside checked bags, declared at the counter; never in carry-on.
What The Rules Say
U.S. rules let you fly with firearms only in checked baggage, and only when the gun is unloaded, locked inside a hard-sided case, and declared to the airline at the counter. Carry-on bags are never allowed for guns or for most gun parts. The passenger keeps the only key or combination to the locked case. If staff need a look, they will ask you to unlock it in person. The baseline requirements are outlined on the TSA transporting firearms and ammunition page, which is the reference agents use at airports.
Bringing A Firearm On A Plane: Rules That Work
Details at the counter matter. Use a true hard case that cannot be pried open at the latches. Every latch point should accept a lock, and the lid must not flex under hand pressure. Place the locked case inside your suitcase unless your airline accepts the case as a separate checked item. Speak clearly when you declare: tell the agent you are checking an unloaded firearm secured in a locked hard case. Open the case only when an airline or screening officer asks, then lock it again while they watch.
Carry-On Vs Checked At A Glance
Use this quick reference as you pack. The left column shows why carry-on bags create trouble; the right column shows what works for checked baggage.
| Item | Carry-On | Checked Bag Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Unloaded firearm | No | Yes — locked hard-sided case; declare at the counter; passenger retains key/combination. |
| Ammunition (small arms) | No | Yes — in fiber, wood, metal, or dedicated ammo packaging; many airlines cap at 5 kg/11 lb. |
| Magazines/clips | No | Yes — empty or holding ammo if cartridges are fully enclosed; follow airline instructions. |
| Firearm parts (slides, bolts, frames, receivers) | No | Yes — pack in checked baggage; keep with the locked firearm case when possible. |
| Suppressors/silencers | No | Yes — where lawful; pack in checked baggage only. |
| Optics, scopes, red dots | Yes | Yes — pack carefully; not restricted as firearm parts. |
| Replica or toy guns that look real | No | Yes — treat as if real; checked only. |
Step-By-Step Packing Checklist
A calm routine keeps you out of trouble. Follow these steps from the night before through bag drop.
- Unload the firearm and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well.
- Remove all ammunition from coat pockets, range bags, and carry-ons.
- Place the firearm in a molded, hard-sided case with solid padlock hasps.
- Use non-TSA padlocks so only you can open the case.
- Pack ammunition in factory boxes or dedicated ammo trays that fully cover primers.
- Insert the locked case inside your suitcase, or check it as a separate item if allowed.
- At the ticket counter, tell the agent you are declaring an unloaded firearm in a locked hard case.
- Sign the declaration card if provided, and place it where the airline instructs.
- Remain available for screening in case security requests a key-in-hand inspection.
- On arrival, retrieve your bag from the normal carousel or the oversize area, depending on the airport.
Ammo, Magazines, And Parts
Ammunition must travel in checked baggage only, packed in sturdy boxes made of fiber, wood, or metal, or in purpose-built holders that fully shield the primers. Many carriers adopt a five-kilogram per passenger cap for small-arms ammo, which lines up with international practice. Loaded magazines can ride in checked luggage if cartridges are completely enclosed by a rigid cover or pouch that prevents movement. Empty magazines are fine in checked bags. Slides, bolts, frames, and receivers belong in checked baggage. Optics and empty holsters can ride in your cabin bag. See the FAA PackSafe guidance on ammunition for the packing standard airlines follow.
Airline Variations And Fees
Carriers publish their own pages for sporting arms. Expect small differences: some want the locked case inside another bag; others accept the gun case as a standalone item. Many set ammo weight limits and may count the gun case as one checked bag toward your allowance. Save a copy of the airline policy with your itinerary so you can show it at the counter if questions pop up.
