The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
The GMW IWB magazine holster with built-in neodymium magnets. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
Although planes are considered the safest mode of transportation, incidents can still happen. Probably the first tragedy to come to your mind will be the September 11th attacks of 2001. The September 11th attacks have gone down as the most deadly non-military events in aviation history and they have had a huge effect on airline security procedures in the United States. While worries about crashes or other incidents are perfectly understandable, it’s important to note that according to the National Safety Council a person is more likely to die in a car crash than a plane crash. That being said, if you want to be as prepared as possible, continue reading and we’ll discuss some important details when considering how to concealed carry on a plane. We’ll start by discussing some of the laws regarding plane concealed carry.
LAWS ON CARRYING FIREARMS IN AN AIRPLANE
Before attempting concealed carrying in an airplane, you’ll need to be aware of federal and state laws. Concealed carrying itself will be subject to states laws and laws regarding carrying firearms on an aircraft will depend not only on the state but the type of aircraft, type of flight, route of flight (in-state or interstate) and the location of the airport.
The main federal law to consider is U.S. Statue 49 CFR 1540.5. There may be differences in laws between private planes and public carriers. Note that firearms are not allowed to be carried in secure or stable areas which are defined as the “part of an airport that provides passengers access in boarding aircraft where the access is generally controlled by TSA or by an aircraft operator under part 1544 or a foreign air carrier under part 1546 through the screening of persons and property.” This would be any section of the airport beyond a security checkpoint and including boarding gates.
States are allowed to enact any gun control law that does not directly conflict with a federal law. In the case of airplanes and aviation, this means mostly that federal law will apply. If a federal law is in place with regard to the allowed manner of transporting firearms, state laws will not be able to supersede that law and therefore states will need to follow federal laws. In this scenario even if the airport is in a certain state its concealed carrying laws may not be in effect for the entire airport.
The transport of firearms by a private pilot flying his own aircraft is also subject to regulations by both federal and state laws. These statutes restrict certain types of guns. In addition, certain people are prohibited from possessing firearms, either under state or federal laws under the Gun Control Act. Be aware of any and all regulations when carrying in or around an airport. These laws are taken very seriously.
Taxiing Through a Secured Area
When considering how to concealed carry in a plane you’ll need to keep in mind that you aren’t allowed to carry a firearm in a federally secured area. That means that you may not be able to taxi through certain areas of the airport. It’s best to always keep your weapon disassembled, unloaded, and in a locked container when dealing with airports. In the event of any unforeseen travel in an unanticipated state, make sure that having your weapon with you won’t violate any state concealed carry laws. Always know if you are entering a sterile area. A sterile area is generally any area beyond the metal detectors. Make sure you are certain what kind of area you are in. You want to avoid any unnecessary hassles.
Federal Safe Passage Act
Under this law anyone who is not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (such as a felon) is allowed to transport firearms from any place where possession and carrying is legal to any place where possession and carrying is legal. This doesn’t necessarily allow a plane concealed carry as you will have to follow certain requirements such as keeping your firearm unloaded and only in checked baggage. Make sure to know these requirements.
States and Local Governments
States and local governments may have their own specific regulations when it comes to concealed carrying. If you are a private pilot who wants to transport a firearm, review the appropriate regulations and get in touch with local airport management or law enforcement authorities. You’ll want to make sure you are allowed to land at an airport with a firearm on board.
Title 49 Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations Part 172.101
This law governs the transport, packing, and labeling of ammunition. We recommend you just avoid this hassle altogether and purchase your ammo at your destination. However, if you think it’s necessary to transport or travel with ammunition, make sure that it meets all requirements. Your ammunition will likely need to be properly stored in cases that meet certain requirements. Make sure to do your research.
Flare guns, canisters, cartridges, and other signaling devices are bound by regulations of the Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations. If you are not sure about what some of your gear is classified as, try to contact local authorities. It’s best to avoid any confusing bureaucracy.
