TSA Rules
The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage are:
* You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from access by anyone other than you. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort do not meet this criterion. The pictures provided here illustrate the difference between a properly packaged and an improperly packaged firearm.
* We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can't contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
* You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
* You can't bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.
Southwest rules, they don't charge for bags.
Guns and Ammunition
Guns
* Customers are responsible for knowing and following the firearms laws of the state(s) that they will be traveling to, from, and through.
* Our Customers must declare the gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter (no firearms will be accepted curbside) and prove that the firearm(s) chambers are free of ammunition and the magazine clip has been removed (when applicable). Paintball guns and BB guns are considered the same as all other firearms.
* Paintball guns are allowed in checked baggage and are not subject to the container requirements of firearms. Customers must declare the paintball gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter. Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carryon only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
* Firearms must be encased in a hard-sided, LOCKED container that is of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling, as follows:
1. A firearm in a hard-sided, locked container may be placed inside a soft-sided, unlocked suitcase.
2. A firearm placed inside a hard-sided, locked suitcase does not have to be encased in a container manufactured for the transportation of firearms.
3. Only the Customer checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock. No exceptions will be made.
* Firearms may be checked and will count toward the two-piece free baggage allowance for each fare-paying passenger. We allow multiple firearms to be transported inside one hard-sided case.
* Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the misalignment of sights on firearms, including those equipped with telescopic sights.
* Firearms are never allowed in carryon luggage.
Ammunition
* Small arms ammunition for personal use (provided it is properly packed) is permissible in checked baggage only.
* The ammunition may be placed in the same container as the firearm and must be securely packed in cardboard (fiber), wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* When checking ammunition, Customers are limited to 11 pounds gross weight (ammunition plus container) per person.
* Magazines or clips containing ammunition must be securely packaged (placed in another small box or in a secure cutout in the carrying case, in order to protect the primer of the ammunition).
* Make sure guns are unloaded and definitely never transport a gun in your carryon baggage!
* Gunpowder (black powder) and primers or percussion caps are not allowed in checked or carryon baggage.
* Loose ammunition or loose loaded magazines and/or clips are not allowed.
* Paintballs must be packaged in a leak-proof container and will be conditionally accepted.
Your post contains some very WRONG information. When you go to check in your baggage, be sure to declare the firearms and have them ready for inspection. Some airlines check to see that they are unloaded, others leave it to TSA. In any case, BE SURE THAT YOUR FIREARMS ARE UNLOADED prior to arriving at the airport. Failure to do so can result in arrest and my ruin your trip. The airlines baggage agent will have you sign a firearms declaration form (usually looks like a luggage tag in some bright color like red or orange). Once the form is signed, the baggage agent will take the original copy (usually white) for their records, then place the bottom copy (the luggage tag) INSIDE your luggage. Having a brightly colored luggage tag dangling from your piece of luggage that says something to the effect of "Firearms Unloaded" may tip off any potential thieves that there are firearms in that piece of luggage. This may result in your firearms not making it to it's final destination.
. The declaration process has changed slightly over the years, but otherwise exactly as I described above.
