Yes. For checked baggage, the firearm must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at the counter; ammo has strict packing limits.
Flying with a gun is allowed on many routes, as long as you follow airport and airline rules. The big picture is simple: checked only, unloaded, locked, and declared. The details matter, because small mistakes can lead to delays, missed flights, or seized gear. This guide lays out the steps, the packaging quirks, and the easy fixes that keep your trip smooth.
Bringing A Firearm In Checked Baggage — Rules That Matter
Airports screen bags to stop surprises. When your case hits the X-ray, officers look for a safe setup, not brand or model. Focus on these core points.
What The Airline Agent Needs To Hear
Walk to the full-service counter and say you need to declare an unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case. The agent may give you a declaration card to sign and place inside or on the case. Stay calm, be clear, and keep the case locked unless staff asks you to open it in your presence.
What TSA Looks For At Screening
Screeners verify an unloaded firearm inside a locked hard-sided case, with the lock preventing the lid from being pried. Only you should control the key or combo. If an officer needs the case opened, you must be present or reachable. Avoid flimsy latches and cases that flex under hand pressure.
Locked Hard-Sided Case Basics
Use a rigid case with lock points at each corner or along the lid. Fit solid, non-loose locks. The case must fully contain the firearm and prevent access. You can place the locked case inside your suitcase, or check it as a standalone item, depending on size.
| Rule | What It Means | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Unloaded | No round in chamber or internal magazine; cylinder empty. | Visually and physically inspect before packing. |
| Locked Hard-Sided Case | Rigid container that can’t be opened without the key or combo. | Use sturdy locks at every hasp; avoid weak plastic latches. |
| Key/Combo Control | You keep the key or combination. | Non-TSA padlocks help ensure only you can open it when asked. |
| Declare At Counter | Tell the agent and complete the declaration card. | Arrive early and keep the case accessible for inspection. |
| Ammunition | Only in checked bags and properly boxed. | Factory box or rigid ammo box works well; see packaging notes below. |
| Magazines/Clips | Allowed in checked bags. | Enclose and secure; many airlines want rounds fully covered. |
| Carry-On | Firearms and parts are not permitted. | Do not bring slides, bolts, frames, or barrels through security. |
| Local Laws | Origin, layover, and destination laws apply. | Research permits and transport rules before you book. |
| Case Inside Luggage | Permitted. | Secure the inner case to the suitcase frame with a cable if possible. |
| Multiple Firearms | Often allowed in one locked case. | Pad each item; confirm weight and fee rules with your airline. |
Packing Steps That Keep You Out Of Trouble
Unload And Clear
Remove the magazine, open the action, and clear the chamber. Check again. Insert a chamber flag if you use one. Separate ammo while you work so a stray round can’t slip back into the firearm.
Lock And Separate Access
Place the firearm in the hard case with minimal movement. Use foam or sleeves to stop scuffs. Close the case and lock every hasp. Put the key on your person, not in the suitcase. If your case rides inside a larger bag, add a cable tether so a thief can’t lift the inner case and vanish.
Declare Every Time
At the counter, state that your bag contains an unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case. Follow staff directions for the declaration card. Stay nearby after check-in so you can return if screening calls for a quick look.
Ammunition: Quantities And Packaging
Small arms cartridges travel in checked baggage when boxed to prevent movement of primers or projectiles. Most airlines follow a 5 kg (11 lb) per-person cap on ammo. That cap is gross weight, including the box. Some domestic routes allow more, while many international routes keep the 5 kg limit. When in doubt, call.
Packaging needs to be robust. Factory boxes, plastic cartridge boxes, or metal/fiber containers designed for ammo are standard. Loose rounds are not allowed. Many carriers accept loaded magazines if the cartridges are fully enclosed by a rigid cover that prevents primer contact. A mag in a snug pouch that closes the feed lips is a common solution, but policies vary.
For rule language and examples, review the TSA guidance on transporting firearms and ammunition and the FAA PackSafe ammunition page for ammo quantity limits and packaging cues. Both explain the checked-only rule, the locked case, and the 5 kg ammunition cap seen on many tickets.
Parts, Accessories, And Cases
Gun parts such as frames, receivers, bolts, firing pins, and barrels must go in checked bags. Optics and holsters may ride in carry-on, yet many travelers pack them with the case for simplicity. Magazines may travel in checked bags, boxed or enclosed so rounds can’t escape. Tools with blades should ride in checked luggage.
