Can I Fly with a Gun?
Legality and Regulations
Air travel can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when transporting firearms. It’s natural to wonder if it’s legal to fly with a gun. The short answer is: yes, but with certain conditions.
Federal Law vs. State Law
According to the Federal Law, it is illegal for individuals to transport firearms aboard commercial aircraft. Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(i) states that:
"It shall be unlawful for any person… to knowingly or intentionally make a firearm or ammunition untransportable in commerce because it is not detectable when passed through a metal detector or other security scanners."
However, there’s an exception for firearms certified as "gunlocked" or "non-detectable." These firearms have met specific requirements, such as being made of materials like titanium or aluminum, with a specific weight, density, and thickness. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the National Firearms Act, making such firearms illegal for general sales.
State Law
Some states have additional requirements or restrictions for transporting firearms. For example:
• California: Permits the transportation of unloaded and encased firearms through restricted areas, but not while on board an aircraft.
• Colorado: Allows the transportation of unloaded and encased firearms through restricted areas, providing the firearm is securely zipped or locked.
Transporting Firearms at Airports
To reduce the risk of accidents and ensure compliance with regulations, transportation of firearms at airports may be restricted or limited to specific areas. It is essential to check with individual airports for their *firearm transportation policies.
Airport Firearms Information
| Here’s a breakdown of the most common firearm transporting rules at major airports: | Airport | Gun Type | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| JFK (New York) | Handgun | Unloaded and sealed in a hard-sided container | |
| LAX (Los Angeles) | All | Unloaded, encased, and separated from ammunition | |
| IAH (Houston) | Handgun | Empty chamber, unloaded magazine | |
| MIA (Miami) | All | Transported in a locked carrying case |
Permissible Firearms
The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) defines the following weapons as permissible:
• Rifles and shotguns: must be unloaded, checked as checked baggage, or transported in a hard-sided gun case
• Derringers and handguns must be unloaded, concealed, and transported in a hard-sided gun case, checked as checked baggage or carried in a concealed case
Prohibited Firearm Types
- Magazines with more than 10 rounds are often prohibited
- Any _firearm with a broken or altered serial number is illegal
- Assault weapons, such as short-barreled shotguns, are often banned*
- *Machine guns: strictly regulated for civilian ownership and rarely exempt for air travel*
Tips for Safe Firearm Transportation
- Check with the airline: Before transporting your gun, confirm the airline’s baggage policy and any additional procedures.
- Accurately declare firearms and ammunition: Inform your airline and airport staff, and ensure accurate information.
- Conveniently store firearms and related items: Transport luggage and firearms separately and protect them from damage or security checks.
- Be prepared for random selection: Firearms cases may be randomly selected during security checks.
- Respect regulations, and be patient: Remember that regulations change over time, and adapt when necessary.
Final Recommendations
Before flying with your gun, ensure compliance with federal and state laws as well as airport-specific restrictions. **Plan ahead to avoid any potential complications***. Always prioritize gun safety and respect the security needs of air travel. Always check with your airline’s baggage policy and inform relevant authorities before transporting a gun.
Conclusion
There are specific regulations regarding transportation of firearms on commercial airliners. Understanding federal laws, state laws, airport policies, and other guidance will help ensure safe transportation of your gun while remaining compliant with regulations. The key is to remain accurate, patient, and resourceful when navigating this nuanced topic.
