Transporting Ammo On Flight

kieran222

Well-Known Member
I have a Peli case for my rifle but wondered what the rules are with regards to transporting Ammo, case type, quantity, etc on a flight. Probably only looking to bring around 40 rounds.
 
I recently sold the case I used for several flights I got mine on Amazon.
 
Being a regular traveler with firearms I can confirm that all ammunition needs to be separate from the firearm in another locked box which usually counts as part of your checked baggage weight. I would check with your airline though - some of them have slightly different rules, some want metal boxes, others want plastic boxes, others are fine with it going in your normal suitcase as long as it’s locked.
 
I have a small peli case for the ammunition
I have a couple of these - one carries the first aid kit, the other is used for ammo when it's necessary to keep it in a separate container. (That is if it's not allowed to be put in the suitcase along with the bolt.)

They're Pelican cases.

Picture 1 of 3
 
Theres a weight limit of 5Kg ( I think) which applies to the ammunition element, not the contents of the box.
Some airlines will permit you to put the box into your suitcase or a bag after inspection which will then be labelled and treated as a firearm.
Some carriers require the ammunition to be in its original factory packaging, at least one carrier ( Aer Lingus) has refused to accept ammunition because the box rattled when shaken, in the view of the check in staff this meant that it was not secure. Check the rules and be prepared to walk and leave it behind if theres a dispute rather than argue and risk missing your flight.
Interpretation of the rules can be highly individualistic, creative and hostile. On one occasion I had to wrap each individual round with toilet tissue to prevent it rattling, this was rather sullenly accepted as now being “secure”.
If they ask, say you're target shooting, that seems to calm some of them down a bit.
The purpose of the regulations is to avoid a firearm and its ammunition travelling together, the interpretation of the rules by some airlines virtually guarantees it.
Assholes.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Cheers everyone, I will probably be flying with Turkish Airlines if anyone has any recent experience with them.
 
Being a regular traveler with firearms I can confirm that all ammunition needs to be separate from the firearm in another locked box which usually counts as part of your checked baggage weight. I would check with your airline though - some of them have slightly different rules, some want metal boxes, others want plastic boxes, others are fine with it going in your normal suitcase as long as it’s locked.
To go with your comment I would say the airport are the problem, the airline were happy for my locked ammo case to go in my hold luggage as per the poster behind check in but the airport handlers would have noe of it and insisted it went separately.
 
I've been allowed to put it in my guncase, in a locked cash tin previously.
Did you confirm that this was ok prior booking or travelling or did you just turn up and try. Which airline, airport and how long ago. This would be the easiest option. Arriving at my destination without the ammo if there was any issues at check-in would be a disaster.
 
Did you confirm that this was ok prior booking or travelling or did you just turn up and try. Which airline, airport and how long ago. This would be the easiest option. Arriving at my destination without the ammo if there was any issues at check-in would be a disaster.

Put air tags in each case. You can then check in their location.
 
Put air tags in each case. You can then check in their location.

One of our party did that on the last trip.

Entertained him all the way there, and all the way back...


"My rifle is 400m away..."


I think I will do the same for the next trip over.:-|

Unknown-2.webp
 
Air France now allow ammo to be packed within your gun case. Providing it is in its original packaging and in a box made of metal or fibre board. The 5kg weight is inclusive of all packaging.
 
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