Domestic Versus International Flights
Within the United States, airline counter staff use the same baseline rules, then layer on carrier policies such as ammo weight and fees. International trips add import and export paperwork, permits, and police approvals that vary by country. Fly with explicit written approval where required, and match your itinerary to legal transit points that allow firearm transfer in checked baggage. If a schedule change adds an unplanned overnight in a strict city, ask the airline to retain the checked bag.
Common Mistakes And Easy Fixes
- Case pries open: Add locks to every hasp and choose a rigid shell that resists flex.
- TSA arrives when you’ve left the lobby: Stay near the counter for 20–30 minutes after check-in.
- Ammo weight surprises: Weigh boxed ammo at home; keep well under any 5 kg cap.
- Loose rounds in a pocket: Do a final pocket sweep before you leave home.
- Magazines loose in luggage: Enclose mags or keep them inside the locked case.
- Wrong locks: Use solid padlocks you control; avoid thin zipper locks.
- Papers missing on an overseas leg: Print permits and carry spares with your passport.
Smart Case Setup
Pick a size that fits your firearm without wasted space. Closed-cell foam keeps weight down and holds shape after long trips. Label the interior with your name and phone number. Leave the exterior plain. If your case sits inside a suitcase, place the declaration card as directed and keep the inner case centered so X-ray images are clear.
Airline Talks: What To Ask Before You Book
Before you buy a ticket, check the fee for sporting items, the ammo weight cap, and whether the airline wants ammo in the locked case or in a separate box inside the suitcase. Confirm if multiple firearms in a single case trigger a special fee. Ask about odd cases such as starter pistols or replicas, which still count as firearms under most policies.
Edge Cases Worth Planning
Handguns In Small Suitcases
A compact pistol case often sits inside a carry-on sized suitcase that you then check. That’s fine. Just keep the inner case locked and solidly anchored. Don’t try to bring the case to the checkpoint; go straight to the counter.
Hunting Trips With Several Rifles
A long rifle case can ride as a standalone item. Give it bright ID inside, strong locks, and dense foam around muzzle devices and optics. Tape a copy of your itinerary inside the lid so airline staff can reach you if tags tear off.
Short Layovers
If you have a tight connection, stay near the gate in case your name is called for screening. A good packing job up front reduces those calls.
| Method | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Factory Cardboard Box | Yes | Dividers hold each round; tape the flap. |
| Plastic Cartridge Box | Yes | Hinged lids latch securely; label the caliber. |
| Loaded Magazine | Often | Must fully cover rounds; place in a closed pouch. |
| Loose Rounds In Bag | No | Not permitted in any baggage. |
| Wood/Metal Ammo Box | Yes | Secure latch; count weight toward the 5 kg cap. |
Pre-Flight Checklist
- Firearm cleared, chamber flag optional.
- Locked hard-sided case with solid padlocks on every hasp.
- Ammunition boxed; weight checked.
- Magazines enclosed or kept inside the locked case.
- Key or combo on your person; spare key in a wallet card holder.
- Printed copies of airline policy and any permits.
- Plan to declare at the counter and wait nearby after check-in.
At The Airport: From Counter To Carousel
After you declare and hand off the bag, stay reachable. If screening needs you, staff will call you back. Once cleared, the bag rides like any other checked item. At your destination, oversized rifle cases may arrive on the special items belt. If a case is missing, file a claim before you leave the baggage area and ask for written confirmation that the firearm case is in airline custody.
If Staff Ask For The Key
Officers may need to view the interior in your presence. Bring the key or combo with you. Unlock, let them inspect, and relock before the bag moves. You must retain control of the key or combo when travel resumes.
Ground Transport After Landing
Plan your ride. Some trains, shuttles, or rideshare zones sit in areas with posted rules on weapons. Keep the case closed and locked, and carry paperwork in your pocket. If police ask, be polite, explain that the firearm is unloaded and locked, and show your tag or permit if your state requires it.
Where To Read The Official Rules
You can review the TSA page on transporting firearms and ammunition for the locked-case, unloaded, and declaration requirements, and the FAA PackSafe ammunition page for the 5 kg limit language many airlines follow. Keep those links handy on your phone when you fly.