Provided below is information for the transportation of firearms and ammunition for airline travel.

88 Pages·2009·0.46 MB·English

Provided below is information for the transportation of
firearms and ammunition for airline travel.

AS STATED IN JULY 2008

Most airlines have provided a link to the specific web pages for Baggage Allowances,
Carry-on Baggage information, Firearms and Ammunition, Restricted Articles and
Specialty Items of which can include but is not limited to antlers, game meats and fishing
equipment.

The TSA website is truly the end all be all for airline travel regulations. Canadian and
European transportation agencies have essentially the same regulations and generally
defer some of their information to the TSA. Before starting any research for your flight it
is imperative that you thoroughly look at the TSA website because they have the broadest
amount of information and they are the supreme authority.

When traveling internationally, here are three issues by most if not all of the airline
carriers:
1) The airlines have stated that their policy for transporting firearms is the same for
both domestic and international flights.
2) They advise that you call the airline desk at your departure airport to inform them
that you are flying with a firearm and to get the most up-to-date information on
procedures at that airport.
3) If you are transferring from one airline to another, it is imperative for you to call
the second airline to check if they have any additional regulations, especially if
your transfer is in an international airport. There may be additional permits or
procedures to be processed prior to your arrival.
4) Certain temporary visitor permits are required if you are planning on staying
overnight in an international location that is not your final destination. Contact
your airline provider to discuss arrangements for your firearm.

General overview of regulations
Firearms can be included as your free baggage allowance if they meet the required
criteria:
1. Declared at the ticket check-in counter
a. Precludes one from using curb check-in, E-check-in, Automated, pre and
phone check-in
b. Declaration must be done at the ticket counter
2. Firearm must be unloaded
3. Must be in a hard sided case
4. Container must be lockable with either a key lock or a combination lock
a. Do not have container locked when declaring
b. TSA agent will need to open and verify the firearm is unloaded
c. All(cid:198)ALL locks must work properly
d. Good idea to bring duct tape to further secure any questionable locks
5. Must provide key or combination to screener to open container and you must
remain present during the screening process
6. Ammunition must be securely packed in ammo specific packaging
7. Ammunition may be located in the same hard-sided case as the firearms, but it
must remain in its ammo specific packaging
8. Black powder, loose gunpowder and firing caps are prohibited as both carry-on
and checked baggage
9. As a rule airlines will allow for 5kg of ammunition to be transported on the plane,
5kg is approximately 10.5 to 11 pounds.

Archery Equipment:
Prohibited from being a carry on item
1 Bow and 25 Arrows tends to be the rule for air-carriers
Must be securely wrapped and packaged to that they do not cause damage to personnel or
luggage

Angling and fishing equipment:
Angling and fishing equipment is allowed as part of your checked luggage provided that
it is properly packaged and any sharp hooks are secured. The container cannot exceed
any normal luggage dimensions or else a handling charge will be added on. Typically
$150.00. Some airlines will permit one to bring fragile rods provided they are broken
down and in a case. Most also suggest that if reels are fragile then they should be carried
as part of your carry-on baggage.

TSA
www.tsa.gov
Traveling with Special Items
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1169.shtm

Hunting and Fishing Equipment
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editoria_1188.shtm
Hunting Equipment
Firearms and Ammunition - Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts may only be transported in
checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.

There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers (LEOs) who are authorized to
fly armed by meeting the requirements of 49 CFR § 1544.219.

Following is a summary of key regulatory requirements to transport firearms, firearm parts or
ammunition in checked baggage:
• All firearms must be declared to the air carrier during the ticket counter check-in
process.
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked.
• The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is
necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take
back possession of the key after the container is cleared.
• Any ammunition transported must be securely packed in fiber (such as
cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to
carry small amounts of ammunition.
• Firearm magazines/clips do not satisfy the packaging requirement unless they
provide a complete and secure enclosure of the ammunition (e.g., by securely
covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the
magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
• The ammunition may also be located in the same hard-sided case as the firearm,
as long as it is properly packed as described above.
• Black powder and percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are not
permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
The regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and the
imposition of civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Air carriers may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the
amount of ammunition an individual may place in checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should
also contact the air carrier regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
If you are traveling with a gun or ammunition, please read our information on traveling with these
items for more information.
Bow and Arrows - Bows and arrows are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should
be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed
or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.
Hunting Knives and Tools – Hunting knives and certain tools are prohibited from carry-
on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed
in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage
handlers and security screeners.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing Rods / Poles - Fishing Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However,
please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on
items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on
baggage.

Spear Guns - Spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in
checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely
wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Tackle Equipment - Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle
equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as fly's
should be packed in your carry-on baggage.

