The TSA detected nearly 7,000 firearms at security checkpoints last year—94% of them loaded and most from otherwise law-abiding gun owners who either didn’t know the rules or simply didn’t realize the gun was in their bag.
Here’s how to avoid becoming a statistic: Firearms are never allowed in carry-on luggage—period. They must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and checked with your baggage. Neither is ammunition or parts that make up a gun such as a stock, trigger assembly, barrel, suppressor, etc. Scopes or sights are an exception.
Before your flight, remove the mag (even if it’s empty), secure your gun in a case that can’t be pried open and lock it with any mechanical lock. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a TSA-approved lock. In fact, you should be the only one with the key or combo. If TSA needs to get into the case, then will ask you to open it for them.
Declare the firearm at the airline counter (not the kiosk), sign the declaration and follow the staff’s instructions. TSA might inspect the case, so don’t wander off unless told you’re good to go. It seems every airport has slight differences in how they operate, so arrive earlier than when traveling without a firearm and be prepared to hang out while they check things out. Ammunition can ride in the same locked case if it’s securely boxed, but most airlines cap it at 11 pounds, sometimes a problem for traveling waterfowlers, prairie dog shooters, competitors or others who fire large volumes of ammo. Consider shipping ammo to your destination or buying it there if that’s an option.
SMART MOVE: If your flight gets diverted to a state like New York or New Jersey and you must stay overnight, don’t pick up your gun at baggage claim. That’s a huge no-no. Let the airline keep it until you reach your final destination.