CARRYING YOUR FIREARMS ON A PLANE
Learning about how to concealed carry on a plane can be tough, as there are so many regulations and a true concealed carry is probably not going to be allowed. Still, if it’s important to you to have your firearm when you get to your destination you’ll need to be wary of all regulations. Consider the following tips to keep yourself out of legal trouble.
What Are the TSA Guidelines For Concealed Carry Firearms
As far as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is concerned, there’s no problem with you bringing your firearms along on a trip with you. People routinely fly cross-country with their weapons and it’s important for many sport shooters or hunters. However, it’s unlikely that the TSA or even private airplanes will allow you to carry your weapon in a concealable holster or in carry-on bags. When it comes to plane concealed carry, you should keep the following things in mind:
Firearms
When traveling, do follow the laws concerning traveling with firearms as they may vary in local, state, and international governments.
For international travel with a firearm in checked baggage, check with the US Customs and Border Protection website to be informed about any travel requirements.
Every firearm that you carry and present as checked baggage should be properly declared. Requirements can vary between airlines so consider contacting your airline directly.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. It may be requested by TSA personnel that you unlock your container for inspection to ensure that you are complying with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case. Make sure you have the key.
Firearm parts like magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins are not allowed in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage.
Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, should be transported in checked baggage only.
Rifle scopes can be carried in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Ammunition
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage but allowed in checked baggage.
Accessories like magazines and clips, loaded or empty, should be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Know the requirements here.
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 on ammunition.
Check With Your Airline for Proper Compliance Measures
Each state may have different interpretations when it comes to the 2nd Amendment and its application to concealed carrying on a plane. It is, therefore, important that you coordinate with your airline before traveling with firearms. Flying from North Carolina to Alaska, for example, might take you through several states with specific restrictions when it comes to transporting firearms. Large urban centers often have strict gun control laws so if for any reason you have a layover or are exiting your airport with your firearm make sure you’re aware of any laws. This could happen anywhere, of course, not just in urban centers.
Check Reciprocity Rules
When thinking about how to concealed carry on a plane, consider any reciprocity rules existing between your home state and your destination state. Don’t take a firearm out of its secured case without first knowing that your carry permit will be honored in your state of travel. Some states, like California, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York have no reciprocity rules so your CCW permit will not be honored in these states. While it is acceptable for you to transport your firearms in checked baggage, exactly how to carry them once actually in the state is another question. You will need to do a lot of research about how to get around certain states with a concealed carry firearm.
Duty to Inform
Also be aware of any duty to inform laws when considering a plane concealed carry. Some states require that if stopped by an officer you inform the officer that you are carrying a firearm and some of those states require you to do so before being asked. Make sure to have your permit with you when doing this. Duty to inform is a policy in many states but requirements do vary. Always research all states you plan on carrying in.
Magazine Capacity Restrictions
When wondering how to concealed carry on a plane, another thing you should be aware of is magazine capacity. Some states have strict regulations on the size of magazines. Check out what magazine restrictions might be in any state you plan on traveling to and make sure not to bring prohibited magazines. You don’t want to get your magazines confiscated.
Mail Your Firearms
One way to avoid the hassle of plane concealed carry is to mail your firearm to your destination. Make sure to ship from a business with a Federal Firearm License to another business with an FFL. This way you won’t have to worry that your firearm will make it to its destination.
PREPARING YOUR FIREARM FOR FLYING
Before packing your gun for flying, make sure that it is unloaded (and then of course double-check that). Make sure that no loaded magazines are in the gun even if there is nothing in the chamber. Magazines must follow strict regulations and be locked in special containers. Be safe when packing all types of guns including airsoft guns, paintball guns, and BB or pellet guns. Compressed gas cartridges must follow a special set of regulations as well and regulators must be completely removed. The TSA recommends that you ship cartridges separately.
DECLARING YOUR FIREARM
Part of the procedure of how to concealed carry on a plane is declaring your firearm. For this, you may be required to fill out a card at the ticketing counter. You may have to make a statement affirming that the firearm in your checked bag is in a locked container and unloaded. The ticketing agent may inspect your case and verify that everything meets regulations. It may be necessary to prove to an agent that your gun is unloaded.
