Fear & Loading: Airlines Modifying Gun Travel Policies

by
posted on May 11, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
baggage_claim_sign-redux.jpg

Delta Airlines has announced flyers who travel with guns in their checked luggage will no longer be able to find the firearm’s case—or a bag that contains a locked handgun case—on an airport carousel. Owners must reclaim their unloaded firearm by presenting valid government picture identification at the carrier’s baggage service office. 

“The airline will now have special tags to alert ground handlers to not put bags carrying weapons on the general carousel,” according to Miami, FL’s, NBC 6 TV. Several other airlines told The Sun-Sentinel Times they were also considering a change, although a spokesman for American Airlines said, “American has not changed its policy on checked firearms. Everything stands the same.” When I flew with that company late last month, my gun bag was tagged with a red “Return to BSO” label, and it was being held in the baggage service office when I arrived. Taking possession required producing an ID, not the claim ticket.

Know the rules before your trip. NRA-ILA has some good tips to keep in mind anytime you’re flying with a firearm. The Transportation Security Administration offers others, but remember, airlines can enforce additional regulations that can delay or even cancel your departure unless you’re prepared.

In addition to a locked hard case, Air Canada for example, also requires firearms “Must be rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device mechanism (i.e. a trigger lock), but only after the check-in process has been completed…” You’ll also be charged a $59 (USD) firearm handling charge.

Delta Airlines’ packing policy reflects that of most American carriers. “Firearms must be packed in a locked manufacturer's hard-sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case or a locked hard-sided piece of luggage,” its website explains. “Handguns may be packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft-sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case.”

Latest

Chiappa 86 Wildlands AE TD 01
Chiappa 86 Wildlands AE TD 01

The Chiappa 86 Wildlands: A Modern Take On The Winchester 1886 Lever-Action

Chiappa has updated the nearly 150-year-old Winchester Model 1886 lever-action design with the 86 Wildlands Angle Ejection Takedown, giving it added versatility in the way of accessory-attachment points and optics-mounting.

Preview: White River Knife & Tool Ursus 45

The White River Knife & Tool Ursus 45 offers plenty of hand-filling area that is made all the more comfortable by way of well-shaped, replaceable burlap Micarta scales.

Gun Of The Week: Tisas PX-57 FO Raptor

Chambered for the unique 5.7x28 mm FN cartridge, the Tisas PX-57 FO Raptor is a polymer-frame handgun that provides a lot of capability in an affordable package.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 10, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Smith & Wesson Spec Series V M&P 9 Metal HD

This latest enhancement from Smith & Wesson proves that good things can come from heavier, steel-framed packages.

Old Glory Bank, NRA Partner To Provide Banking Benefits To Members

Old Glory Bank and the National Rifle Association (NRA) recently entered into a joint marketing relationship to provide banking benefits to members of the NRA Business Alliance and NRA-affiliated clubs and associations.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.