Flying with firearms and ammunition

You can travel with firearms and ammunition if they’re in checked bags, secure and declared. See what regulations you need to follow.

Packing

To check your firearm, you need to make sure it’s safely packed in a case.

How to pack your firearm

We’ll only accept a firearm as checked baggage if its case follows these policies.

Firearms need to be in a hard-sided case with a lock. The hard-sided case can be placed inside an unlocked, soft-sided bag as long as it’s secure.

The case containing the firearm must be locked when we receive it. The key or combination must always be with you.

You aren’t required to use a TSA-recognized lock. However, it’s recommended to speed up security screening.

How many firearms can you pack?

The number of firearms you can check depends on where you’re traveling. You can pack up to 5 firearms in one case. You can typically check up to 9 bags or cases, including checked bags without firearms. Checked bag fees apply to all checked items unless otherwise noted. Oversized, overweight and extra items will be subject to additional fees unless otherwise noted.

Some international locations have rules about the transportation of firearms, the number of items you can check and how much they weigh. See our flying internationally section below for information on some international regulations.

For more information, visit the checked bags page.

Checking

Checking

To check your firearm, you need to be at least 18 years old and follow these steps:

Check in for your flight at the lobby ticket counter. You can’t check in online, on the app, at the airport kiosk or curbside.

Declare that you’re traveling with a firearm in your checked bag at the ticket counter.

The ticket counter agent will provide a Firearm Declaration. Sign and date the form to confirm your firearm isn’t loaded.

Ammunition

Ammunition

Ammunition we accept

  • Small arms ammunition that’s declared and in checked bags only
  • Ammunition packed in the same hard-sided, locked case as the firearm (as long as it meets the ammunition packaging regulations listed here) or separately from the firearm
  • Ammunition must be in original packaging from the manufacturer or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition (packaging must be made of fiber, wood or metal)
  • Ammunition packed to protect against shock and secured against movement
  • Loaded magazines or clips must be removed from firearms and secure in packaging designed to carry small amounts of ammunition
  • Packaging must fit over any exposed ends of magazines or clips
  • Both loaded or empty firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be boxed or in a hard-sided, locked case

Ammunition we don’t accept

  • Ammunition over 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Loose ammunition
  • Different quantities of ammunition combined in one package
  • Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles
  • Black powder for black powder weapons
  • Firearms packed in magazines or clips unless they completely enclose the ammunition
  • Ammunition over 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Loose ammunition
  • Different quantities of ammunition combined in one package
  • Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles
  • Black powder for black powder weapons

Flying internationally

Flying internationally

International and U.S. territories’ firearm regulations vary. You’re responsible for contacting involved consulates or embassies for their firearm and ammunition requirements. Make sure to ask about special packing requirements and required permits and licenses.

  • Bahrain
  • Cuba
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Marshall Islands
  • Nigeria
  • Palau
  • Philippines
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Vietnam

We aren’t liable for damage to firearms.

We aren’t required to provide assistance or information to you relating to firearms regulations. We also aren’t responsible for your compliance with those laws, or for the consequences resulting from your failure to comply with such regulations or laws.

Mishandled firearms may not be set up for delivery except in those locations requiring the delivery of all mishandled bags including firearms.

Customers must either wait for the firearm to arrive or return to the airport to retrieve the item. In the event the customer is part of a trip or tour in a remote location and unable to return to the airport, a designated representative of the tour group may be permitted to pick up the firearm on the customer’s behalf.