When flying with firearms and ammunition, it is important to keep in mind that there are various requirements and restrictions governing how you may proceed. Furthermore, the laws on possession of a firearm may differ between states and countries, so it is important to first check what the international travel requirements are before making a trip.
That said, it is not that difficult to travel by air with a firearm and ammunition. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction:
1. Permitted firearms— According to the Transportation Security Administration, you may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-side case as checked baggage. You are required to declare the firearm and ammunition to the airline when checking luggage in.
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2. Carrying your firearm— When transporting your unloaded firearm, you are required to keep it completely secure in a container that cannot be accessed. Simply locking the case is not enough and will not be permitted in checked baggae, TSA noted. Pew Pew Tactical recommends a mobile gun safe.
3. Providing a key or combination to a security officer— You are required to provide a security officer with a key or combination to open the case that is carrying your firearm should they require it, Airsafe.com noted. You should remain in the area to take your key back once the container has been cleared for transport but if you are not present, the airline should attempt to contact you. If this fails, the container will not be placed on the plane.
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4. Carrying ammunition— Ammunition may only be transported in checked baggage and not in carry-on baggage, TSA reported. All firearm magazines and ammunition clips are required to be securely stored in a box or in the hard-sided case containing your unloaded firearm.
5. Black powder and percussion caps— According to airsafe.com, you are completely prohibited from bringing black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms on a plane.
6. Be prepared— The NRA advises travelers to familiarize themselves with firearm laws of the jurisdictions between which they are traveling and to have any necessary licenses and permits ready for inspections.
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