Traveling with Firearms
Best Practices
State laws regarding the possession of firearms vary widely. The traveler should always be sure to understand the laws and requirements of their travel mode, route, and destination before traveling.
Air Travel
Never attempt to travel with firearms in your carry-on luggage.
The best practice is to always “unpack before you pack,” and verify your luggage doesn’t contain any prohibited items.
Firearms and ammunition are only accepted as checked baggage and must be declared to an agent at check in.
Firearms must be transported unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container.
Always check with the TSA, specific airport, and airline you’re traveling with for exact rules and procedures.
The Transportation Security Administration provides several resources to assist you:
blog.tsa.gov
www.tsa.gov
www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items
www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
www.tsa.gov/travel/civil-enforcement
www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/enforcementsanction_guidance_policy.pdf