Looks pretty clear to me.
All firearms must be in a suitable container/crush proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a hard-sided suitcase. Passenger must verbally declare firearm is unloaded. NW requires firearm unloaded tag be signed by passenger. Tag must be placed inside of luggage containing firearm. No exterior tag nor notice of firearm may appear on case. Case must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. NW/KLM personnel will not unload or handle firearms. Gun and ammunition may be in the same piece of luggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging which should be in factory carton or rigid shock proof shipping container. Note: gun powder is not permitted as checked luggage including propellant charges for muzzle loading firearms such as pyrodex, etc. Maxmium ammunition per passenger: 11 pounds or 5 kilograms.
KLM does not accept handguns as they are an international carrier.
NW does accept them pursuant to the restrictions which are the same for most airlines. Here's the procedure and what I did:
I went to the stationary store and bought a metal money box, the type people use at garage sales and swap meets, that was large enough for my handgun. These have a mechanical locking device that also is key lockable. It had a lift-out change tray which I lifted out and threw away. This left me with an empty metal box.
I then cut eggcrate foam to size and placed it in the top and bottom to cusion the firearm, a small frame Rossi Model 88 revolver. I then placed the cased, locked, unloaded revolver in my CHECK-IN luggage which is also lockable. That is important. The luggage you place the firearm in must also be lockable.
Here's the important part!
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO GO INTO THE SECURE AREA OF THE AIRPORT. GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHECKIN COUNTER.
You must, at the time of check-in declare to the person behind the counter that you are transporting a firearm and you must unlock your luggage, unlock the box, remove the firearm and demonstrate that it is unloaded. You must also declare the ammunition if you are taking any with you. It MUST NOT BE IN THE CASE WITH THE FIREARM. It can be in the same piece of luggage, however, and may not exceed the 11 pound limit.
At this time, the person behind the counter will have you sign a piece of paper which must be placed inside your luggage with the firearm.
Replace the firearm in the box and lock it, then place the locked box, with the form, inside your luggage and lock it. Then the person behind the counter will take the luggage, weigh it, and send it down the conveyor.
You're done! Enjoy your flight.
When you get to your destination, you pick up your bag like usual and leave the airport. You do not have to declare the firearm at your destination. On your return trip, just do the same thing you did going out.
