Chrazy-Chris
01-25-2016, 03:33 PM
(Note: cross-posted here http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/457442_Flying_with_reloads.html)
So I just checked in at the American Airlines counter at Dulles and declared that I'm checking a rifle and ammo (all packed in a hard case with padlocks per TSA guidelines and 140rds of .308 in 20rd MTM slip top plastic cases). The rep asked if it was reloaded ammo. I hadn't ever encountered this before. I gave him the answer he was looking for and went along my way. He asked me to put the "firearms unloaded" paper in the case but never looked in the case himself (or even asked if it was loaded..ha)
I reviewed the TSA site beforehand which states:
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
The clickable citation states:
(8) Small arms ammunition for personal use carried by a crewmember or passenger in checked baggage only, if securely packed in boxes or other packagings specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition clips and magazines must also be securely boxed. This paragraph does not apply to persons traveling under the provisions of 49 CFR 1544.219.
I also reviewed the American Airlines website and found no mention of reloaded ammo, only:
Ammunition must be:
In the original packaging from the manufacturer or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition (made of fiber, wood or metal). Ammunition is not accepted in magazines or clips.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/firearms-ammunition.jsp
This has me concerned because I spent over $200 bucks on a pelican case to fly with my long range 308. I can't really afford to pay for factory match ammo, and of course reloading is all part of the hobby. My other concern is also whether I'll be able to bring my brass back with me. I live in Northern VA and don't really get to do any long range shooting around here so flying with my rig to the farm is pretty much my only opportunity.
Also, I was told that the riflescope in my carry-on was for bird watching. I cited the TSA website above which clearly states riflescopes are an acceptable exception to gun parts allowed on carry-on. The TSA guy just said they had "a disagreement" over a scope before so I shut up and went with it.
Bottom line- Anyone ever catch any flack for flying with reloads?
So I just checked in at the American Airlines counter at Dulles and declared that I'm checking a rifle and ammo (all packed in a hard case with padlocks per TSA guidelines and 140rds of .308 in 20rd MTM slip top plastic cases). The rep asked if it was reloaded ammo. I hadn't ever encountered this before. I gave him the answer he was looking for and went along my way. He asked me to put the "firearms unloaded" paper in the case but never looked in the case himself (or even asked if it was loaded..ha)
I reviewed the TSA site beforehand which states:
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
The clickable citation states:
(8) Small arms ammunition for personal use carried by a crewmember or passenger in checked baggage only, if securely packed in boxes or other packagings specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition clips and magazines must also be securely boxed. This paragraph does not apply to persons traveling under the provisions of 49 CFR 1544.219.
I also reviewed the American Airlines website and found no mention of reloaded ammo, only:
Ammunition must be:
In the original packaging from the manufacturer or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition (made of fiber, wood or metal). Ammunition is not accepted in magazines or clips.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/firearms-ammunition.jsp
This has me concerned because I spent over $200 bucks on a pelican case to fly with my long range 308. I can't really afford to pay for factory match ammo, and of course reloading is all part of the hobby. My other concern is also whether I'll be able to bring my brass back with me. I live in Northern VA and don't really get to do any long range shooting around here so flying with my rig to the farm is pretty much my only opportunity.
Also, I was told that the riflescope in my carry-on was for bird watching. I cited the TSA website above which clearly states riflescopes are an acceptable exception to gun parts allowed on carry-on. The TSA guy just said they had "a disagreement" over a scope before so I shut up and went with it.
Bottom line- Anyone ever catch any flack for flying with reloads?