Yes, but only in checked bags—small‑arms ammo must be securely boxed; never in carry‑ons, and airline weight limits apply.
Flying with ammunition raises quick questions at the check‑in desk. The short answer: packed the right way, small‑arms cartridges can travel in checked baggage on many airlines. The long answer lives in the details—packaging, quantity, and local law at every stop on your route. This guide lays out clear rules and a packing plan that works at most counters.
Taking Ammunition On A Plane: The Quick Rules
- No carry‑ons. Ammunition is screened out at security and belongs in checked baggage only.
- Use proper packaging. Box cartridges in the manufacturer’s box or a purpose‑built ammo case made of fiber, wood, metal, or sturdy plastic so primers aren’t exposed.
- Magazines and clips aren’t a free pass. Some airlines accept them only if they fully enclose the cartridges and are boxed; others don’t accept ammo in mags at all.
- Weight caps apply. Many airlines follow the 5 kg (11 lb) per person limit for small‑arms cartridges for personal use.
- Declare at the counter. Tell the agent you have boxed ammunition in your checked bag and follow any form or tag process they use.
- Keep firearms unloaded and locked if you’re checking one too. Ammo can be in the same locked case or a separate one, based on airline policy.
- No propellants or primers. Black powder, smokeless powder, percussion caps, and loose primers are not allowed in baggage.
- Know the law at origin, connection, and destination. Possession rules change by state and country.
Where Ammo Can Go And How
| Item / Scenario | Carry‑On | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Small‑arms cartridges (boxed) | Not allowed | Allowed when securely boxed; follow airline weight limits |
| Loose cartridges | Not allowed | Not allowed in any bag |
| Ammunition in magazines/clips | Not allowed | Only if magazines fully enclose the cartridges and are boxed; many airlines still require ammo in boxes |
| Black powder / primers / percussion caps | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Shotgun shells | Not allowed | Allowed when boxed like other small‑arms cartridges |
| Firearm in case (unloaded) | Not allowed | Allowed when declared, unloaded, in a locked hard case; ammo may ride in or outside that case per airline rules |
What Counts As Small‑Arms Ammunition?
For air travel, small‑arms ammunition covers common cartridges and shotgun shells up to 19.1 mm (.75 caliber). It does not include loose propellants or primers of any kind. In airline and international rulebooks you may see “UN 0012” or “UN 0014” next to cartridges; those codes identify small‑arms cartridges that fit passenger baggage allowances.
Flying With Ammo In Checked Luggage: Pack It Right
- Box it. Use the retail box or a rugged ammo case that keeps each round separated or fully contained. No exposed primers or loose rounds.
- Secure magazines. If you plan to move ammo in mags, cap or sleeve them so cartridges are fully enclosed, then put them in a hard box. If your airline bans ammo in mags, shift the rounds to boxes instead.
- Weigh your load. Stay at or under 5 kg (11 lb) of ammunition per traveler unless your airline publishes a lower cap.
- Declare at check‑in. Tell the agent what you’re checking. Some counters add a declaration card inside the gun case; others use a bag tag note.
- Lock smart. If ammo rides in a firearm case, that case needs non‑TSA locks you control. If ammo rides in a separate case, secure it inside the suitcase so it doesn’t rattle around.
- Separate from powders and caps. Propellant and primers aren’t permitted in any bag, so don’t bring them at all.
Magazines And Clips: When They’re OK
Screeners look for exposed primers and loose rounds. That’s why rules call for magazines to be fitted with covers, blocks, or sleeves that fully enclose the cartridges, and then placed inside a rigid box. Some carriers still insist that all ammo be in boxes, not in mags. When in doubt, empty the mags and pack round boxes instead.
Quantity Limits: Why 5 kg Shows Up Everywhere
The 5 kg (11 lb) cap comes from international dangerous‑goods rules used by many airlines. It’s a per‑person limit, and you can’t pool allowances into one container. A few carriers set lower caps or add extra steps, so read your ticketing email and the baggage page before you pack.
Airline Variations You Should Expect
Policies line up on the basics—no carry‑ons, boxed cartridges in checked bags, and a per‑person weight cap. Differences show up in the fine print: some carriers allow boxed, capped magazines; some ban ammo in mags; some want ammo in a separate bag; a few ask you to place boxes inside the locked firearm case. If your itinerary spans multiple airlines, follow the strictest rule you’ll meet.
Sample Airline Ammo Rules (Check Before You Fly)
| Airline | Max Ammo | Notable Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Up to 5 kg per person | Boxed cartridges in checked bags; declare at check‑in |
| American Airlines | Up to 5 kg per person | Boxes only; ammo not accepted loose or in magazines/clips |
| Delta Air Lines | Up to 5 kg per person | Small‑arms cartridges for personal use; no pooling between travelers |
| Alaska Airlines | Up to 5 kg per person | Follow TSA packaging; declare at check‑in |
| Southwest | Company policy applies | Boxed cartridges only; check your reservation notes |
| Air Canada | Up to 5 kg per person | Boxes inside checked baggage; firearms case rules apply |
| British Airways | Up to 5 kg per person | Sporting use only; advance approval often required |
How To Declare At The Counter
- Get to the desk a few minutes early. Checked firearms and ammo add a short form or tag at many counters.
- Tell the agent you have boxed ammunition in your checked bag (and a firearm case, if you’re traveling with one).
- Open the suitcase or case when asked so the agent can see the packaging. Keep locks and keys handy.
- Complete any declaration card. Some carriers place it inside the gun case; others attach a discreet tag to the bag.
- Relock the case and bag before you hand them back to the agent.
Common Packing Mistakes That Trigger A No
- Rounds in a carry‑on or personal item.
- Loose cartridges scattered in a pocket or pouch.
- Exposed primers in loaded magazines without covers.
- Ammo weight above the airline cap.
- Mixing boxed cartridges with black powder or primers.
- Unlabeled or flimsy containers that look like they could open in transit.
- Placing a locked gun case in a bag you can’t open when the desk agent asks to inspect it.
- Connecting through a location where you aren’t allowed to possess ammo without a local permit.
Legal Considerations Beyond The Airport
Airport rules aren’t the only hurdle. Ammunition possession laws differ by state and country. If you switch airports during a long connection or reclaim bags overnight, you may fall under local possession rules. International trips can require a firearms or ammunition permit even if you’re only carrying boxed cartridges for sport. Plan your route with these stops in mind.
Quick Packing Checklist
- Boxed cartridges only; no loose rounds and no exposed primers.
- Total ammo weight at or under 5 kg (11 lb) per traveler.
- Magazines either empty or fully enclosed and boxed—per your airline’s rule.
- Hard case and non‑TSA locks ready if you’re checking a firearm.
- Keys and combinations accessible for inspection at the desk.
- Printed copy or screenshot of your airline’s ammo page saved to your phone.
- Route checked for local ammo laws at origin, connection, and destination.
Sources And How We Verified This
This guide cross‑checks three authorities: the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s page on transporting firearms and ammunition, the Federal Aviation Administration’s PackSafe advice for ammunition, and the IATA passenger table that embeds the 5 kg rule used by many airlines (IATA guidance for passengers). Airlines can add their own conditions, so check your carrier’s baggage page before you head to the airport.