Hunting season is upon us. If you’re planning to fly with firearms, we’re sharing tips to ensure a successful flight to your hunting destination. While every airline holds its own policies when it comes to packing and transporting firearms, TSA is a trusted source that you can always reference. In addition, because we provide multiple United flights in and out of C/NCIA daily, we’re laying out some of their policies, procedures, and tips to bear in mind while you pack out for your hunting trip.

Flying With Firearms

Firearms may be transported as checked baggage only when they are unloaded and secured in a locked, hard-sided container (more on that below). Travelers must also declare the firearm and any ammunition to the airline when checking in at the ticket counter. Travelers can generally pack up to five firearms in a single case, although the number of firearms permitted may vary depending on your destination. Checked baggage fees apply to all checked items unless otherwise noted, and oversized, overweight, or additional baggage may incur additional fees.

Our biggest tip: if you are traveling with a firearm, plan to arrive early. Here’s why:

  • You will need to complete a firearm declaration for each container. The container must completely prevent access to the firearm. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.
  • Airline and TSA personnel will inspect the case to ensure it is properly secured. If the firearm can be accessed in any way—even if it is possible to touch the firearm—the case is not considered properly secured.

No matter what, before you head to the airport, check your airline’s specific requirements and current TSA regulations to ensure you are prepared appropriately for your trip.

Flying With Ammunition

Ammunition may also be transported in a checked bag, and again, it must be declared to the airline. Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and all shotgun shells) must be packaged in a fiber, wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition. Additionally, firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Many airlines have different quantity limits for ammunition, so be sure to check with your airline (if you’re flying with us, that’s United) to confirm what you’re allowed to take.

Packing Firearms and Ammunition

Packing could be the most important consideration when flying with ammunition. One wrong container, lock, or case could prevent you from making it to the gate. That’s why it’s critical to know your airline’s policies and ask about special packing requirements as well as required permits and licenses. According to United, in order to check your firearm, you need to make sure it’s safely packed in a case that meets the following requirements:

  • Firearms must be in a hard-sided case with a lock. The hard-sided case can be placed inside an unlocked, soft-sided bag as long as it’s secure.
  • The case containing the firearm must be locked when United receives it. The key or combination must always be with you.
  • You aren’t required to use a TSA-recognized lock. However, it’s recommended to speed up security screening.
  • Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

Last but not least, no matter where you’re traveling, firearm regulations in international and U.S. territories vary. You’re responsible for contacting the relevant consulates or embassies regarding their firearm and ammunition requirements.

For more information, we encourage you to check out these two resources for flying with firearms:

  1. Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration
  2. Flying with Firearms and Ammunition | United Airlines

Happy hunting and safe travels!