Flying With Firearms

Most airlines allow you to bring 11 pounds of ammunition in your checked bags. That's more than enough for typical recreational or defensive needs. If you need more than that for extended training, you should consider buying any additional ammunition after you land at your destination

Pack the ammunition in the original boxes or proper ammo containers. You can put ammo in the same case as your gun if it fits and it's properly contained. Just make sure that every magazine is empty. You'll want to double- and triple-check this.

Here's where it's easy to slip up: You might forget about that one loose round in your coat pocket or your carry-on bag. But rest assured that TSA will find it — and when they do, you're in for a very bad day.

For domestic flights? No. The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 926A) doesn't require you to prove ownership for transport. Your driver's license — provided it complies with the new REAL ID requirements — is enough for TSA.

Don't let anyone sell you some expensive “traveler's gun permit package.” It's a scam. Your ID works fine.

But you had better know the laws where you're going. Some states will arrest you just for having what's perfectly legal back home. For information about state gun laws and whether your permit is good in another state, check out USCCA.com/travel.

Maybe. TSA might want to inspect your case, which is why you can't just drop it off and run to your gate.

If they need to look inside, they'll call you back to unlock it with your keys. This happens more than you'd think, especially if something looks weird on the X-ray.

Stay available for at least 30 minutes after you check your gun. Don't be that individual they're paging overhead while your flight is boarding.

You can put several guns in one good case as long as each one is unloaded and the case stays locked tight. Tell the airline that you're declaring “firearms” when you have more than one.

Just know that more guns usually means more inspection time, so plan accordingly.

Every airline follows TSA rules, but some add their own restrictions or fees. American, Delta, Southwest and United all have different quirks.

Check your airline's policies before you book, not when you're standing at the counter with your gun case.

Flight diversions happen. If you end up in New York or New Jersey with your gun, don't claim your bag. Ask the airline to send it on to your original destination. If you take possession of your firearm and don't have the proper permits, you can expect to be prosecuted.

TSA rules change, and different airports sometimes interpret those rules differently. For current info, call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673.

The USCCA also has solid resources on traveling with firearms that cover the state-by-state stuff TSA won't tell you about.

Don't trust forum posts or your buddy's advice from five years ago. Get it from the source.

Links to the major domestic airlines firearms policies.

• Alaska Air
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

If you are traveling internationally with a firearm, see our International Travel page for information.

• Pack ammunition only in checked baggage. TSA does not allow ammo in carry-ons.
• Use the original manufacturer's box or a purpose-made ammo box (fiber, wood, plastic, or metal). Absolutely NO loose rounds in your luggage!
• Observe quantity limits. Many airlines and international rules limit ammo to about 11 lbs. per passenger. Check your airline to verify.
• Know local and destination laws. Airlines and TSA enforce transport rules, but do not guarantee possession is legal at your destination.

Remember: Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines, delays, and confiscation.