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In follow up to our top travel safety tips post, I wanted to do a deeper dive into traveling with firearms. Specifically, I wanted to share some tips and pointers based on my experience and what I have learned, as well as provide some resources for your convenience.

As you probably can guess, there are laws and rules that come into play when we travel that we likely do not have to deal with at home. It is our responsibility to learn what the laws and procedures are before we travel so as to make things as smooth as possible for ourselves and, most importantly, keep ourselves out of trouble.

And if you do carry weapons of any sort, be sure to take a few minutes before getting to the airport to ensure all weapons (knives, guns, kubotans, pepper spray, ammo (including spent ammo casings), etc.) have been removed from any bags, purses, or backpacks you plan to use as carry-on items.

Note: While we have worked to provide more than enough here to get your started, what we provide is by no means to be considered an exhaustive list of all applicable laws or procedures for your destination(s). You will uncover more during your own research and inquiries.

Domestic Travel

When going across state lines, be sure to check on laws for not just your destination state but any you may be traveling through. The laws apply even if you are just passing through. And I do not know about you; but I cannot predict whether I will get caught up in a traffic stop or have an accident somewhere.

For example, some states may allow you to have your firearms upfront with you while others require you to keep them in your trunk or similar and even locked up in cases. Some, as we know, have magazine capacity restrictions. Boo…

Check reciprocity laws for states other than your own too if you are a concealed carry permit holder or legally carry concealed. While many states share reciprocity with others, many still have restrictions you may not have to worry about in your home state.

For example, some states may have harsh punishments for when a concealed carry weapon shows, even if it is accidental.

Again, it is your responsibility to know the laws where you travel.

Oh and… Never leave a firearm unattended in your vehicles.

International Travel

Know that once you leave The United States things are likely not going to be like you may be used to; and the laws surrounding firearms and to what degree they may be permitted are going to vary from place to place. Some will allow firearms for the sole purpose of hunting while others will not. Fewer permit the use of firearms for self-defense purposes. Many do not allow any sort of firearms for any purpose whatsoever, including a few that will not even allow toy firearms to be brought into their country. Extreme? Maybe; but remember, they are not the good ol’ U.S. of A.

Export and Import

The notion of both export and import come into play when we travel internationally with firearms. When we leave a place with firearms, in the context of international travel, our firearms are considered export items and we may be subject to paying export fees. Our firearms are then considered an import item and we could also be subject to certain fees and inspections when we arrive to our destinations. There are related forms that you will need to complete in advance as well, including Form 4457 and the Electronic Export Information.

Special Permissions and Clearance

When traveling internationally with firearms, special permissions and clearance may need to be obtained by a country’s government officials prior to your arrival. Be sure to allow ample time to acquire said permissions and any clearances required. This too includes both your destination as well as any countries or a country’s states you may be traveling through.

Learning the laws of where you are traveling ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle and is simply the right way to go about it. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and any you may be traveling through to learn the current laws, correct procedures, etc. before your trip. Allow time to do so.

Getting caught with firearms in places where they are not permitted or where there are heavy restrictions can land you in a lot of trouble including severe fines, confiscated firearms, and even prison.

Flying with Firearms

When flying, be sure to not only thoroughly study TSA’s rules but those of the airline(s) you are flying as well. This is because the airlines can have slightly different or additional rules from that of TSA. And of course, if you are flying international, you will definitely want to follow the tips and advice provided above.

Some Takeaways and Tips

You can expect many of the items I call out in this list; but do not consider it complete, as I have not tried to provide a full list of TSA’s rules or otherwise. While the list does include some of the basic rules, it is mostly things that stood out to me about the process along with some tips I think will help.

Preparation

• Review both TSA’s and your airline’s firearm travel policies ahead of time so you can be informed and prepared. And certainly do all your research and inquiries you need to for international travel well in advance.
• Consider printing and carrying copies of both TSA’s and your airline’s firearm and ammo policies. This may help should you run into airline staff that are not familiar, which could happen. Do this within just a day or two of travel to better ensure the latest info.
• All firearms must be unloaded. This includes magazines being removed from semi-automatics, even if they are empty.
• No firearms (or ammo or any other weapon type) can go through security checkpoints. Big trouble for you if you try.
• All firearms and ammunition must be checked. This should not be a surprise.

