American Airlines' Firearms and Ammunition Policy

Traveling with firearms and ammunition

Laws on the possession of firearms differ between states and countries. Please check the requirements of your destination before you travel. Contact Reservations for international travel requirements.

If any part of your trip is operated by another airline, contact them directly for requirements. You must notify most airlines at least 72 hours before your travel date.

Reservations and ticket changes 

Requirements

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:

Securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition, with a maximum of 11 pounds (5 kg) per container or customer. Ammunition may be in a magazine or clip, but it must be completely enclosed. Ammunition can be stored in the same locked, hard-sided case as the firearm, but loose rounds (not packed in a box or container) are not accepted.

Watch the TSA Traveling with Firearms video Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Allowance

There is no limit to the number of items you can carry in your rifle, shotgun or pistol case, but bag and oversize / overweight charges may apply.

Oversize and overweight bags 

Restrictions

Loose ammunition, magazines or clips and firearms are not accepted when traveling to or from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS).

Firearms are not allowed in checked bags on Landline motorcoach connections.