Flying with your Airgun? What to do….

[Airgun Advisor]

Anyone ever wonder how to travel with your equipment? I had to do it this past year for the first time. This video shares a lot of good information about the process. Easier then you might think.

FLYING with an Airgun | American Airgunner

 

[AirNGasman]

When flying commercial, treat, pack, and check your airgun exactly like each individual airline's FIREARMS regulations, and when asked "Is this a firearm?", answer Yes!

 

[SDellinger]

Unless you are flying into a place that doesn't allow firearms but is ok with airguns like Puerto Rico.

 

[peaceful_ruler]

I'm thinking of flying to Puerto Rico with my springer air rifle. Anything special to know about that?

 

[JimD]

Isn't it fun to know that the added stress on a airgun tank from flying at altitude is less than 1 bar? It seems to me that the justification for the "empty your tank" doesn't exist. But rules don't have to make sense.

 

[SDellinger]

When I fly with my airgun I depreasurize the tank and unscrew the valve. Then I just place the tank back where it belongs without screwing it in. If the TSA inspector ask me a question I answer it truthfully no mater what the question is. If they ask if it is a firearm I answer no. Only once have I been asked about the bottle. Usually the inspector says what a nice airgun I have. Never argue with them. They are omnipotant and you will loose.

 

[dizzums]

this day and age i just wouldnt .. buy something simple when i get there, donate it when i leave ..

 

[Str8tshooter]

This is what TSA says:

Compressed Air Guns​

Carry On Bags: No
Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
Including paintball markers, may be carried in checked baggage without compressed air cylinder attached.
For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

Compressed Air Guns | Transportation Security Administration

Including paintball markers, may be carried in checked baggage without compressed air cylinder attached.

www.tsa.gov

I would have thought they would have more detailed instructions as what was just mentioned in the video?

 

[JimD]

I have not flown with my airguns but I have flown a few times with my PBs. I agree with the information provided. A very big thing to recognize is the substantial portion of the population that is very uncomfortable around anything called a "gun". I knew that my guns had to be inspected so the agent could certify they were unloaded on the form. I strongly suspected they would not know how to check them. But before I opened the case I asked if it was OK. If they wanted to wait on a supervisor, we waited. If they wanted a police officer there, we waited. Only when they were comfortable with the next step would I proceed. And if they said "no" that was OK too. I think my patience (not always my strongest attribute) and politeness went a long way towards keeping the situation from getting more tense. I had at least one agent that knew guns and it was easy. But I had at least one that was nervous and it was extra important to be patient and polite. We need to know the rules and conform with the rules and we also need to be patient and polite.

 

[Centercut]

I just say “gun”. That way I’m not lying but also not saying “Airgun” which can be a pain. Tube guns are very easy. Bottle guns can get tricky.

 

[Firewalker]

Traveled by air several times with hunting rifles and sidearms and I agree 100% to list these only as air guns, not guns, there are specific rules for both.

Asking is essential to quick check in/out, touch that case when not given permission to do can lead to criminal prosecution.

Allow me to illustrate: I fly from the south to Wyoming with a "gun" but a sudden storm comes up and I'm diverted to NYC.

If you touch that case in NYC you could be guilty of several misyermeinors and perhaps felonys.

Bottom line, call the TSA at (866) 289-9673 and get a case number and ask your questions of them before hand. Nobody here can give you legal advice, you need to seek that out yourself.