Resource Guide to Traveling with Guns

Traveling with guns is a complicated and nerve-racking process that can be quite difficult to navigate and understand even for those who frequently have to bring their guns along for shooting competitions, tourist hunting, or other reasons. In the United States, under the Federal Transportation Law, firearms may be transported across state lines by motor vehicle by an individual not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. The firearm being transported must be locked and unloaded in an area of the vehicle that is not accessible to the driver or any passengers. Some states and localities, however, may have more stringent gun laws that apply and a non-resident gun permit may even be required. Additionally, if the weapon is loaded or carried on the body, a permit may also be mandatory. Although air travel with guns is possible in the United States, there are specific rules regulating how these weapons may be packaged, the total number of weapons allowed, and specific regulations may differ by aircraft carrier. When traveling internationally with guns, the laws can be even more complicated and tend to differ for every country.

Here are some vital resources that can be informative for learning more about traveling with guns:

• American Airlines: Although American Airlines makes some firearm allowances for checked baggage, no firearms will be checked on flights going to or from the United Kingdom. Additional procedures can be viewed at the American Airlines.
• Alaska Airlines: These rules for Alaska Airlines cover international transport, shooting equipment, and paintball cylinders.
• Alaska Concealed Handgun Permits: Frequently asked questions cover the cost and procedure of getting a concealed handgun permit.
• British Airways: This resource provides some information on packaging firearms appropriately when carrying to the United Kingdom.
• California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms: California firearm laws include tips for gun owners, information on licenses, and regulations involving traveling with guns in the state.
• Can I Bring Firearms Into The United Kingdom?: To ensure compliance with United Kingdom laws, prior notice is required before traveling with guns. United States residents must have a sponsor who is a resident of the United Kingdom to apply for the permit on their behalf.
• Continental Airlines: When transporting shooting equipment, Continental only allows customers to carry one case containing no more than five firearms within their checked baggage. Passengers should read specific guidelines to ensure they meet all requirements.
• Firearm Users Visiting Canada: Some types of firearms such as rifles and handguns can be imported into Canada depending on their purpose. This fact sheet from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police discusses the classes of firearms that can be imported into the country, firearm license requirements, and how to store and transport these guns.
• Importing a BB Gun, Air Soft Or Paintball Gun For My Personal Use: This information from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency will help Americans reentering the country after international travel.
• New York City Firearm Regulations: There are strict gun laws in New York State, which can vary by jurisdiction. In New York City, licenses are required to carry a handgun or to keep one within a residence or business. laws
• North Carolina Firearm Laws: This publication explains who is eligible for owning a gun, disguises the rules of out of state purchases, carrying concealed weapons, transporting weapons, and prohibited weapon types.
• Southwest: To ensure a smooth travel knowing the rules for properly traveling with, packaging, and checking guns and ammunition on Southwest flights.
• Transportation Security Administration: According to federal regulations individuals wishing to fly with firearms must place these weapons in checked baggage, have them unloaded, and placed in locked cases.
• Traveling Safely With Ammunition: These tips from Safe Travel cover some of the ins and outs of safely and securely traveling with bullets, cartridges, clips, and other types of ammunition.
• Traveling With Firearms: These basic federal laws explain the rules on transporting weapons by vehicle and aircraft.