Air travel with parts

[BW460]

Ok, I've read the TSA rules on air travel with firearms and I'm still confused. I want to travel with some empty magazines in my checked bags. No gun, no ammo, just empty magazines. I know that "parts" can not be in carry on bags but do I have to declare the magazines since I have no gun and no ammo? Also, do the parts have to be in a locked container just as a firearm would be?

Thanks for any help on this.

 

[Glaron]

Just me.
Why not mail it and be done. Avoid any possible hassle.

 

[Qbeam]

Nope, just pack them in your checked luggage. No ammunition in the magazines. That will get their attention.


Q

 

[Gorba]

I agree. Pack the EMPTY mags in your checked baggage and say nothing. If you want reassurance, our Mr. Ed was a TSA agent before retiring. Send him a PM with the question.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Just me.
Why not mail it and be done. Avoid any possible hassle.

I agree. While it's legal to have unloaded mags in your checked baggage, TSA officers can open and inspect any bag that they want when it comes through the X-ray belt before it gets on the plane. They're supposed to leave a note to let you know that they made the inspection, but considering the wide variety in officer training and performance, I'd prefer to minimize the chances that they'd have a reason to search in the first place.

 

[1841DNG]

Airline's have specific policies on top of the TSA right? I have seen some require them to be in hard side only checked luggage.

 

[BW460]

Thanks for the responses. Guess I'll just mail them.

 

[Squaregrouper]

Just me.
Why not mail it and be done. Avoid any possible hassle.

I agree. While it's legal to have unloaded mags in your checked baggage, TSA officers can open and inspect any bag that they want when it comes through the X-ray belt before it gets on the plane. They're supposed to leave a note to let you know that they made the inspection, but considering the wide variety in officer training and performance, I'd prefer to minimize the chances that they'd have a reason to search in the first place.

If they're over 10rds, wouldn't it be illegal to mail them? If you bring them into the state with you, you are legal. Shipping them to MD would be against the law.

I say put them in your checked luggage; regardless of capacity.

 

[ravens52]

For domestic flights no problem in checked luggage and you don't need to declare or secure (if you do you must use the TSA approved locks).

 

[Squaregrouper]

Thanks for the responses. Guess I'll just mail them.

Whoa, 6.5 years and you finally got access to The Water Cooler. MDS is going to take on a whole new life for you.

 

[XRider]

I was in CA and picked up a few magazines for my shield at a great price and brought them home without issue. Granted, they were under 10 rounds and my destination was SC but there was no TSA issue.

 

[BW460]

Hmmm, they are over 10 rounds. Maybe I'm back to putting them in baggage.

As far as the 6.5 years, well.. to quote Peter Sellers - "I like to watch " !

 

[Squaregrouper]

Hmmm, they are over 10 rounds. Maybe I'm back to putting them in baggage.

As far as the 6.5 years, well.. to quote Peter Sellers - "I like to watch " !

With Water Cooler access, there is a lot more to watch.

 

[Sundazes]

I travel a lot. I get to got to free America frequently. I think out of the last 10 trips, I have brought back normal capacity mags in checked luggage 7 times. Once was with glock 33 round mags. As stated, all are empty and no ammo accompanied the mags.
Never had an issue.

 

[Qbeam]

For domestic flights no problem in checked luggage and you don't need to declare or secure (if you do you must use the TSA approved locks).

This is an important point, the above information is for Domestic flights, and not International flights. Internatuonal has a myriad of additional rules with firearms and equipment related to firearms.




Q

 

[BW460]

Yes, I will be traveling from free America to back behind the iron curtain of stupidity.

 

[clandestine]

Ok, I'll play.

If you put 11+ round mags in your carry on, and get diverted to NJ, NY, or the like, will you leave your carry bag on the plane?


There is no exemption for possession unless you are in a L.E. or On Duty Military Capacity.

If you check the mags in a bag you don't have to take possession if the flight is diverted, you leave them for the airline to redirect.

 

[swinokur]

Magazines are considered firearms parts and not allowed in carry on bags
.

Checked luggage only

 

[BW460]

Magazines are considered firearm "parts". Firearm "parts" are not allowed in carry on. So, dont put a muzzle brake, a new barrel, or anything gun related in your carry on. I would guess that would even include a rifle scope, but I'm not sure on that one.

 

[swinokur]

Optics are the only exception