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United Airlines Firearms Policy 2024: Flying with Guns, Firearms, and Ammo Guide
Guns and Firearms on United Airlines as Sports Equipment
United Airlines accepts guns and firearms under their Sports Equipment policies - specific guidelines and packaging requirements apply, along with all TSA-specific rules for packaging of firearms and ammunition.
Firearms are accepted by passengers 18+ on United Airlines flights as Checked Baggage ONLY - no firearm may be packed or brought in your carry-on bag.
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Regulations refer to all firearms (or items that may resemble a firearm, including replicas), including airsoft guns, BB guns, paintball guns and any antique trophy guns or weapons.
Checking In your Firearm with United Airlines
When flying with a firearm on United Airlines, you must check-in at the United Airlines airport counter inside the terminal. You won’t be able to check in through the United app, united.com or an airport kiosk. Curbside check-in of a firearm is also not permitted.
You must sign and date a Firearms Declaration Tag at the check-in counter declaring the firearm is not loaded. Failure to do so may result in a $13,900 fine.
International firearm regulations and laws vary by destination and transiting country. It is your responsibility to know and follow all the laws for your destination and any connecting airports.
Packing your Firearms for Travel on United Airlines
Firearms must be packed in a hard-sided container with a lock. The container must be locked at the time of acceptance by United Airlines and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession.
The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can easily be opened will not be accepted for travel.
United Airlines will accept up to 5 Firearms packed together in a single case. However, there is no limit on the number of cases or bags they are permitted to check.
Handguns must be packed in a locked, hard-sided case, which may be placed inside an unlocked soft-sided piece of luggage. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can easily be opened will not be accepted for travel.
Ammunition on United Airlines
Like firearms, ammunition may only be carried in Checked Baggage. A maximum of 11 lbs / 5 kg of ammunition is allowed per person.
It is illegal to fly with loose ammunition. All ammunition must be securely packed in its original manufacturer's container, or in a rigid container specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition is not allowed in an ammo bag or loose in a bucket.
The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container.
The ammunition inside the container must be protected against shock and secured against movement.
Loaded ammunition magazines or clips must be removed from the firearm, and must be securely packed in boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition and must fit over any exposed ends of the magazine or clip.
Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectile will not be accepted.
Black powder, for black powder arms, is considered hazardous material and will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Baggage Fees for Flying with Guns/Firearms on United Airlines
United Airlines accepts Guns/Firearms for transport as sports equipment. As such, your firearms case will count toward your checked baggage allowance, and any first or second checked baggage fees will be charged.
Remember, your firearm can ONLY fly as checked baggage, and is not allowed in your carry-on baggage.
You may pack up to 5 firearms in one case - your case is limited in weight to 23 kg / 50 lbs, otherwise overweight baggage fees will be charged.
There is no limit to the number of firearms cases you may bring, but excess and overweight baggage charges will apply for every case.
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