Get the facts about Flying with Firearms

If you are an avid shooter or hunter chances are that at some point you will be flying and bringing your firearms and ammunition with you.  Traveling with firearms is an easy and straight forward proposition if you understand the guidelines and make a few preparations. 

 The Transportation Safety Authority (TSA) governs how to manage flying with any firearm or firearm related supplies.  The TSAguidelines spell out what you can and cannot transport and the correct way it should be transported. Make sure to read the guidelines and understand them maybe even print them out and carry a copy with you to avoid any issues with TSA agents who are familiar with all guidelines. All firearms must be declared to the agent and shipped unloaded in a hard sided case with a lock.  It helps to arrive early to allow enough time to check your firearm and make sure it arrives safely.

 In addition to TSA guidelines airlines can also have additional restrictions.  Before you fly check with the airline so that you can accommodate their guidelines as well and are not stuck at the boarding counter not being able to check in all your gear.

 There is considerable misinformation regarding flying with firearms that can create confusion here are four facts that will help when you are flying:

 Fact One – There is no federal limit to the amount of ammunition that you can check.  The key here is that there is no ‘federal’ limit, check with your airline if they have a limit on ammunition.

 Fact Two – You can have ammunition and guns in the same hard-sided case. 

 Fact Three – You may ship reloaded ammunition as long as it is in a cardboard, plastic, wood or metal box for shipping. 

 Fact Four – There is no federal prohibition on the number of guns that you can have in your carry-on luggage.  This is again a federal vs. airline restriction, airlines sometimes restrict the number of carry-on bags or the amount of sport goods luggage that can be checked.

 Once you understand the facts around flying with firearms then you can travel with less hassles and inconveniences.  So, pack up your bags, unload and lock your firearms in hard sided cases and get ready to travel.