While many airline travellers nervously fret about whether they can pack nail clippers in their carry-on or whether their shampoo bottle contains more than 3.4oz of liquid, others have a more complex concern: how to pack a firearm.
The number of Americans who own guns has risen steadily over the past decade, and with it, so has the number of firearms found at airport security checkpoints. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, TSA agents intercepted over 5,000 firearms at security checkpoints. While this figure is slightly lower than the number intercepted in the same period in 2023, it highlights an overall trend where increasingly more people are bringing firearms—either intentionally or accidentally—through airport security.
Not surprisingly, it is illegal to take a firearm into the airport security area. TSA regulations are strict and the same agency which prohibits bowling pins and snow globes (due to the liquid inside) in carry-on luggage isn’t going to allow firearms on board, regardless of whether the person has a concealed carry permit or not.
TSA agents don’t confiscate firearms that they intercept because the agency doesn’t want its officers handling firearms. Instead, they contact local law enforcement to take possession of the firearm. The local police will determine whether to arrest the traveler or issue a criminal citation. Meanwhile, the TSA can also impose a civil penalty of up to $15,000.
While they aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage or on your person, it is legal to bring firearms on airplanes—they just need to be packed properly. Under TSA regulations, firearms are allowed in checked luggage only. The firearm must be unloaded and packed in a locked, hard-sided case. The case should be sturdy enough to prevent tampering and only the owner should have a key or the code to the lock. Any type of lock is allowed, but TSA-approved locks are recommended.
The owner must declare to the airline that their luggage contains a firearm when checking the bag at the ticket counter. Some airlines will require the owner to sign a firearm declaration form, which is placed inside the case.
Ammunition, magazines, and ammunition clips are also only allowed in checked baggage. It must be packed in the same case as the firearm, or in a box specially designed to hold ammunition. Likewise, all firearm parts must be in checked baggage. The only exception is rifle scopes, which are permitted in both checked and carry-on baggage.
Even replica firearms, including children’s toys, must be in checked luggage. TSA treats them seriously, as they could be mistaken for real firearms or used to threaten passengers. While a traveler might not end up in jail for an innocent mistake of packing a toy gun, it could cause them to miss their flight and get banned from TSA PreCheck.
Some airlines may have their own rules about how firearms and ammunition can be transported, or the amount allowed in checked luggage, so it is always best to check with the airline ahead of time.
Following TSA regulations isn’t enough—travelers also need to comply with local laws of the destination. Many states require concealed carry permits and do not honor permits from other states. For example, if someone arrives in California with only a concealed carry permit from Virginia, they will be in violation of the law. Note that these laws also apply when traveling over state lines by land.
Traveling internationally with a firearm is even more complex. Each country has its own strict rules for importing weapons. Some countries may require permits issued in advance, while others may prohibit firearms entirely. Failure to comply could result in steep fines, confiscation of the firearm, or even imprisonment. Always check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate for up-to-date regulations.
To minimize stress and ensure compliance, follow these tips:
Traveling with a firearm doesn’t have to be a headache, but it does require planning and compliance with TSA and airline rules. Before your trip, double-check your firearm, case, and ammunition, and confirm all relevant laws for your destination. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your journey is smooth—and legal.