PREPPING YOUR AMMO FOR FLIGHT
The TSA requires the ammo to be packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition must also only travel in checked baggage. Keep an eye out for ammo limits which vary from airline to airline.
While it may be frustrating for you how many regulations there are about how to concealed carry on a plane, we hope we have given you some tips on how to get your gun safely to your location.
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How to Fly With Guns: Plane Concealed Carry
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Although planes are considered the safest mode of transportation, incidents can still happen. Probably the first tragedy to come to your mind will be the September 11th attacks of 2001. The September 11th attacks have gone down as the most deadly non-military events in aviation history and they have had a huge effect on airline security procedures in the United States. While worries about crashes or other incidents are perfectly understandable, it’s important to note that according to the National Safety Council a person is more likely to die in a car crash than a plane crash. That being said, if you want to be as prepared as possible, continue reading and we’ll discuss some important details when considering how to concealed carry on a plane. We’ll start by discussing some of the laws regarding plane concealed carry.
LAWS ON CARRYING FIREARMS IN AN AIRPLANE
Before attempting concealed carrying in an airplane, you’ll need to be aware of federal and state laws. Concealed carrying itself will be subject to states laws and laws regarding carrying firearms on an aircraft will depend not only on the state but the type of aircraft, type of flight, route of flight (in-state or interstate) and the location of the airport.
The main federal law to consider is U.S. Statue 49 CFR 1540.5. There may be differences in laws between private planes and public carriers. Note that firearms are not allowed to be carried in secure or stable areas which are defined as the “part of an airport that provides passengers access in boarding aircraft where the access is generally controlled by TSA or by an aircraft operator under part 1544 or a foreign air carrier under part 1546 through the screening of persons and property.” This would be any section of the airport beyond a security checkpoint and including boarding gates.
States are allowed to enact any gun control law that does not directly conflict with a federal law. In the case of airplanes and aviation, this means mostly that federal law will apply. If a federal law is in place with regard to the allowed manner of transporting firearms, state laws will not be able to supersede that law and therefore states will need to follow federal laws. In this scenario even if the airport is in a certain state its concealed carrying laws may not be in effect for the entire airport.
The transport of firearms by a private pilot flying his own aircraft is also subject to regulations by both federal and state laws. These statutes restrict certain types of guns. In addition, certain people are prohibited from possessing firearms, either under state or federal laws under the Gun Control Act. Be aware of any and all regulations when carrying in or around an airport. These laws are taken very seriously.
Taxiing Through a Secured Area
When considering how to concealed carry in a plane you’ll need to keep in mind that you aren’t allowed to carry a firearm in a federally secured area. That means that you may not be able to taxi through certain areas of the airport. It’s best to always keep your weapon disassembled, unloaded, and in a locked container when dealing with airports. In the event of any unforeseen travel in an unanticipated state, make sure that having your weapon with you won’t violate any state concealed carry laws. Always know if you are entering a sterile area. A sterile area is generally any area beyond the metal detectors. Make sure you are certain what kind of area you are in. You want to avoid any unnecessary hassles.
Federal Safe Passage Act
Under this law anyone who is not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (such as a felon) is allowed to transport firearms from any place where possession and carrying is legal to any place where possession and carrying is legal. This doesn’t necessarily allow a plane concealed carry as you will have to follow certain requirements such as keeping your firearm unloaded and only in checked baggage. Make sure to know these requirements.
States and Local Governments
States and local governments may have their own specific regulations when it comes to concealed carrying. If you are a private pilot who wants to transport a firearm, review the appropriate regulations and get in touch with local airport management or law enforcement authorities. You’ll want to make sure you are allowed to land at an airport with a firearm on board.
Title 49 Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations Part 172.101
This law governs the transport, packing, and labeling of ammunition. We recommend you just avoid this hassle altogether and purchase your ammo at your destination. However, if you think it’s necessary to transport or travel with ammunition, make sure that it meets all requirements. Your ammunition will likely need to be properly stored in cases that meet certain requirements. Make sure to do your research.
