Ammo and firearms in checked luggage

[CaliforniaSerf]

My family and I are traveling to Front Sight next week for a two day handgun course. My wife's first time at FS, my second.

I'm locking both handguns in Nanovault hard cases (with keyed locks) and using a cable to secure both hard cases to one checked bag.
Any issue with two guns in one checked bag?

Second, I was going to bring 200 rounds of 9mm ammo loose in a plastic ammo can. Any issue with this, or does the ammo need to be individually separated in a box? Anyone have experience with this?

Just another,
CaliforniaSerf

[Condorguns]

What airline?

[TheChief]

My family and I are traveling to Front Sight next week for a two day handgun course. My wife's first time at FS, my second.

I'm locking both handguns in Nanovault hard cases (with keyed locks) and using a cable to secure both hard cases to one checked bag.
Any issue with two guns in one checked bag?

Second, I was going to bring 200 rounds of 9mm ammo loose in a plastic ammo can. Any issue with this, or does the ammo need to be individually separated in a box? Anyone have experience with this?

Just another,
CaliforniaSerf

What airline are you flying? They will have the requirements and directions on their website that you need to follow. TSA just makes sure that airlines policies are met.

You wont be able to fly with loose ammo. It needs to be in the factory (paper/cardboard/plastic) box.

You will want to have your mags and firearms in a locked case. The boxed ammo does not need to be in the locked case and there is usually either a weight limit or ammo count max.

Once you find the airlines firearms guidelines, print it out and bring a copy with you to the airport in case you need to remind the baggage folks or TSA...though they will likely know them better than you

When you check-in, go to the baggage counter, not the sky cap, and let them know you are traveling with a firearm so they can 1. Give you the declaration document, and 2. call someone over to take you and your bag over to the TSA scanners. TSA may ask you to open the bag and show them the LOCKED case. They may even ask you to unlock it...do so. Whatever happens though, the key to the lock stays with you. If it is taken and not immediately given back, call a supervisor as that is against TSA and airline policies and you either have an untrained agent or someone trying to pull a fast one.

Once TSA scans the luggage, it is just another piece of luggage. The bag is not marked, it is not specially handled. Be there when the bags hit the belt at your destination to make sure someone doesn't walk off with your bag.

Make sure you have the guns serials in case something happens and you have to report it.

Also, check with your home owners insurance and credit card company you used to buy the plane tickets with to see if they cover loss or damage of luggage during your travels. They may have a cheap insurance "rider" you can purchase for the trip.

[barrage]

My family and I are traveling to Front Sight next week for a two day handgun course. My wife's first time at FS, my second.

I'm locking both handguns in Nanovault hard cases (with keyed locks) and using a cable to secure both hard cases to one checked bag.
Any issue with two guns in one checked bag?

Second, I was going to bring 200 rounds of 9mm ammo loose in a plastic ammo can. Any issue with this, or does the ammo need to be individually separated in a box? Anyone have experience with this?

Just another,
CaliforniaSerf

Different airlines might have slightly different requirements, but...

Your gun needs to be in a hard sided, locked case (I use two Master Locks that use the same key) and most airlines seems to have universally adopted an 11lb limiit on ammo. Also, your ammunition will need to be stored in the manufacturer's original packaging (it's okay if it's been opened or is unsealed.)

Loose rounds of any kind will likely be an issue if they see it. I've accidentally carried around 20 or so loose rounds of 22lr in my carry on backpack several times though and they never saw it, so who knows.

Your best bet is to call your airline or go to their website as they're always pretty good about giving clear instructions on checking in firearms and what their individual policies are.

[Xdjack]

You can travel with up to 11 lbs of ammo, but they need to be in factory packaging

[Divernhunter]

I flew with ammo in MTM/Midway aftermarket plastic boxes. It does not have to be in the factory boxes. Many people reload and do not use factory ammo/boxes.

[RickD427]

In addition to all of the above posts, please note that you cannot use a TSA lock on your hardsided case.

The lock must be one that only you have the key, or combination, to open. TSA locks are designed to use a common key.

Each carrier has their own requirements and you can (and should) typically view them on their web-site.

In addition, each carrier must follow provisions of federal law. For the most part, I've found airline counter personnel to be reasonably well-versed in the requirements, but they seem be so well versed in the use of the TSA lock, that they often forget that a TSA lock is prohibited on a firearm container.

It may help to print out, and carry a copy of the federal requirements along with a copy of the carrier's policy.

The federal prohibition on the use of a TSA lock is contained in 49 CFR 1544.203.