Firearms and Ammunition
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers who may fly armed by meeting
the requirements of Title 49 CFR § 1544.219. Law enforcement officers should read our policies
on traveling with guns.
The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked
baggage are:
• You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked.
• We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or
she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the
key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must
open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we
can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations
prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
• You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal
boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of
ammunition.
• You can’t use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely
and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of
the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
• You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you
pack it as described above.
• You can’t bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms
in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Law Enforcement Officers that may fly armed: Title 49 CFR 15544.219
http://www.tsa.gov/research/laws/regs/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0203.shtm

Hazardous Material Guide
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/aircarrier_in
fo/media/updated%20illustrated%20chart%20June%202005.pdf

Permitted and Prohibited Items
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Prohibited Items
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1012.shtm

FAQ
http://tsa-7.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/tsa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=oxCuJami
CATSA
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/index.shtml
Canadian Firearms Centre: 1800.731.4000

Permitted and Non Permitted Items
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml

Dangerous Goods
http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/commerce/dangerousgoods/regoverview/passlugg/menu.htm

Liquid allowance for Carry-on Baggage
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/events_evenements/uk_ru-2006/notice_avis.shtml
Passengers will be permitted to bring liquids, gels and aerosols through security screening at
Canadian airports provided that the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml /
100 grams (3.4 oz) or less, and that the containers fit comfortably in one clear, closed and
resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). The approximate
dimensions of a one litre/quart bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 17.5
cm (8 in. by 7 in.). One bag per passenger will be permitted.

Firearms, Real Ammunitions and Cartridges
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml#firearms1
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml#firearms
Firearms, real ammunition and cartridges are not permitted in carry-on baggage under any
circumstances. Certain may be transported in checked baggage if properly packaged and
approved by the air carrier. All firearms, ammunitions and cartridges must be declared to the air
carrier during check-in process. For more details on how to transport these items in your checked
baggage, please contact your air carrier.
Boxed cartridges: With the approval of the operator(s), passengers may bring securely boxed
cartridges as checked baggage only, for sporting purposes, in quantities not exceeding 5 kg
(including box and packaging) per person for that person's own use. Ammunition with explosive
or incendiary projectiles is prohibited. Allowances for more than one per person must not be
combined into packages over 5 kg
Crossbows (including arrows and darts) are not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage
under any circumstances.
Bows and arrows for sporting use are not permitted in carry-on baggage under any
circumstances. They may be transported in checked baggage as long as all sharp objects are
securely wrapped to prevent Screening Officers and baggage handlers from injury.
Hunting equipment, including knives, hunting rifles and bows and arrows for sporting use, is
not permitted in carry-on baggage under any circumstances, but may be transported in checked
baggage as long as all sharp objects are securely wrapped to prevent Screening Officers and
baggage handlers from injury and guns are unloaded and securely locked and have been declared
at the air carrier check-in counter.

Knives
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml#knives
Dangerous articles/sharp objects: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or
securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Sporting Goods
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml#sporting
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml#sportinggoods
All sporting goods equipment is allowed in checked baggage. However any equipment containing
flammable chemicals are not allowed in checked baggage. Inflammable gases such as CO2 are as
long as they are in two small cylinders

Other Weapons
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml#otherdangerous
American Airlines
www.aa.com
1800.433.7300
Baggage Allowance
Checked:

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp
For flights wholly within the United States and between the United States and Canada
The maximum amount of baggage each ticketed passenger is allowed free of charge is:
• 2 pieces checked and one carry-on
• Two checked bags at 62 in/157 cm each
• The maximum weight per checked bag is 50 lbs/23 kgs
For flights to international locations:
• Checked 2 62 in/157 cm each 50 lbs/23 kgs
• $25 USD charge each for bags weighing 51-70 lbs.
• Baggage checked to London
o Passengers connecting between London Gatwick and London Heathrow are
required to claim their checked baggage upon arrival in London, clear Customs
with checked and hand baggage, and proceed directly to the connecting airport.
• Baggage checked to/through/from Europe and Asia
o In conjunction with the British Airport Authority mandate, no piece of baggage
checked to/through/from any destination in Europe or Asia may weigh more than
70 lbs/32 kgs. Additionally, any piece of baggage weighing over 50 lbs/23 kgs is
subject to a $25 USD overweight baggage fee.

This policy only applies to passengers traveling on American to/through/from
any destination in Europe or Asia. If you have baggage weighing over this limit,
please repack or redistribute the weight into other baggage.

Carry-on:

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/carryOnAllowance.jsp
Size and Number of Pieces
• FAA security measures limit customers on all AA flights to one carry-on bag plus one
personal item.
• All carry-on pieces, including laptops, must fit either underneath the seat in front of you
or in an overhead bin.
• The one carry-on bag must fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat. It should
not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height) or weigh more than 40 lbs/18 kgs.
• Carry-on items which appear too large or irregularly shaped to fit under a seat, in an
overhead compartment, or in a closet will not be accepted as carry-on baggage and will
need to be checked.
• At times, additional limits may be placed on carry-on baggage based on the main cabin
stowage capacity of specific aircraft.
• These limits may be imposed after the boarding process has begun.
• Some carry-on baggage may be stowed in a cargo compartment on selected American
Eagle aircraft.
• At some airports, carry-on baggage may be more restricted. All other luggage must be
checked at curbside or at the ticket counter.
• Passengers exceeding the carry-on limit will not be allowed through the security
checkpoint.
• All portable electronic devices, including laptops, must remain off during taxi, takeoff,
approach and landing until we arrive at the gate and the seat belt sign is turned off.

