Transporting Firearms and Ammunition Aboard Commercial Air Carriers

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks and the
federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are reaching out to
hunters, gun dealers, sports associations, law enforcement organizations and
others to help get the message out concerning the rules for transporting
firearms, firearm parts and ammunition.

"For two years, TSA has been aggressively pursuing public education on
shipping prohibited items, yet firearms enthusiasts still have issues with
properly transporting guns and ammunition aboard commercial air carriers,"
said GFP Regional Law Specialist Marty Pennock of Sioux Falls. "In recent
months, reports have included at least three or four gun incidents each day
across the country. Checkpoint screeners have done an excellent job in
detecting the weapons and keeping them off airplanes, but each situation
causes delays in the screening process."

Another related cause of delays is the frequent occurrence of weapons not
properly declared and packed. Baggage screeners often find guns-loaded and
unloaded-amidst clothing and other items in checked bags. Since most
instances involve travelers who are not aware of the gun transport rules or
who have unknowingly presented the weapon at a checkpoint, the TSA hopes a
massive public information campaign will help reduce the number of incidents
and resulting unnecessary delays.

The federal requirements regarding travel with firearms and ammunition
aboard commercial air carrier are listed below. For additional information,
visit the TSA Website at www.tsa.gov/public.

* Firearms are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
* Firearms must be checked with the air carrier as luggage.
* Firearms and ammunition must be declared orally or in writing in
accordance with the air carrier's procedures.
* All firearms must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked and only the passenger may retain the
key or combination.
* Ammunition is prohibited from carry-on luggage.
* Ammunition may not be carried loose.
* Ammunition must travel in the manufacturer's packaging or other
packaging suitable for transport.
* Ammunition may be packed in the same hard-sided, locked case as the
firearm as long as it complies with packaging requirements as stated above
and the air carrier permits it to be packed with the firearm.
* Firearm parts may not be transported in carry-on baggage.

Pennock noted that travelers may want to check at their local airport to
ensure no other requirements need to be met in regards to
firearms/ammunition prior to the arrival at the airport.

Failure to fully comply with these requirements may result in civil and/or
criminal penalties.