Airline Firearm Travel Policies — Full Details

Scope & basic requirement

American permits the transport of firearms and ammunition in checked baggage only. Carry-on transport is strictly prohibited. All firearms must be declared to an American agent at the ticket counter prior to checking the bag.

Packing & declaration

• Unload the firearm — remove magazine and verify chamber is empty.
• Place the firearm in a hard-sided, locked container specifically designed to transport firearms. Soft-sided cases are not acceptable unless they are placed within a locked, hard-sided case.
• At check-in, tell the agent you are transporting a firearm. You will complete and sign a declaration for each firearm. The declaration is typically placed inside the locked case.
• Keep the key or combination with you (do not put it in checked luggage).

Ammunition

• Ammunition must be securely packaged in manufacturer's packaging or in a container designed for ammunition (wood, metal, or fiber boxes).
• American's guidance references TSA weight limits commonly interpreted as 11 lbs (5 kg) per passenger; however destination and codeshare partners may limit or disallow ammunition — confirm for international travel.

Fees, limits & international notes

• One firearm case counts as a checked bag; standard checked-bag fees apply if beyond your allowance.
• Some international destinations either prohibit or require permits for firearm import; American will refuse carriage if destination law forbids it.
• If traveling on codeshare or interline tickets, the operating carrier's rules may apply; check both carriers.

Best practices & sample checklist

Sample checklist: Unload firearm, remove magazines, store ammo in original box, place firearm in a locked hard case, declare at check-in, keep key with you, verify destination laws and codeshare carriers, arrive early.

Official: American Airlines — Firearms & Ammunition

Overview

Delta accepts firearms and ammunition in checked baggage when the passenger follows TSA rules and Delta's container and declaration requirements. Delta emphasizes proper packing and clear declaration at check-in.

Packing requirements

• Firearm must be unloaded and in a hard-sided locked case. Lock should be passenger-controlled.
• If the hard case is placed inside another piece of luggage (for padding/protection), it must itself be locked and secure.
• Delta allows multiple firearms but will follow local laws and may restrict the number for some destinations.

Declaration process

• Declare the firearm to a Delta representative at the ticket counter. An agent will place a verification tag inside the case and likely ask you to sign a form stating the firearm is unloaded.
• Do not leave the key or combination in checked baggage.

Ammunition specifics

• Maximum commonly accepted amount: 11 lbs (5 kg) of ammunition per passenger, packaged in boxes designed for ammunition (manufacturer packaging is fine).
• Loose ammunition is prohibited; magazines with live rounds must be boxed per airline/TSA guidance.

International travel & codeshare

For international flights, Delta may restrict carriage based on destination country rules. If your itinerary includes other carriers, the other carrier's rules may govern carriage. ALWAYS check permits/temporary import rules for the destination.

Official: Delta — Ammunition & Firearms

Key rules

United permits firearms in checked baggage when the firearm is unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared at the ticket counter. United has detailed guidance on the number of firearms and storage of parts/accessories.

Number of firearms

• United notes that multiple firearms may be carried in a single locked hard case (for example, up to five rifles), though this is subject to size/weight limits and destination country laws.
• Always confirm that a multi-firearm case is allowed for your specific route — some countries and airports may limit numbers.

Ammunition

• United accepts small arms ammunition in checked baggage when contained in its original packaging or in a container made for ammunition.
• Most carriers, including United, reference a practical limit of 11 lbs (5 kg) per passenger as the typical cap.

Special notes

• Firearm parts that are not classified as dangerous goods (e.g., non-pressurized parts) generally follow the same checked-bag rules.
• When traveling internationally, you may be required to produce permits or temporary import documentation at arrival; United may refuse carriage if documentation or destination law is not satisfied.

Official: United — Firearms & Ammunition

Overview

Southwest allows firearms in checked baggage only when properly declared and packed. The airline reiterates that firearms are not permitted in the cabin or in gate-checked bags.

Packing & declaration

• Firearm must be unloaded and placed in a locked, hard-sided case. Soft cases that are not secured are not acceptable.
• You must declare the firearm at the ticket counter and sign any required forms.
• Keep the case locked until you retrieve it at baggage claim. Keep keys/combination with you.

Ammunition

• Ammunition must be in boxes specifically designed for ammunition (or original manufacturer packaging).
• Loose ammunition or ammunition packed in checked baggage outside secure containers is prohibited.