[tenclip]

Check the airline on their ammo weight limit. Southwest is 11 pound, Virgin is 10 pounds. If you do not have factory boxes, cut off the box covers and keep in the plastic case.

I used to think that my bags got flagged as special and now I realize after all these trips it was simply because of double non-TSA locks.

You can travel with up to 11 lbs of ammo, but they need to be in factory packaging

[CaliforniaSerf]

Flying Virgin next week, and Southwest the following week (for the 2 day Skill Builder). I've had a look at their websites and I'll print out the pages to take with me.

We'll have less than 20 lbs of ammo in the checked suitcase, but just 1 suitcase. Hopefully with 3 of us traveling, that won't be an issue.

[biglou]

Just did this with United. They make you sign a declaration form, ammo has to be in original box. Was pretty easy.

[sigstroker]

200 rounds is pretty trivial. Should be under the limit in one bag. I went to a class and took 800 rounds split between 3 bags to keep each bag under the limit.

[six seven tango]

Here's another option if you just don't want to deal with shipping the ammo. Ammo supply warehouse is local to FS and offers will call.

http://www.ammosupplywarehouse.com/

From their website;

How soon in advance should I reserve my ammo for a Front Sight™ class?

- As early as you like, however 14 working days prior to class is the norm. If you feel the need to reserve a month in advance, knock your socks off and place your order. IT WILL BE HERE WAITING FOR YOU.

Once I have ordered for an upcoming class, how do I get my ammo?

- When coming into Pahrump, please give us a call to arrange pick up at our location or we can talk about a delivery to the local hotels in town. Pick-ups are strictly by appointment only. We WERE meeting folks out at the corner of Tecopa Rd. and RT. 160, but evidently someone did not like having competition out there. These same folks, after urging the BLM to “do something” about us, caused the BLM to try to fine us, and ultimately inform us that we could no longer sell out at that location. It seems monopoly. Interesting.

Even though the FAQ says 14 days is the norm, I don't see why they couldn't do it on shorter notice. I typically see ammo delivered to my doorstep the second day after I order it. And I'm just paying normal shipping...they're just damned efficient.


ETA; I just re-read your 2nd post. 20 lbs of ammo, 2 guns, and luggage for 3 people in 1 suitcase could very well put you over the weight limit and cost you some $$$. Last time I flew with a firearm, it was 1 handgun, 100 rounds and clothes for 2 people and I came in right at the 50 pound limit for Southwest. YMMV

[-hanko]

...Also, your ammunition will need to be stored in the manufacturer's original packaging (it's okay if it's been opened or is unsealed.)

Loose rounds of any kind will likely be an issue if they see it.

See below...

You can travel with up to 11 lbs of ammo, but they need to be in factory packaging

The IATA limits ammo to 5kg., approximately 11 lbs...that's per checked suitcase or bag.

It does NOT need to be in oem packaging...MTM or similar plastic boxes are fine, especially if you reload. Loose rounds don't work on airlines.

Flying Virgin next week, and Southwest the following week (for the 2 day Skill Builder). I've had a look at their websites and I'll print out the pages to take with me.

We'll have less than 20 lbs of ammo in the checked suitcase, but just 1 suitcase. Hopefully with 3 of us traveling, that won't be an issue.

You'll need to have 11lb. or less in a checked bag...so bring another bag...you'll need it.

You can also UPS the ammo to yourself c/o front sight...ask for an adult signature. You can find the "ORM-D Small Arms Cartridges" label on google and print a couple to put on the box. You'll need to ship from a UPS hub.

The only airline I've seen that doesn't get too strict on ammo limits is Alaska Airlines...and that's not applicable here. Don't push the weight limit or you'll be dumping some in the tsa garbage can before your board.

Have fun.

[timdps]

I flew with ammo in MTM/Midway aftermarket plastic boxes. It does not have to be in the factory boxes. Many people reload and do not use factory ammo/boxes.

Ammo does not need to be in factory boxes. It can even be in mags. The rules are mostly concerned with not allowing anything to hit the primers and mags protect the ammo against this. I normally pack three or six 35 round full mags when flying to reenactment battles. Rounds are blanks, but that makes no difference to TSA.

[TrailerparkTrash]

Also, check with your home owners insurance and credit card company you used to buy the plane tickets with to see if they cover loss or damage of luggage during your travels. They may have a cheap insurance "rider" you can purchase for the trip.

My home owners policy lets me insure my handguns that I've traveled with. It was $18.00 for my last trip and one gun. It covered the handgun 100% of the purchase of a new or similar model from theft, loss or damage while traveling on vacation or business.