Can you fly with guns? - The Legal Brief!

Published on November 2, 2016
Duration: 5:22

Flying with firearms requires adherence to federal regulations, primarily concerning checked baggage. Firearms must be declared unloaded, secured in a locked, hard-sided container accessible only to the passenger. Ammunition must be in specifically designed packaging. While federal law provides a framework, individual airlines may have additional restrictions.

Quick Summary

Federal regulations require firearms to be declared unloaded to the airline, secured in a locked, hard-sided container accessible only to the passenger, and all firearm parts (except scopes) must be checked. Ammunition must be in specialized packaging.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Host Identity
  2. 00:14Topic: Flying with Firearms
  3. 00:48Proper Way to Fly with a Firearm
  4. 00:59General Process and Federal Regulations
  5. 01:13Firearm Transportation vs. Ammunition
  6. 01:18Carry-On Warning
  7. 01:2549 CFR Section 1540.111 Explained
  8. 01:43Four Criteria for Transporting Firearms
  9. 01:54Criterion 1: Declaration
  10. 02:05Criterion 2: Firearm Unloaded
  11. 02:09Criterion 3: Hardside Container
  12. 02:14Criterion 4: Locked Container & Key Control
  13. 02:20Carry-On Restrictions for Firearm Parts
  14. 02:26Importance of Key Control
  15. 02:33TSA Demands for Keys
  16. 02:48Ammunition Regulations
  17. 02:5849 CFR Section 175.10 on Small Arms Ammunition
  18. 03:03Ammunition Packaging Requirements
  19. 03:14Clips and Magazines
  20. 03:17What's Not Allowed for Ammunition
  21. 03:22Acceptable Ammunition Packaging
  22. 03:27Jon's Ammunition Issue
  23. 03:36Airline Weight Limits for Ammunition
  24. 03:41Tips for Flying with a Firearm
  25. 03:46Tip 1: Arrive Early
  26. 03:59TSA Swabbing Incident
  27. 04:12Tip 2: Secure Container to Luggage
  28. 04:23Tip 3: Check Airline Website
  29. 04:36Conclusion: Flying with Guns is Manageable
  30. 04:43Final Thoughts and Comfort
  31. 04:46Call to Action: Like and Share
  32. 04:51Submit Questions for The Legal Brief
  33. 04:56Host's Website and NRA Board Campaign
  34. 05:03Follow The Gun Collective on Social Media
  35. 05:10Thank You and Sign Off

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main federal requirements for flying with a firearm?

To fly with a firearm, you must declare it unloaded to the airline, ensure it is unloaded, place it in a locked, hard-sided container, and retain the key or combination yourself. Firearm parts, except scopes, must also be checked.

How should ammunition be packed for air travel?

Ammunition must be securely packed in boxes or packaging specifically designed for small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition clips and magazines also need to be securely boxed. Loose ammunition or ammunition in general containers is not permitted.

Can TSA agents open my locked firearm case?

No, TSA agents should not demand your key to open a locked firearm container. The regulation states that only the passenger retains the key or combination, as firearms are detectable via X-ray.

Are there any restrictions on firearm parts when flying?

Yes, with the exception of a scope, all other firearm parts must be transported in checked baggage. They cannot be carried in a carry-on bag and must be checked along with the firearm itself.

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