- Can I still fly with my guns and do the cases need to be locked or not?

1) TSA Firearm Regulations

The TSA web site states:

Subject to state and local restrictions on transporting firearms, you may still transport a firearm in your checked baggage. However, you should first check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.

Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you, the passenger, may have the key or combination. Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm, so long as it is not loaded in the firearm. Small-arms ammunition must also be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container - securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amount of ammunition.

In addition, small-arms ammunition must also be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container: "securely packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition." Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm, so long as it is not loaded in the firearm."

2) Other Info:TSA

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandated deadlines for enhanced security measures.

Incrementally, TSA worked to meet its mandates and at the same time provide an increased level of customer service. As changes and enhancements to aviation security were implemented TSA publicized Traveler Tips in local and national media, as well as on its web site at <http://www.TSATravelTips.us> , to aid travelers with the enhanced screening processes. Similarly, TSA launched a media campaign shortly before the end of the 2002 to inform travelers of changes to the checked baggage screening processes

TSA recommends that passengers leave checked baggage unlocked. Enhanced security measures require that all checked baggage undergo at least one form of screening. Hand screening of the luggage will be required to clear every alarm and baggage screeners may have to forcibly open locked baggage to complete the screening process. Travelers who lock their checked baggage do so with the understanding that this may cause delays for themselves and/or their baggage. TSA is not liable for damage to locked baggage that screeners were required to open forcibly.

In some airports, the checked baggage screening process in integrated into the airline’s baggage handling process. In this case, checked baggage screening is completed outside the view of passengers. In other airports, the checked baggage screening is completed in a public area of the terminal and passengers may be nearby when their baggage is screened. Once the screening process is completed, passengers are not permitted to repack or handle their baggage.

TSA’s travel tips online provide information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations, which may assist in preparing for air travel. We also encourage you to visit our web site at <http://www.tsa.dot.gov> for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the web site frequently for updated information.

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3) The Bottom Line:

After a conversations with an American Airlines executive representative We found out the following:

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