Liquid Allowance for Carry-on Baggage

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/newCarryOnRegulation.jsp
Customers traveling from the U.S. and Canada may take with them in their cabin bag
limited quantities of liquids, gels, and aerosols, including travel-size toiletries such as shampoo,
suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray.

Liquids must be carried in individual containers no larger than 3.4 ounces/100 ml.

All liquid containers must be carried in a separate clear plastic, zip-top bag (see example at right)
that does not exceed 8 inches x 8 inches (20 cm x 20 cm) or is quart size. Items must fit in the bag
comfortably and the bag must be completely closed.
Customers carrying liquids in their cabin bags may be subject to secondary searches
before boarding.
• Customers traveling to the United Kingdom and whose journeys terminate at the first
point of arrival in the U.K. may take one bag whose total dimensions (length +width +
height) may not exceed 45 inches/ 114 cm, with each dimension no larger 22 in/56cm
long, 18 in/45cm wide, and 10 in/25cm height. Customers may also bring one laptop
sized bag, briefcase or equivalent.
• Customers transferring onto a flight through the UK (domestic and international)
must comply with UK Department for Transport restrictions, which are ONE cabin bag,
whose total dimensions (length +width + height) may not exceed 45 inches/ 114 cm, with
each dimension no larger 22 in/56cm long, 18 in/45cm wide, and 10 in/25cm height.
• Liquid Duty Free items purchased in the United States or onboard non-European
Union (EU)** airlines that exceed 3.4 oz./100 ml and are not in a quart-size plastic bag
may be confiscated at the security checkpoint when connecting in Norway, Iceland,
Switzerland or any EU country. All non-liquid/gel duty free items will be allowed
when connecting.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/firearms.jsp
The information shown below pertains to travel within the United States only (unless stated
otherwise). For information on the transportation of firearms and ammunition to international
destinations, please contact Reservations.
General Information
• Firearms and ammunition are accepted as checked baggage only.
• Firearms will only be accepted if unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container only (for
example - rifle case).
• Ammunition must be packed in its original packaging. Loose ammunition or clips will
not be accepted.
• Firearms may not be checked curbside.
• No one under 18 years of age may check a firearm.
• Pellet and BB guns are not considered firearms, and therefore, do not require any special
handling or documentation.

Allowance
• Maximum per case is 3 rifles/shotguns or 5 pistols/revolvers, 5 lbs. ammunition, shooting
mat, noise suppressors, and tools. There is no limit on the amount of cases allowed.
• Ammunition is limited to 11 lbs. per passenger. Excess baggage charges may apply to
each gun case if it is in excess of the free baggage allowance and/or oversize/overweight.
• Ammunition and gunpowder: Only small arms ammunition for sporting purposes is
allowed as part of checked baggage, amount may not exceed 11 lbs./5 kg

Restricted Articles
http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/restrictedArticles.jsp

Specialty Items
http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jhtml#Specialty%20Ite
ms
http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_US/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp

Fishing Equipment:
Rods and reels contained in a case and one bag with fishing tackle, landing net, and fishing boots.
Two pieces - Fishing rod case and fishing equipment bag are free in place of one 62 inch bag
Fishing rod case 50 lbs. and 115 inches
Equipment bag 50 lbs. and 62 inches
For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as 1 item
Alaska Air
www.airalaska.com
1800.252.7522

Baggage Allowance

Checked: http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/CheckedBaggage.asp
• You're allowed up to two pieces of checked baggage. Each bag can be a maximum of 62
linear inches (length + width + height) and may weigh up to 50 pounds. Excess baggage
charges apply to additional pieces, overweight pieces between 51 and 100 pounds and
oversized pieces of luggage.
• No single piece of checked baggage may weigh more than 100 pounds. Any piece in
excess of 100 pounds must be forwarded via air cargo or alternative means arranged by
the customer.

Carry-on: http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/CarryOnBaggage.asp
• You're allowed one carry-on bag, which can measure up to 10" H x 17" W x 24" L (25 x
43 x 61 cm), plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. At
least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you.

Liquid allowance for Carry-on baggage

http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/flights/Irregular-Operations.asp
Same information as provided by the TSA above

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

http://www.alaskaair.com/www2/help/faqs/SportRelatedItems.asp
• Shooting Equipment
a. One rifle case with rifles, scopes, one shooting mat, noise suppressors and small
tools, or
b. One shotgun case with shotguns, or
c. One pistol case with pistols, noise suppressors, one pistol telescope and small
pistol tools
• There is no limit to the number of items per case as long as they do not exceed 50 lbs., 62
linear inches.
• Ammunition—up to 50 lbs.(domestic) and 11 lbs. (international - where permitted) may
be checked, if securely packed in the original manufacturer's package or in a container
designed for ammunition and of sufficient strength to protect it from accidental crushing
or discharge (i.e. wood, fiber, plastic, or metal). The projectile must be no larger than
11/16" in diameter, the size of a dime. Ammunition may be checked with or separately
from the firearm.