Passengers are permitted to travel with unloaded guns in their checked luggage when flying, but all firearms must be declared and stored in a locked, hard-sided container. Ammunition must not be in the locked container with the firearm. There are only slight variations in policy between air carriers.
Once again you are making up requirements that don't exist, at least not in statute. But, I suppose this disclaimer covers it, "There are only slight variations in policy between air carriers." There are very few, like one or two, airlines that won't allow ammuntion to be in the same locked container, and there is no statutory prohibition on ammunition in the same locked container. Thank you again.
If flying with a handgun, I recommend that travellers lock open the slide on the pistol, place the empty magazine(s) next to the pistol, and ammunition in a factory box all in the same hard sided container locked with a non-TSA lock. That way it is very easy for TSA to see the gun, the magazines, and the ammo with clear indication the gun is unloaded AND upon retrieval of the luggage it's easy to grab that one case out of the luggage and load up to carry. This practice is perfectly legal and does not violate any airline regulations of 9 out of 10 airlines. (And if it does violate your particular airline's policy, its easy to just take the box of ammo out of the container with the gun.)
The airline's website should be consulted to determine their policies, but be advised that some airline's website have recommendations which are in violation of Federal regulations such as using a TSA approved lock for the hard sided container, or turning over the keys or combo to TSA if they ask for them.
American Airlines for example:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/firearms.jsp
Maximum per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers, ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors, and tools. There is no limit on the amount of cases allowed. Ammunition is limited to 11 lbs./5 kgs. per passenger.
Looks like they are expecting the ammo to be in the same case.
Jet Blue:
http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj(2236)#s6
TSA recommends that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container.
Follow that recommendation and you will violate Federal regulations.
Ammunition for the firearm cannot be placed in the same container as the firearm, but may be in the same checked bag as long as everything is packaged properly.
Only an airline policy, not a statutory requirement.
Southwest Airlines:
http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html
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.
The TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above.
However, the TSA website also says this:
Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.
If you have to take the key back from anyone, then you have broken Federal regulations by giving the key to someone else.
Standing by for Mr. Gain's reply as to what an a$$&*!@ I am....
