Flying with your everyday carry can be really intimidating for those new to concealed carry or those who don’t have much travel experience on a commercial airliner with their firearm. Even though it may seem intimidating it is completely normal and legal.

What the airlines say

Here are the requirements for flying with your everyday carry from an article written by American Airlines:

“Within the U.S., you can only travel with firearms and ammunition, including pellet and BB guns, in your checked bags if you’re over 18 years old. You must check them with an agent at check-in and declare that you’re traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Firearms must be:

• Unloaded
• In a locked hard-sided container where the firearm is totally inaccessible
• Rifle cases require locks on each end

Ammunition must be:

In the original packaging from the manufacturer or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition (made of fiber, wood or metal), with a maximum of 11 pounds (5 kgs) per container or customer. Ammunition is not accepted loose or in magazines or clips.”

Step-by-step guide

Here is how it will work when you go flying with your everyday carry.

First of all make sure you have the following:

• Ammo in the original box
• Your gun
• Suitcase
• Locking box

From there you want your box of ammo in your suitcase. Then lock your unloaded gun into your lockbox and place all of that in your suitcase that you plan to check.

When you visit the ticket counter to check-in for your flight and check your luggage, tell the employee at the ticket counter that you need to also check a firearm. At that point, someone from TSA will be called to come to inspect your firearm. You will have to wait at the ticket counter for the TSA agent once they get there they will inspect your gun to make sure it is all stored properly. Then they will tag it and it will go in your checked bag. It’s important to note that different airlines may have different rules. Just go to their website and read how they prefer to take care of customers who fly with guns.

Flying with a gun can sound very intimidating especially since the tragedy of September 11th in 2001. Just remember to follow the company's rules and that this is something normal that people do every single day.

The last thing you need to check is if your conceal carry license is honored wherever you are flying to. If it’s not by chance, then it’s recommended that you do not take your EDC. USCCA does have a concealed carry Reciprocity Map that you can check out or you can always do the footwork yourself and call your states attorney general for the information. If you don’t have USCCA, then check out this comparison to learn about other CCW insurances and policies.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for general educational and informational purposes only. Readers and viewers are responsible for knowing and understanding all appropriate local, national and international laws relating to self-defense, reasonable force, and the use of any and all weaponry, acting in accordance with all applicable laws, at all times. Neither Gunspot or Tulster assume any responsibility for the use or misuse of information or instruction. We encourage all firearm owners to seek out professional in-person instruction. No video or blog replaces in-person training with qualified professionals to ensure you learn and train safely