Flare guns, canisters, cartridges, and other signaling devices are bound by regulations of the Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations. If you are not sure about what some of your gear is classified as, try to contact local authorities. It’s best to avoid any confusing bureaucracy.
CARRYING YOUR FIREARMS ON A PLANE
Learning about how to concealed carry on a plane can be tough, as there are so many regulations and a true concealed carry is probably not going to be allowed. Still, if it’s important to you to have your firearm when you get to your destination you’ll need to be wary of all regulations. Consider the following tips to keep yourself out of legal trouble.
What Are the TSA Guidelines For Concealed Carry Firearms
As far as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is concerned, there’s no problem with you bringing your firearms along on a trip with you. People routinely fly cross-country with their weapons and it’s important for many sport shooters or hunters. However, it’s unlikely that the TSA or even private airplanes will allow you to carry your weapon in a concealable holster or in carry-on bags. When it comes to plane concealed carry, you should keep the following things in mind:
Firearms
Ammunition
Check With Your Airline for Proper Compliance Measures
Each state may have different interpretations when it comes to the 2nd Amendment and its application to concealed carrying on a plane. It is, therefore, important that you coordinate with your airline before traveling with firearms. Flying from North Carolina to Alaska, for example, might take you through several states with specific restrictions when it comes to transporting firearms. Large urban centers often have strict gun control laws so if for any reason you have a layover or are exiting your airport with your firearm make sure you’re aware of any laws. This could happen anywhere, of course, not just in urban centers.
Check Reciprocity Rules
When thinking about how to concealed carry on a plane, consider any reciprocity rules existing between your home state and your destination state. Don’t take a firearm out of its secured case without first knowing that your carry permit will be honored in your state of travel. Some states, like California, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York have no reciprocity rules so your CCW permit will not be honored in these states. While it is acceptable for you to transport your firearms in checked baggage, exactly how to carry them once actually in the state is another question. You will need to do a lot of research about how to get around certain states with a concealed carry firearm.
Duty to Inform
Also be aware of any duty to inform laws when considering a plane concealed carry. Some states require that if stopped by an officer you inform the officer that you are carrying a firearm and some of those states require you to do so before being asked. Make sure to have your permit with you when doing this. Duty to inform is a policy in many states but requirements do vary. Always research all states you plan on carrying in.
Magazine Capacity Restrictions
When wondering how to concealed carry on a plane, another thing you should be aware of is magazine capacity. Some states have strict regulations on the size of magazines. Check out what magazine restrictions might be in any state you plan on traveling to and make sure not to bring prohibited magazines. You don’t want to get your magazines confiscated.
Mail Your Firearms
One way to avoid the hassle of plane concealed carry is to mail your firearm to your destination. Make sure to ship from a business with a Federal Firearm License to another business with an FFL. This way you won’t have to worry that your firearm will make it to its destination.
PREPARING YOUR FIREARM FOR FLYING
Before packing your gun for flying, make sure that it is unloaded (and then of course double-check that). Make sure that no loaded magazines are in the gun even if there is nothing in the chamber. Magazines must follow strict regulations and be locked in special containers. Be safe when packing all types of guns including airsoft guns, paintball guns, and BB or pellet guns. Compressed gas cartridges must follow a special set of regulations as well and regulators must be completely removed. The TSA recommends that you ship cartridges separately.
DECLARING YOUR FIREARM
Part of the procedure of how to concealed carry on a plane is declaring your firearm. For this, you may be required to fill out a card at the ticketing counter. You may have to make a statement affirming that the firearm in your checked bag is in a locked container and unloaded. The ticketing agent may inspect your case and verify that everything meets regulations. It may be necessary to prove to an agent that your gun is unloaded.
PREPPING YOUR AMMO FOR FLIGHT
The TSA requires the ammo to be packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition must also only travel in checked baggage. Keep an eye out for ammo limits which vary from airline to airline.
While it may be frustrating for you how many regulations there are about how to concealed carry on a plane, we hope we have given you some tips on how to get your gun safely to your location.