Resources

Boston / Brookline Residents

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition On Airlines

Rules From the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage
and may only be transported in checked baggage.

Here is a summary of key regulatory requirements in the transportation of
Firearms, Firearm Parts and Ammunition in Checked Baggage:

1. All firearms must be declared to the air carrier during the ticket counter check-in process.

2. The firearm must be unloaded.

3. The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.

4. The container must be locked.

5. The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.

6. Any ammunition transported must be securely packed in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. A magazine is not considered to be packaging for ammunition.

7. Black powder and percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and the imposition of civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Air carriers may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition an individual may place in checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the air carrier regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies.