How to Travel With Handguns on Airlines

When I am asked what I do for a living and I explain that I’m a gun writer, questions usually follow. Most are surprised that such a career title even exists, and others are curious about the daily schedule of someone who has chosen such a path in life. When I explain what I do, one aspect of the job that surprises many people is that I often travel (and usually fly) with firearms. Even lifelong gun owners are surprised to learn that you can legally fly with a firearm.

You can fly with a firearm (in your checked luggage, of course), and as someone who travels with firearms on a monthly and sometimes weekly basis I have found that, so long as you know and follow the rules, most airlines are pretty easy to work with. In truth, I have had very few problems while traveling with handguns in the United States, and when I am traveling on vacation to a state that recognizes my concealed carry license, I usually do carry, even if it isn’t a work-related trip.

Before you go, though, there are some things that you need to know, and understanding these rules will make life easier for you and airline employees and keep you out of trouble.

Travel with Firearms: What TSA Says

TSA’s official website states the following about traveling with firearms: “You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.”

This means even if you check in online, you need to speak to the gate agent and let them know that you have a firearm and that it is unloaded. It’s also important to understand that, by TSA definition, a “loaded” firearm is any gun that has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or the cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. A pistol, even in a locked case, is considered if there is a magazine in the gun that contains ammunition, and this is a problem.

It's also worth noting that TSA outlines a “loaded” firearm as such: “For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered ‘loaded’ for purposes of assessing a civil penalty.”

The easiest way to prevent these issues is to bring the firearm to the agent unloaded in a locked security case in your checked luggage and keep ammunition in a separate container—preferably the original box. According to TSA’s website, “Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.” I prefer to carry my firearm unloaded and have the ammunition in a separate box within the case. International law says that you are limited to 5 kilograms or 11 pounds) of ammunition.

Full Disclosure

When I proceed to the airline counter, I explain that I have a firearm in a locked container, that it is unloaded, and that ammunition is in the original container and weighs less than 11 pounds. Airline employees then provide you with a declaration that the firearm is unloaded, which you will sign and place within the case.

From there, the baggage containing the firearm will go to TSA, where it is inspected and sent through with your checked luggage.

Choosing quality locks is very important. TSA outlines that only the person checking the firearm should have the key or combination to the lock, and the TSA agent may request the key for inspection. You do not have to use TSA locks, but TSA agents have a master key that allows them to open TSA locks. I’ve never had an issue with TSA locks despite having flown thousands of miles with them.

Many airlines will zip tie your firearm case shut, so you will not be able to open it until you have access to a tool. I generally fly with a small multi-tool in my checked bag that make it easy to cut the zip ties when I reach the range or hunting camp.

Bags and Cases: Which are Best:

Whether I’m flying domestically or internationally, I use cases that lock externally and place my gun case (also locked) inside them. This isn’t necessary, but it provides a double layer of protection against anyone accessing my firearm, and it also prevents baggage pilfering, which is less of a problem in the United States than abroad. I use TSA locks on the interior and exterior.

When you choose a carry case for your firearm, I suggest avoiding the really cheap ones. Many handguns ship in a case with locking tabs, but I prefer something sturdier for added protection for my firearm. I know of some individuals who have run into issues with plastic cases that airlines felt weren’t secure enough, so buying a good high-quality case makes sense. I use Pelican cases (both for my checked bag and the gun case inside) and Nanuk gun cases and have had excellent experiences with both. I also prefer cases with dense foam that protect the gun and prevent it from moving in the case. Lastly, I don’t go out of my way to advertise that there is a firearm in my bag. This only invites thieves, in my opinion, and this is especially true when traveling outside the U.S.

Rules Vary By Location

It’s essential to understand that rules vary by location, so you must be aware of local laws when traveling. I would not, for example, fly through an airport in an area with a magazine restriction ban carrying a mag with a capacity that breaks the law. Would it be possible—even likely—that you would get through without issues during a layover because you are in transit? Perhaps, but that’s not a risk I want to take, and I have flown enough to know that airline delays and cancellations are a part of life. You certainly don’t want to leave the airport to overnight in a hotel with a firearm that can cause legal problems.

For the most part, though, you will not have issues when you fly if you know and follow the rules. And, as a gun owner, it’s worthwhile to know those rules and even print them out in case you need to show them to a gate agent. Will you run into the occasional gate agent that doesn’t know the rules? Yes, but that’s rare, and I’ve found that being patient and remaining calm and reasonable goes a long way toward smooth travels. Airline travel with firearms is not only possible but generally quite simple if you know the rules and follow them.

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