Ammunition

• Ammunition (ammo) for semi-automatic weapons must be kept either in magazines or in some form of packaging meant for ammo. See above. (For revolvers, this is not an issue, as all firearms need to be unloaded anyway.)
• Up to 11 lbs of ammo is allowed. Plan wisely.
• Ammo can be stored and locked in the same case as your firearms.
• To make things easier for yourself, consider keeping ammo in its original manufacturers boxes. It may just make things easier for anyone that is going to look at it all. However, it can also be kept in plastic ammo storage boxes or similar. (Some folks go so far as to mark the weight of the ammo contained in each ammo container they carry. This is up to you and not a requirement.)

Cases and Locks

• Any case with firearms directly inside of it must be locked. Additionally, you need to lock any luggage that your firearm cases are inside of.
• Firearms should be stored and locked in hard sided cases. Softshell cases can be used but additional dealings with TSA/security may be needed. Check with your airlines for their specific policies. Of course, you cannot go wrong with hard shell cases that can be locked. Wink. Wink.
• I also opted to put the pad locks that came with my firearms onto the firearms as well. This was an extra layer of security (3); and I thought it would show I had taken an extra step to ensure them being as safe as possible.
• Whether you opt to use TSA locks or not, consider taking at least one set of spare locks with you. If TSA cannot get to you to have you unlock something, they may very well cut off whatever it is you have. And too, TSA locks can be fragile. Once you get them, you will see what I mean. A spare set of locks may save you a lot of hassle.
• Keep all keys to your locks together and easily accessible while you travel. Do not forget those combinations either!

Paperwork

• You will need to sign a form to be included in the luggage where your firearm(s) is locked away stating that you attest to the firearm(s) being unloaded. Personnel will give you this form at the ticket counter.
• As mentioned earlier, additional forms will be needed for international travel that do not come into play for domestic travel.

Working with Personnel

• You will need to go to the ticket counter for the airline you are flying with to declare your firearms. All you need to say is “I would like to declare a firearm (or some firearms).” They should know how to handle things from there.
• Understand that not all airline ticket counter personnel thoroughly know their policies or much about firearms. Some may not support or be a fan of firearms either. Be prepared ahead of time and know the policies so you can explain them as needed. (This is also why those last minute printed copies may help.)
• When you arrive at your destination airport and before being able to pick-up your luggage with the firearm(s) locked inside, TSA personnel will likely tie giant zip-ties around your luggage to help further prevent you from accessing your firearms while still in the airport.
• Be nice. If you are an a**hole, you might expect the airline or security staff not to be so nice with you and your desire to travel with your firearm(s).

Miscellaneous

And lastly, know that you being cleared with your firearm(s) in your checked luggage at your point of origin does not mean you are clear to fly into places that do not permit firearms or that you can skip the process of getting approval to ‘import’ a firearm someplace that has specific restrictions. Those laws and rules still apply.

Again, it is on you to check with both TSA and the airline you will be traveling with for the latest and specific policies that may be in place. And if you are traveling internationally, contact those embassies and consulates to learn what you need to know and do.

The good news? Even if procedures are handled differently from airport to airport, the experience generally goes fairly smooth based on my limited experience, as long as you are prepared.

Resources

Here are several resources we have found useful on the subject and hope you will too. We have not vetted each of them to ensure the very latest laws and rules are accounted for; but they should still serve as a good source of information to help with your travel planning. And remember, you are responsible for knowing the laws, rules, and procedures prior to your travel.

• TSA – Transporting Firearms and Ammunition
• TSA – Customer Service
• Individual Airlines – Be sure to consult the rules the airline you plan to travel with has for firearms and ammunition (and remember not all ticket agents know all the rules or what they mean).
• CCW Safe – Langdon Tactical: Traveling With Firearms (Dated but still a solid overview.)
• USCCA – USCCA’s Concealed Carry  Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws by State
• Handgunlaw.us
• Travel.State.Gov – Travelers With Firearms
• ATF – Traveling with Firearms
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Guidance for U.S. Persons Traveling Outside the U.S. with Firearms and/or Ammunition
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Temporarily taking a firearm or ammunition outside the United States for personal reasons. i.e., hunting, or other personal recreational activities
• USCCA – International Travel
• USEmbassy.gov – Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Diplomatic Missions, and Offices Providing Consular Services

Conclusion

Sure, it is a bit extra to deal with firearms when traveling, maybe even a hassle at points for some. However, as long as you have done your due diligence and are kind to others as you go through the process, it really can be quite easy and mostly painless.

We have provided a lot of pointers and resources here that will help you when you travel with firearms. The biggest takeaway I have is to do your homework upfront before any trip you take. It is your responsibility to know the laws and any applicable procedures and know them ahead of time to better avoid issues.

Bon voyage! Safe travels to you and yours!

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