Skip to main content

Driving across state lines with a firearm can be a fairly painless process. That is, if you know and pay attention to the state and local laws. However, for one reason or another, you might want to try flying with a gun on a commercial airplane. So, is it legal to take your piece to the skies? Or is your firearm altogether earthbound?

It might sound problematic, but law-abiding citizens can travel with a firearm through our nation’s airports. However, before you conjure mental images of a passenger with a sidearm à la The Twilight Zone’s “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” you can’t just go through a security checkpoint with a gun.

According to the Transport Security Administration (TSA), part of the United States Department of Homeland Security, “You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only.” That means no firearms in your carry-on luggage under any circumstances. Moreover, the TSA mandates that you follow several other regulations before you pack up, lock, and check your unloaded gun. Before flying with a gun, owners must:

  • Declare each firearm to the airline when checking in
  • Comply with state, local, and federal laws 
  • Ensure their gun or firearms are unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case
  • Pack ammunition separately from an unloaded firearm
  • Ensure that a firearm is legally allowed to be transported from their origin airport to their destination

Unfortunately, Americans frequently get into trouble for flying with firearms and ammunition. For instance, multiple American tourists have been arrested this year for ammunition possession while flying to and from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Consequently, as a traveler, it’s up to you to ensure you don’t have contents in your bag that aren’t allowed at your destination.

The same goes for major weapons components in carry-on luggage. You might not think traveling with a rifle’s upper receiver qualifies as flying with a gun, but the TSA takes it seriously. However, optics, like red dot sights, low-power variable optics (LPVOs), and rifle scopes can travel with you in carry-on luggage.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).