| Airline Rule | What You’ll See | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Checked as separate case | Often allowed; fees may apply | Bring the policy page to the counter. |
| Ammo weight cap | Commonly 5 kg / 11 lb per traveler | Weigh before you leave home. |
| Case inside suitcase | Some carriers require this | Plan room and weight accordingly. |
| Oversize pickup | Some airports route to special desk | Check signage near baggage claim. |
| Multiple firearms | Usually allowed if all are unloaded | Use one or more locked cases as needed. |
International Trips And Connections
Rules outside the U.S. can be stricter. Many countries require advance permits, import papers, or a match invitation for sporting guns. Some ban private handgun import altogether. When booking a multi-leg itinerary, the strictest segment sets the plan. A domestic leg that connects through a foreign hub can ruin a trip if permits are missing. Work backward from your destination’s rules, secure paperwork early, and keep copies in both print and digital form. On return, meet any customs declarations that apply before you exit the airport.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Delays
Most airport snags trace back to packing or paperwork. Avoid these pitfalls and your check-in will feel routine.
- Leaving a round in the chamber or a loaded magazine in a pocket.
- Using a soft case with a cable lock instead of a rigid, lockable box.
- Placing a TSA-style lock on the gun case so staff can open it without you.
- Scattering loose rounds in a duffel instead of secure boxes.
- Forgetting to declare the firearm at the counter.
- Assuming a hunting license doubles as an import permit overseas.
- Arriving late and rushing through the process.
Practical Scenarios And Fixes
A few real-life setups show how to avoid snags at the desk and during screening.
- Road trip out, flight back: Pack your hard case and locks before you depart. At the return airport, move the unloaded firearm into the hard case, lock it, and declare at the counter.
- Two pistols, one suitcase: Use a single rigid case with room for both pistols and locks at each latch. Keep magazines and ammo boxed nearby inside the suitcase.
- Hunting rifle with optics: Remove the bolt, cap turrets, and use lens covers. Pack the rifle in a lockable hard case; carry smaller optics in your cabin bag if you wish.
- Competition trip with lots of ammo: Weigh boxed ammo to stay under airline caps. Ship extra to your match director or buy at the venue.
- Unexpected overnight due to delay: Retrieve your checked baggage only with airline approval. Keep your case locked and under your control during the layover.
Final Checks Before You Fly
Plan your timeline. Reach the airport early, keep your key with you, and stay near the oversize screening point until your bag clears. Keep policy pages handy on your phone. Label the outside of your suitcase with your contact information. On arrival, head to oversize if the bag is not on the main belt within a few minutes. Treat the process like shipping precision gear: steady, careful, and methodical.
Choosing The Right Case And Lock
Pick a rigid case built for firearms. Look for metal-reinforced hasps, hinges that resist prying, and a shell that will not flex when squeezed. A buckle that pops under hand pressure will draw a denial. Two padlocks are common on long cases; pistols often need one stout lock, but extra latch points help. Use solid-body padlocks with short shackles that fill the hasp. TSA-accepted locks do not meet the rule here, since only you must be able to open the case. Label the case inside with your name and phone number in case tags go missing.
Non-TSA padlocks are required because only the passenger may open the case. That keeps the chain of custody clear and avoids surprises after screening. If staff need access, they will page you to unlock the box while they observe. Use keyed locks that match or identical combination locks so you are not juggling spares. Pack two backups in your carry-on. If a lock breaks, replace it before the bag moves behind the counter, then confirm with the agent. Short shackles reduce leverage against forced entry further.
Documents To Carry With You
Keep a small folder with items that smooth questions: a printed copy of your airline’s firearms page, your government photo ID, any carry permit that applies at your destination, range or match paperwork, and proof that your hotel or host expects you. None of these items replace law, yet they help staff verify your story in minutes. A quick photo of the serial number list for the guns you checked can also help in the rare event of a claim. Store the folder in your personal item so it stays with you.
What Counts As Unloaded
For airline travel, unloaded means no round in the chamber, no loaded cylinder, and no magazine seated that contains ammunition. Many travelers lock the slide to the rear or remove the bolt, then place the parts back in the case after a quick visual check. That extra step is not mandatory, yet it makes the condition obvious during any inspection. Leave snap caps and dummy rounds at home. Keep loose ammo out of pockets and carry-ons. If you travel with a revolver, confirm each empty chamber, close the cylinder, and load the case without any cartridges nearby.