Official: Southwest — Checking Guns

Overview

Alaska permits firearms and ammunition in checked baggage when TSA requirements and Alaska's own policies are satisfied. They offer clear packaging guidance and emphasize crush-proof ammo containers.

Packing

• Firearm must be unloaded and placed in a locked, hard-sided case. The passenger must retain the key or combination.
• Alaska suggests that ammunition be inside crush-proof boxes made for ammunition.

Declaration & check-in

• Declare firearm at check-in; expect an agent to ask you to sign a statement that the firearm is unloaded and properly packed.
• If traveling internationally or to sensitive destinations (e.g., U.S. territories with specific laws), verify local restrictions in advance.

Official: Alaska Airlines — Transporting Firearms

Basics

JetBlue allows firearms in checked baggage when they're unloaded, properly secured, and declared at check-in. JetBlue warns that some countries and territories will not permit firearm transport.

How to pack

• Use a locked, hard-sided case. The lock must be accessible only to the passenger.
• Place the declaration/verification tag inside the case if required by the agent.

Ammunition

• Ammunition must be in secured packaging (boxes designed for ammo). The practical limit referenced by many carriers is 11 lbs (5 kg) per passenger, but JetBlue may rely on TSA limits and destination rules.

Official: JetBlue — Traveling with a Firearm

Overview and special island rules

Hawaiian enforces stringent procedures because Hawaii has strict firearm regulations. Firearms must be declared and in secure, locked hard cases; additional paperwork or permits may be required for inter-island travel depending on local law and destination.

Packing & magazines

• Firearm must be unloaded; magazines and clips must be removed and empty unless they fully enclose the ammunition.
• Use a hard-sided case that cannot be pried open; lock it and retain the key or combination.

International/inter-island considerations

Hawaii-specific import/export paperwork may be required for transporting firearms to/from the state; check state and county rules in addition to airline guidance. Some flights may need advance notice.

Official: Hawaiian — Firearms & Ammunition

Overview

Frontier allows firearms in checked baggage for passengers 18 years or older on domestic flights only. They explicitly prohibit firearms on international or codeshare portions unless the operating carrier permits it.

Packing & declaration

• Firearms must be unloaded, and stored in a locked, hard-sided case designed for firearms.
• Declare the firearm at the ticket counter and complete any required paperwork with the agent.
• Frontier enforces passenger age minimums and may refuse transport without proper declaration and packing.

Ammunition

• Ammunition must be inert or boxed appropriately for carriage; manufacturer packaging or boxes designed for ammo are acceptable.
• Loose ammo is prohibited in checked bags unless secured in proper containers.

Official: Frontier — Firearms & Ammunition

Contract-based rules

Spirit's Contract of Carriage contains the official conditions for transporting firearms. Spirit permits firearms in checked baggage on domestic itineraries when all TSA and Spirit requirements are met.

Requirements

• Passenger must be at least 18 years old (or meet state/local age requirements).
• Firearms must be unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Declaration to the ticket agent is mandatory.
• Spirit may also require a signed declaration form or tag inside the case.

Ammunition

• Ammunition must be packed in boxes or containers designed for that purpose. Loose ammunition is not permitted.

Official: Spirit — Contract of Carriage (Firearms section)

Overview

Allegiant accepts firearms in checked baggage when passengers follow TSA and Allegiant rules. Passengers must declare firearms at check-in and be 18 years or older.

Packing & declaration

• Firearms must be unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. The passenger must maintain the key or combination.
• Declare the firearm at the ticket counter — an agent will inspect and may place tags or require signatures.

Ammunition

• Ammunition must be properly boxed in manufacturers' packaging or secure ammo boxes. Loose ammo is prohibited.

Official: Allegiant — Restricted Articles (Firearms)

Overview

Sun Country allows firearms in checked baggage when passengers meet TSA and Sun Country requirements. For charter or international flights, additional restrictions may apply.

Packing & ammo

• Firearms must be unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case; declare at check-in.
• Ammunition must be boxed or in manufacturer packaging; crushed or damaged packaging may be rejected.

Sun Country — Firearm Guidelines (general)

TSA baseline requirements

• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container as checked baggage only.
• Declare the firearm at the airline ticket counter; you may be required to sign a written declaration.
• Ammunition must be boxed securely; the common allowance cited by airlines is 11 lbs (5 kg), though TSA itself focuses on proper packaging and airline compliance.
• Firearms or ammunition that are illegal to possess under federal or local law are not allowed regardless of packing.

Official: TSA — Transporting Firearms & Ammunition