Transporting ammunition on Commercial Flight

[Glockster35]

All,

I have what I estimate to be about 90 pounds of various small calibre rounds (nothing larger than .308) at my mothers house in storage. She lives on the West coast. I live on the East Coast and would like to pick up my ammunition on my next visit.

I was recently told that most commercial airlines will allow up to 11 pounds of ammunition pre person on a flight.

Has anyone got information on this?

 

[History Prof]

I know on America West it is 11 pounds. I distinctly remember because the first time I read it, dyslexia kicked in and I thought it said 11 rounds. I thought ***? What good is 11 rounds? Just do a search of your airline's policies on their web site.

 

[America_without_liberals]

I think 11lbs is the max for any commercial carrier. You are better off selling it while you are there or shipping it via Fed EX or UPS.

 

[Ares45]

Correct. 11lbs per person in checked baggage only. Ammo must be in original manufacturers packaging.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Ammo must be in original manufacturers packaging.

I've never heard this. All I've ever heard on this is that it must be well packed in something designed for carrying ammo.

From the TSA:
You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

Delta and Southwest both say the above is ok. They both, however, have the same limit of 11 pounds

I think your best bet would be to ship it. Looks like 90lbs shipped coast to coast is around $80 via UPS.

 

[Glockster35]

So if I go the route of UPS, do I have to pay some sort of hazardous shipping fee also?

Also, will they pick it up at my moms house? Or do I have to get it delivered?

 

[jcoiii]

I've never heard this. All I've ever heard on this is that it must be well packed in something designed for carrying ammo.

This is correct, from my experience flying in August. It does not have to be a "MANUFACTUROR'S" box, but just something designed to carry ammunition. Mainly, it cannot be loose or in a magazine (or the weapon).

 

[RugerSAFan]

Each airline is different, but generally must be in a "ammunition specific" container.

Must be in locked, checked luggage or locked, separate packaging.

I have a hard sided pistol case, and pack my ammo in that.

You will be surprised how quickly you get to 11 lbs...

 

[Ares45]

I've never heard this. All I've ever heard on this is that it must be well packed in something designed for carrying ammo.

I'd never heard it either until I tryed checking in at the United Airlines counter with a plastic ammo carrier full of shotgun shells. Got the a similar speech on a seperate trip, trying to return home with half empty boxes of 20ga shells.

You did learn me something though. Found the same statement on the FAA website that you found. Seems like it's ok with the FAA just not with one or more of the airlines.

 

[America_without_liberals]

I think it was United that we flew on to TX 2 yrs ago. This was my only experience of flying with firearms. Since it was my first time ever and it being the post 9/11/2001 world I was really nervous and talked to one of their representatives for at least 45 minutes making sure that I was perfectly clear on everything. I remember her saying that the ammo had to be in the original manufacturers box and it was to be full. I found the full part somewhat hard to believe but I could understand why. So what about the return trip when you have lost some brass out in the brush?

BTW - if you have never walked through the airport with a gun case, try it, you'll like it. It's hard to disguise what they are and the looks and questions you get are priceless.