Checking only ammo in baggage?

I'm taking a trip to visit my fiance next week, flying out of Pittsburgh into Tampa on Southwest, and I wanted to bring him a box or two of 380 auto because he's had a heck of time finding it where he's at (and he hardly has any time to scout around for it).

I packed it up and was going to send it UPS Ground, but it's going to be $30+ and I know I can check it in my baggage instead for no extra cost.

I read a few threads on here talking about declaring firearms, but I'm leaving mine behind and just want to bring the ammo...do I still need to declare that at the counter? Is there any advantage or reason to put it in a lockable container? Are "sticky fingers" a common problem with TSA and airport employees when it comes to items like this?

If this ends up being a huge hassle, I guess I could just order him some via the internet and designate his place as the shipping address, but I'd like to give it to him in person, save on shipping, and not have to buy more ammo since I stocked up the last time it hit the shelves and am on a college student budget...any advice is much appreciated!


(Also, I really wasn't sure where to post this...sorry if it's in the wrong spot - please move it if needed. :-) )

When traveling just make certain that you have it packaged in the original container or in a box that seperates each individual cartridge, if you don't, they will seize it (ask me how I know). I checked the TSA website and there is no requirement to declare ammo, if they see it in your bag they'll probably just check to make sure it is packaged correctly, I'd call the airline you'll be flying with too just to make sure they don't have any other guidelines specific to them.

Pretty simple rules for ammo. Here is the link to Southwest rules.

Southwest Airlines Travel Policies - Guns and Ammunition

Also another link to travel rules for guns/ammo.

Packing & the Friendly Skies

I don't trust bringing anything ever since I had one of my VERY nice straight razors taken from my checked baggage.

You are allowed to take ammo in your checked baggage as stated above. Southwest has an 11 pound maximum. Other airlines have different rules. Make sure that you purchase TSA locks at Office Depot, etc. for you luggage. After the inspection of your bag at the counter or TSA check point, you can lock the bag. A TSA lock will allow TSA to open if the desire to inspect further and then re-lock the bag.

Good Luck.

Your call on whether or not to bring a weapon to Florida for your trip, but please know that FL reciprocity applies for OH and PA. We are happily welcome legally armed visitors and tourists.

May I add, that when you travel, be sure to have a copy of the particular airline's rules site referring to guns and ammo. Sometimes they don't know their own rules.:gah:

why are you not bringing your gun??? i would...also if you bring your gun you get to lock your luggage with a Non TSA lock so no one can go thru anything you have in your check luggage without you present ;)


good video with info

YouTube - Deviant Ollam - Packing and the Friendly Skies - LayerOne 2009

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Originally Posted by rmodel65

why are you not bringing your gun??? i would...also if you bring your gun you get to lock your luggage with a Non TSA lock so no one can go thru anything you have in your check luggage without you present ;)


good video with info

YouTube - Deviant Ollam - Packing and the Friendly Skies - LayerOne 2009

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I don't believe that is correct.

The case the gun is locked in (inside your luggage) can, indeed must, be locked with a non-TSA lock, but the piece of luggage itself must have a TSA lock on it.

It's the gun container, not the luggage, that must be un-openable by TSA.

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Originally Posted by Majorlk

I don't believe that is correct.

The case the gun is locked in (inside your luggage) can, indeed must, be locked with a non-TSA lock, but the piece of luggage itself must have a TSA lock on it.

It's the gun container, not the luggage, that must be un-openable by TSA.

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no the outer lock maybe non tsa also if you are carrying a gun

While you all are arguing about TSA locks, one of my co-workers had TSA approved locks broken off by ........... one would assume......the TSA.
They didn't break the lock, they broke off the tabs on his Pelican case.

No TSA locks for me.

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Originally Posted by Majorlk

[...] but the piece of luggage itself must have a TSA lock on it.

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I don't think you are required to lock your suitcase, are you? I've never locked mine, with or without a gun inside.

Mike Fontenot

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Originally Posted by rmodel65

no the outer lock maybe non tsa also if you are carrying a gun

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My traveling experience says otherwise. And you will very likely get the lock cut off, if they want to inspect the interior of the bag.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikeFontenot

I don't think you are required to lock your suitcase, are you? I've never locked mine, with or without a gun inside.

Mike Fontenot

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No, locks are not required, but they do help to deter the dishonest baggage handler.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Armydad

You are allowed to take ammo in your checked baggage as stated above. Southwest has an 11 pound maximum. Other airlines have different rules. Make sure that you purchase TSA locks at Office Depot, etc. for you luggage. After the inspection of your bag at the counter or TSA check point, you can lock the bag. A TSA lock will allow TSA to open if the desire to inspect further and then re-lock the bag.

Good Luck.

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Every time i lock my bags with a TSA approved lock, the lazy goons cut it off. I use a nylon wire tie now.