Have Gun, Will Travel

Gun in gun case

Have you ever wondered how you can travel safely and legally with your firearms? Before you hit the road or take to the skies to visit family or go hunting, it's important to be in compliance with firearms rules and regulations. 
Traveling by Car
The Firearms Owners Protection Act is the federal law that outlines the legal method to transport firearms in a vehicle. When traveling by car with firearms, follow these rules:
  • Do your research. You will need to know and follow the laws not only of your origination and destination state but every state you travel through. And the laws can vary greatly from state to state. 
  • Some states require all firearms to be stored in a locked container or safe, while others have an open carry policy. 
  • Check to make sure your originating state’s carry permit is recognized in your destination state as well as states you’re going through. In more restrictive states, transporting firearms is illegal unless you have a carry permit issued by that state. 
  • If you plan on traveling through a heavily regulated state, it might be easier to leave your firearms at home. 
  • If you’re traveling through lesser-regulated states, err on the safe side. Transport your firearms unloaded, locked away in a trunk or in a locked container, and out of reach of the driver and passengers in the vehicle. Ammunition follows the same guidelines. 
Traveling by Air
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows passengers to transport unloaded firearms when traveling by air. According to United States Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, firearm definitions include: 
Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; and any destructive device. As defined by 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm.
Here is an overview of how to travel via air with firearms and ammunition:

Firearms
  • Each firearm must be declared when checking in your bag at the ticket counter. Check with your airline regarding any fees or limitations that may apply. 
  • Firearms must be unloaded and secured in a hard-sided, locked container. They can only be transported as checked baggage.
  • Only the firearm owner should have the combination or key to the locked container. The only exception is if TSA personnel request to open the container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. 
  • Any firearm parts (i.e. clips, firing pins) are not allowed in carry-on baggage but are permitted as checked baggage. 
  • Riflescopes may be transported in carry-on or checked baggage. 
  • Check with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for information and requirements if planning to travel internationally. 

Ammunition
  • Ammunition must be transported in checked baggage only and be declared when checking your baggage. Check with your airline regarding ammunition quantity limits. 
  • Ammunition clips, loaded or empty, must be boxed securely or included in the hard-sided, locked container with an unloaded firearm. 
  • Smaller ammunition (i.e. shotgun shells and .75 caliber or less) must be secured in a container specifically designed to carry ammunition. 
Whether you’re traveling by car or by air, follow the laws pertaining to the possession of firearms as they vary by local, state, and international laws. Carrying all your firearm permits and documentation with you is also a smart idea.  Traveling with firearms can be tricky, but by doing your research and arming yourself with information, your trip should go smoothly. 

USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Course is a 16-hour course and meets the Illinois State Police requirements for the Illinois Concealed Carry Permit.  Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate that is required when renewing their Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Visit us online to learn more, or call us at 815-501-9421 with any questions.


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Location: Northern Illinois Carry, LLC

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