It’s pretty obvious why you can’t bring your gun on a plane. Even if you have no intentions of high-jacking an aircraft, safety is the top priority. But how do people move across the country or travel to shooting competitions with firearms on planes? 

Here’s how to legally fly on an airplane with your gun 

While you can’t just board a plane with your gun, it’s still possible to travel on an airplane with it. Instead of carrying it on a holster or in your carry-on bags, you can take the steps to check your firearm before your flight. 

You can transport unloaded guns in locked hard-sided containers as checked baggage only. Meaning, that guns can go with your bag under the plane. 

Of course, there is the risk of losing your bag, so be sure to keep up with your travel information. Also, the hard case should protect your weapon from accidental drops or impacts from shifting during the flight. 

Declare your firearm and or ammunition at the airline counter while checking your bag. The gun must be completely secure from access. Locked cases that can be easily opened are prohibited. 

Ask the airline about the limitations or fees that apply. The gun will be considered loaded if the passenger can access the gun and the ammo at the same time. 

Bringing an unloaded gun with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same penalty/fines as bringing a loaded gun. 

You must also comply with local state and federal laws. If traveling internationally, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site for requirements. 

Only the passenger should keep the keys or combination to the firearm car unless TSA personnel requests to open the container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. 

Firearm parts like magazines, clips, bolts, firing pins, replica firearms, and toys are prohibited from carry-on bags. Rifle scopes are allowed in carry-on bags. 

You may want to go to the airport a little early to give yourself the extra time needed to check your gun before going through security.