Whether traveling for hunting season, training camps, or moving, flying with firearms is doable. Still, strict rules and regulations must be followed to prevent any potential law-breaking. To get where you’re trying to go without any hassle, check out these ten tips for flying with firearms!
1. Check The Laws For The Destination You’re Flying To
Gun laws vary from state to state. The same goes for different countries.
Before you prep your bags and load up your firearms, you must check the laws of the destinations you’re flying to. This will ensure you are not flying to a state or country only to become a criminal for illegally owning firearms.
Some things to verify include the open carry and concealed carry laws, the legal magazine capacity, which firearms are approved, what permits are required, how to legally store and transport firearms for those that don’t have a permit, and, of course, the Use of Force and Deadly Force laws in the destination you’re flying to.
We recommend checking the rules more than once or twice to ensure you follow the law to avoid any potential issues or law-breaking during your travels.
2. Read The TSA & Airline Rules
The TSA and airline rules can be very different, so you must read through both to ensure you adhere to them. Go through the rules more than once as a precaution.
We recommend having the rules and policies up on your phone. This can be screenshots with your phone or having the rules pulled up on your device so that, if need be, you can prove that you are following the provided rules.
Variations in policies between airlines, airports, and TSA can confuse employees with employees, especially those unaware of gun policies. Having these rules prepared on your phone can prevent any potential concerns if this issue arises.
3. Declare Your Firearm
Under the regulations of the Transportation Security Administration, travelers are required to declare their firearms. Travelers with packed guns must do this each time they present the checked baggage carrying the firearm.
Firearm parts, like firing pins and magazines, do not need to be declared. These parts are prohibited from being included in checked luggage. Firearm parts are required to be transported as carry-on luggage.
4. Pack The Ammunition & Gun In A Checked Bag
Unlike firearm parts, the unloaded gun and ammunition must be packed in a checked bag. They must be packed in a hard-sided container that is locked. The firearm must be unloaded.
The Transportation Security Administration considers a firearm to be loaded if the ammunition and firearm are accessible to the passenger. The hard-sided bag carrying the unloaded gun and ammunition must be taken to the full-service counter, where you must declare your firearm.
5. Lock The Hard-Sided Case With A Non-TSA Lock
The case must be locked when packing the unloaded firearm and ammunition in the hard-sided case. Do not use a TSA lock, as this is illegal for a gun case. This is because, with a TSA lock, unauthorized personnel can access the bag’s contents.
The lock must be non-TSA provided. You must be the only one with access to unlocking the bag, whether by key or combination.
6. Aim For A Nonstop Flight
It is recommended to avoid connections for flights when flying with firearms. The reason is that if any connecting stops in states or countries do not recognize the carrying of firearms or any permits you may have, this can be considered a violation of the law.
For example, if you fly into one of these states, such as Illinois or New York, on a connecting flight and a flight is rescheduled, this can be a cause for great concern if you need to stay at a hotel for the night. Coming back through TSA the next day, you may be in a pickle.
7. Pack Your Gun At Home
Utilize a pre-trip checklist when packing your firearm and other gear. Verify that firearms are unloaded and nothing is in the chambers or magazines.
Pack your firearms and gear at home. With the unfortunate violent chaos of irresponsible gun holders these days, packing a firearm in a public place will not only be a cause for mass panic, but it can be considered a violation of the law. Load everything up at home in a controlled environment as a safety precaution.
8. Use The Full-Service Counter For Check-In
It is required for all passengers traveling with a firearm to use the full-service counter for check-in. When you arrive at the counter, and it is your turn in line, inform the agent that you wish to declare a firearm. You will then sign a declaration document. Once done, you will accompany a TSA agent to a secure room where they will perform security checks and place your declaration document inside the checked bag.
9. Do Not Leave Your Bag Through Screening
Once inspection is completed with TSA, your luggage will be taken through the security scanners. Remain with your bag in case TSA has any questions during the process. If you are away from your bag, you may need to leave through the gate to return to your bag for any potential questions TSA may have.
10. Keep Records Of Everything
Document everything before, during, and after the process of flying. Print and screenshot TSA, airport, and airline policies for traveling with firearms. Take pictures of your luggage, gun, and case before going through TSA.
More from Savoteur
Let’s be honest: There may be some of us who are tired of seeing the same old tourist hotspots on our Instagram feed. So if you’re itching to hit the road and capture some new, picture-perfect moments to bless your social media, you’re in the right place. Forget about the well-trodden paths that everyone else has already explored. These hidden gems will take you off the beaten track, satisfying your thirst for adventure while providing stunning backdrops for your posts.
The Ultimate American Road Trip: 25 of the Most Instagram-Worthy Byways In The U.S.
Magical Snowscape: 10 of the Coldest Cities in the U.S.
When cold weather comes to mind, you often think about warm fireplaces, cozy blankets, snow-covered landscapes, and hot chocolate. Some of the coldest cities in the United States receive blankets of snow, intense winds, and dangerous icy roads during the winter. In our article, we’ll discover 10 of the coldest cities in the United States, a snow lover’s magical setting.
Magical Snowscape: 10 of the Coldest Cities in the U.S.
Sky-High Secrets: 11 Insider Airport Tricks from Frequent Fliers
There are routine tips one stumble upon in a casual web search. But here, we’ll be talking about coveted, little-known airport hacks shared primarily amongst the jet-setter tribe who are seemingly immune to the chaos of crowded terminals. It’s about time these sky-high secrets saw a broader day of light, don’t you think? Travel-savvy folks are spilling their secrets in an online forum to transform your airport experience from a nightmare to a breezy walk in the park.
Sky-High Secrets: 11 Insider Airport Tricks from Frequent Fliers
Escape While You Can: 11 Cities People Swear Never to Return To
After spending countless hours researching and planning for the perfect vacation, it’s a huge disappointment when the destination turns out to be nothing like you expected. Whether it’s due to over-tourism, poor infrastructure, or high levels of crime, some cities are so unpleasant that travelers in an online forum give them the cold shoulder and vow never to return.
Escape While You Can: 11 Cities People Swear Never to Return To
15 Places Around the World Serving Foreign Dishes that Top Their Originals
Believe it or not, the origins of certain dishes don’t automatically mean that it’s where they’ll taste best. Although such a phenomenon baffles many food enthusiasts, I beg to differ. I just think there are places able to add their own identity or unique flavorings that make such foreign dishes taste better. And the best people to ask which dishes taste better than their native counterparts are those who’ve already gone there. Here’s what they shared in an online forum.
15 Places Around the World Serving Foreign Dishes that Top Their Originals
