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Southwest Firearms Policy 2023: Flying with Guns, Firearms, and Ammo Guide
Firearms Accepted in Checked Baggage on Southwest Airlines
Passengers 18 years of age or older may transport firearms on Southwest Airlines.
Firearms are only accepted in Checked Baggage - guns are prohibited to be transported in carry-on luggage.
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You must check-in and declare your firearms case at the ticket counter inside the terminal. No firearms will be accepted at curbside check-in.
Packing your Gun for Southwest Airlines
Firearms must be packed in a hard-shell, locked container. The locked container must completely secure the firearm from access.
All locking points on the case must be locked, and the firearm must be completely inaccessible. Hard-shell containers that can be pulled open with minimal effort do not meet the locked criterion.
Your locked hard-shell container may be placed inside your standard suitcase if you desire.
You should retain the key or combination to the lock and may use any brand or type of lock to secure the firearm case.
Paintball and BB Guns
Paintball guns are allowed in checked baggage and are not subject to the container requirements of firearms. Customers MUST declare the paintball gun at the ticket counter.
Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry-on only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e., the cylinder has an open end).
TSA Agents must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items or paintballs inside.
Packing Ammunition on Southwest Airlines
Small Arms ammunition for personal use may only be packed in checked baggage. Loose ammunition is not allowed. Loaded magazines/clips are not allowed.
All ammunition must be packed in its original container or in a hard container specifically designed to transport small amounts of ammunition.
Customers are limited to a maximum of 11 lbs / 5 kg of ammunition.
Fees for Flying with Guns/Firearms on Southwest Airlines
Your firearm case will count toward your baggage allowance as one of your two free checked bags. Southwest allows multiple firearms to be transported inside one hard-sided case.
If your firearms case exceeds 23 kg / 50 lbs., an overweight baggage fee will be charged.
Comments / Discussion / Questions
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