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Southwest's Firearms and Ammunition Policy

VISIT REFERENCE PAGES: Checking Guns and Packing Ammunition

Checking Guns

With the exception of law enforcement officers (details below), guns are not allowed as carryon items in the cabin. However, you can check a firearm (including a BB gun) for transport if you take certain steps.

  • You must declare the gun/verbally notify a Southwest® Employee at the ticket counter that you are planning to check a gun (no firearms will be accepted curbside).
  • The gun must be unloaded and the magazine clip removed, if applicable.
  • Firearms (including BB guns) must be packed in a hard-sided, locked container that can withstand normal handling.
    • You can place a firearm in a hard-sided, locked case inside your checked bag. The bag itself can be locked or unlocked.
    • A loose firearm inside a hard-sided, locked suitcase or bag is not considered acceptable—the firearm must be inside a separate hard-sided, locked case.
    • The locked case must fully secure the firearm so it can’t be easily opened. If the case can be opened with little effort, it won’t be accepted.
    • Keep the key or combination to the lock with you. You can use any brand or type of lock, including TSA-approved locks.

You are responsible for knowing and following the firearm laws of the state(s), territories, or countries you will be traveling to, from, and through. Additionally, Southwest Airlines® assumes no liability for the misalignment of sights on firearms, including those equipped with telescopic sights.

Law enforcement officers who meet all federal requirements and present credentials and badge identifying them as an “Authorized Law Enforcement Officer” (LEO) may be armed during flight. LEOs traveling armed must keep their weapon:

  • Concealed and out of view, either on their person or in immediate reach, if the LEO is not in uniform.
  • On their person, if they are in uniform.

Packing Ammunition

mmunition is never allowed in carryon luggage in the cabin.  However, you can check ammunition, if you take certain steps.

You can bring small arms ammunition for personal use in your checked baggage only. Ammunition can be packed in the same container as a firearm, but it must be in cardboard (fiber), wood, metal, or other packaging meant for carrying small amounts of ammunition.

Each Passenger is allowed up to 11 pounds of ammunition (including the container).

Gunpowder, primers, and percussion caps are not allowed in checked or carryon baggage. Additionally, loose ammunition, loose magazines, and clips are not allowed.

Paintballs must be packed in a leak-proof container and are subject to limited release.