How To Take Guns on International Flights

You can transport your gun on a plane so long as you adhere to TSA regulations.

The United States Department of Homeland Security ensures airline safety through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA places regulations stating how items such as firearms may be taken on a plane. If you wish to carry a gun on an international flight, the TSA requires that it and any ammunition be properly stored. All guns brought on flights departing from or arriving into the United States must be checked in at a ticket counter. They are not allowed as carry-on luggage.

Things You'll Need

• Hard-sided locking case
• Pouch, holder, holster or lanyard
• Cardboard fiber, wood or metal box

Instructions

1. Make sure your gun or firearm is unloaded.

2. Place the gun in a hard-sided container or case with a locking mechanism. The container must not be able to be pulled open and can only be accessed by you via a combination or a key.

3. Place any ammunition clips in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard. Loose bullets or shells must be packed in cardboard fiber, wood or metal boxes.

4. Place the ammunition in the hard-sided case and lock the case.

5. Go to an airline ticket-counter check in desk.

6. Declare to the ticket counter clerk that you have a firearm you are transporting.

7. Provide the key or combination to the gun's hard-side case to the ticket counter clerk so she may inspect the contents.

8. Check the baggage with the ticket counter clerk. You cannot take it on the airline as carry-on luggage.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your airline well in advance of your flight for any changes in requirements or regulations regarding the transportation of firearms.

• Black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are prohibited from carry-on or checked baggage.

• As each country may have its own laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms, contact the authorities in your destination country. This includes contacting the airline company, government transportation security agency and local police department.

References

• Transportation Security Administration: Traveling with Special Items - Firearms & Ammunition