Flying with guns and ammo
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy wanted to go over the process of flying with firearms and ammunition. Just to state the obvious, we aren’t lawyers or TSA agents here. We are not the end-all-be-all authority on this subject, so what we are saying here does not constitute legal advice. That being said, what we have here is a compilation of information from official sources regarding the process and requirements associated with flying with guns and ammo. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
A Reminder
An important thing to consider is that one will be subjected to the laws and ordinances of not only the place they are traveling from, but also the places they will be traveling to. Unfortunately, being unaware or ignorant of the law is not an excuse or an exemption from potential consequences. One should read up on the laws they will encounter wherever they go to stay safe and not risk any legal consequences.
Specific Airlines and Airports
One should also be sure to be aware of the policies of the specific airlines and airports. Some airlines may have different limits and criteria for transporting firearms and ammunition. For example, one airline may have a higher limit of ammunition one can transport when compared to another. Just to be safe, one should consult the airline and airport they are using when traveling to ensure everything goes smoothly and complies with policies and regulations.
Defining a Loaded Firearm
A firearm is considered loaded by the TSA if any of the following criteria is met:
- A live round of ammunition, or any component, is present in the chamber, cylinder, or magazine inserted in the firearm.
- Both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger.
One should be aware of what the TSA considers loaded to ensure they avoid civil penalties and fines. For example, even if one were to bring an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to a security checkpoint, one would be hit with the same penalties as bringing a loading firearm to the checkpoint. One can read an official statement regarding this matter in the Code of Regulations here.
Flying With Firearms
If one intends to fly with firearms, one should first ensure that everything is unloaded and is transported in a hard-sided case as checked baggage. It should also be known that each firearm being transported must be declared each time the checked baggage is presented. These hard cases must be accompanied by and utilize TSA-recognized locks. One should keep the key or combination to their lock in the event that TSA needs to access the case and ensure the transported cargo adheres to transport regulations. Firearm components and parts such as magazines and bolts can be transported in checked baggage as they are prohibited in carry-on baggage. Magazines may also be transported in the same locked hard case as the unloaded firearms. If one wishes to transport something like a rifle scope, one can utilize either carry-on or checked baggage. One can read the TSA’s resource regarding the transportation of firearms here.
Flying With Ammunition
When it comes to flying with ammunition, one must adhere to the regulations determined by the TSA and their specific airlines. Generally, ammunition is to be transported in checked baggage as it is prohibited in carry-on baggage. Ammunition is to be packaged in container specifically intended for ammunition. This container can be cardboard, plastic, or metal as far as construction goes. If ammunition is packaged in this way, one can transport it in the same locked and hard-sided case as the unloaded firearms they are transporting. One can consult the official verbiage regarding this matter in the Code of Regulations here.
Law Enforcement
Certain law enforcement personnel are able to fly while armed if they meet specific criteria:
- Be a federal law enforcement officer or a full-time municipal, county, state, tribal or territorial law enforcement officer who is a direct government agency employee.
- Be sworn and commissioned to enforce criminal or immigration statuses.
- Be authorized by the employing agency to have the weapon in connection with assigned duties.
- Have completed the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Flying Armed Training Course.
Additionally, there must be a demonstrable need for the officer to have access to the weapon aboard the aircraft. Here are some of the operational needs described by the TSA that will justify law enforcement personnel having immediate access to their weapon:
- Assigned to a protective duty as a principal or advance team, or on travel required to be prepared to engage in a protective function.
- Conducting a hazardous surveillance operation.
- On official travel with a requirement to report to another location armed and prepared for duty immediately upon landing.
- Control of a prisoner, or on a round trip ticket returning from escorting or traveling to pick up a prisoner.
- Employed as a federal law enforcement officer, whether or not on official travel, and traveling armed in accordance with the policies or directives of the employing agency.
The TSA also outlines some examples which do not meet the threshold needed for an officer to have their weapon accessible during flight.
- Individuals possessing the status of a retired, contract, reserve, auxiliary or annuitant law enforcement personnel.
- Law enforcement officers who have not been granted general arrest authority and/or are limited specifically to governmental facilities.
- Any law enforcement officer who is employed by a department, agency or service that is not fully taxpayer funded.
- Attendance of non-operational or enforcement related activities (e.g., training, conferences, police week, memorial services, personal travel, etc.)
If interested, one can read more about this subject along with information about training programs and materials on the TSA’s website here.
Conclusion
All in all, while the task may seem daunting or complicated, the process of flying with guns and ammo is actually quite straightforward. Besides this blog post, one can consult a number of existing guides and reference materials available from sources such as the TSA and airports/airlines. For example, this video regarding the transport of firearms from the TSA is short, informative, and comes from an official source. Just to reiterate, we are not lawyers or TSA here at True Shot Academy and what we are saying here does not constitute legal advice. That being said, we hope that this guide has shed some light on the process while also highlighting some official resources for further information.
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