How to Fly Legally With a Gun

Flying with a gun is not as difficult as one might think. You won't be able to carry your weapon on the airplane or keep your gun in your carry-on luggage, but you will be able to transport most guns and ammunition on your flight.

Instructions

1. Pack unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container. Place this container in your luggage that you intend to check when you arrive at the airport. No guns or ammunition of any kind are permitted in carry-on luggage.

2. Enclose ammunition in cardboard or in a metal or wooden container. These items can be stored in the same hard-sided container as your gun as long as they are properly packed. Ammunition must also be placed in checked luggage.

3. Check with your specific airline before arriving at the airport for any additional requirements they may have for transporting guns and ammunition.

4. Declare all guns and ammunition during check-in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are flying internationally, you must contact the authorities in all destination countries for their rules regarding the transporting and possessing of guns and ammunition.

• To avoid any issues during check-in, bring a paper copy of the airline's policies regarding the transportation of guns and ammunition.

• You cannot fly with black powder or percussion caps used with black powder guns.

• You must follow the procedures for air transport of guns and ammunition, or you may face a fine of up to $10,000 for each violation.

Resources

• The Transportation Security Administration has more information about legally traveling with firearms at tsa.gov.
• For links to specific airlines and their policies regarding guns and ammunition on their flights, go to nraila.org/GunLaws.