Flying with ammunition...please clarify for me the appropriate container

[mtenenhaus]

I know there are multiple discussions and i read a bunch of them, i also went to the flying with firearms section on United Airlines but i would still like to confirm with those who have practical experience. The question revolves around the appropriate, approved container.

I understand that the ammunition must weigh less than 11 lbs and that it must be properly contained (not loose) and not in carry-on.

The scenario is the following, my friend (honestly, my friend) is planning to fly with 2 boxes of store bought ammunition...a total of 100 rounds. He is not bringing along a firearm, he has no magazines...only the 2 little boxes of store bought not reloaded ammunition. The standard pistol ammunition is still in the standard cardboard boxes exactly as he purchased it from the store.

Can those 2 little cardboard boxes containing ammunition be placed in his checked luggage.... or must he purchase some other type of container, lock etc.?

I don't want him to have any problems.

thank you.

[sigstroker]

Have him call the airline he's flying on.

[sonofeugene]

Yep. Different airlines, often different rules.

[SCVlongstroke]

Have him call the airline he's flying on.

Exactly, horses mouth and not the other end.

[flysart]

I did this recently with Delta. I left the ammo in its original box, fit several of those boxes into one solid, well cushioned box, taped it all up with gorilla tape and made sure it just barely fit under the 11 pound limit, then checked that one box as luggage. Had to spend a few extra minutes at check in while the agent consulted her manager to make sure everything was kosher, but otherwise it was a very simple process.

[RobinGoodfellow]

In my experience it should be in a factory box.

[darksands]

Ive flown multiple times with ammo loaded in the magazine put in a zip lock bag put in foam cut out slots in the case next to the gun. Flown Delta, United and American this way. The case is then locked with two NON-TSA compliant locks and put in my check-in with a TSA lock. I've also flown with ammo in it's original box in the case as well.

[lastinline]

I have done exactly what the OP is asking about; I transported the ammunition in the same locked container that usually has my handgun inside, but that time there was no handgun. Just the ammo.
Kept it under eleven pounds, no issues.

[mtenenhaus]

thank you all.

i've always flown with ammo locked in a box with my rifle or pistol but never just ammo.

...will call the airline but will probably also see if i can find an inexpensive box for him as well, maybe Walmart or Target has something.

[PaperTarget]

Text or write if you must. But don't call. Calling is way to get different answers and confusion. Use the website as you have.

The part of their website that is relevant is making sure the original boxes of ammo aren't rattling around and burst open. That's why the boxes of ammunition should NOT be in a loosely packed (or otherwise empty) suitcase.

Your friend should get a small brown cardboard box. Put both the ammunition boxes into that box and use foam or packing material. Tape is shut. Place that small brown box in the suitcase and make sure it isn't going to move around because of clothes, foam or whatever.


from United.com

"No more than 11 pounds of ammunition may be carried.

The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container.
The ammunition must be packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal containers.
The ammunition inside the container must be protected against shock and secured against movement.
Loaded ammunition magazines or clips must be removed from the firearm, and must be securely packed in boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition and must fit over any exposed ends of the magazine or clip.
Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectile will not be accepted.
Black powder, for black powder arms, is considered hazardous material and will not be accepted as checked baggage."

[-hanko]

from United.com

"No more than 11 pounds of ammunition may be carried.

The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container.
The ammunition must be packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal containers.
The ammunition inside the container must be protected against shock and secured against movement.
Loaded ammunition magazines or clips must be removed from the firearm, and must be securely packed in boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition and must fit over any exposed ends of the magazine or clip.
Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectile will not be accepted.
Black powder, for black powder arms, is considered hazardous material and will not be accepted as checked baggage."

5 kg. is an IATA requirement. If you're flying Alaska, they'll take up to 50 lbs. of properly packaged ammo...that's Alaska ONLY. Meaning if you're got a connecting flight with other than Alaska, you're back to 5 kg. or ~ 11 pounds.

[PaperTarget]

5 kg. is an IATA requirement. If you're flying Alaska, they'll take up to 50 lbs. of properly packaged ammo...that's Alaska ONLY. Meaning if you're got a connecting flight with other than Alaska, you're back to 5 kg. or ~ 11 pounds.

OP said United Airlines. So UAL info is relevant.

Other replies have mentioned that each airline has their own rules. And each airline's website should be checked before checking in.

[therealnickb]

I know there are multiple discussions and i read a bunch of them, i also went to the flying with firearms section on United Airlines but i would still like to confirm with those who have practical experience. The question revolves around the appropriate, approved container.

I understand that the ammunition must weigh less than 11 lbs and that it must be properly contained (not loose) and not in carry-on.

The scenario is the following, my friend (honestly, my friend) is planning to fly with 2 boxes of store bought ammunition...a total of 100 rounds. He is not bringing along a firearm, he has no magazines...only the 2 little boxes of store bought not reloaded ammunition. The standard pistol ammunition is still in the standard cardboard boxes exactly as he purchased it from the store.

Can those 2 little cardboard boxes containing ammunition be placed in his checked luggage.... or must he purchase some other type of container, lock etc.?

I don't want him to have any problems.

thank you.

Per TSA, fully enclosed in a container designed to do so for ammo. Those https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transport...and-ammunition little cardboard boxes meet that criteria. But you could have looked that up.


Ammunition
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.
Please check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.

Oh and, you don’t need to check with your airline in advance. Just declare the ammo when you check your bag.

[sigstroker]

The reason you call is to make the agent look it up. Once they see it on their internal website they consider it the word of God. Ask them to put a note on your reservation. When you check in, the agent reads your note first, and as it's the word of God, they don't bother with a supervisor and just wave you on.

[mtenenhaus]

thanks everyone. all the replies really helped