07 November 2001, 03:46
Frasier BullingtonAirlines and Ammo
I'm traveling to south Texas next week in search of record book whitetails. Is it necessary to ship my ammo out there or can I put it in my checked baggage?
07 November 2001, 03:49
<Gary Rihn>Checked baggage is fine. The "rules" are it is to be in the original factory container, though an MTM/Midway/etc type box should be fine, in a separate piece from the firearm case, and an 11 pound limit on ammo.
07 November 2001, 05:34
<Desert Rat>The FAA rule on ammunition, as I understand it, is that the ammo must be in a "factory container", which I interpret as any container made for carrying ammo which is made by a factory, Magazines do not count as factory containers. It is best if the ammo is not loose in a box. I like the CaseGuard ammo wallets for this purpose, but the reusabel plastic boxes work well. I usually put a piece of tape over them to keep them from coming open during rough baggage handling.
I believe the weight limit is 5 kilograms, which is right at 11 pounds per person. If more than one person is traveling, this can make a significant difference. In dozens of flights, I have only been asked once if the ammo I carried was within the limit. The answer was: "Of course, I am sure that it is." I highly recommend that people carry firearms with them when traveling, whenever they legally can. It performs a public service by innoculating the airline personell against hoplophobia.
Be careful not to go through the security check point with your personal weapon. The airport is a far more dangerous place for people with personal weapons than the bad neighborhood. More people carrying self defense guns get in trouble, in airports, without any bad intentions, than get in trouble for defending themselves.
08 November 2001, 02:03
<Gary Rihn>quote:
Originally posted by Desert Rat:
I believe the weight limit is 5 kilograms, which is right at 11 pounds per person.
Desert Rat-
Ding, the light goes on! 
I have always wondered why such a strange number as 11 pounds was used, but you just made it obvious when relating it to a nice round number (5 kilos).
Now I have to go find some other trivial thing to wonder about...
11 November 2001, 05:54
AtkinsonNothing is said in the regs about a factory container, it rather dictates a container that seperates each round such as a factory container does, so you are not limited to factory boxes, plastic and old used ammo boxes are fine. the seperator is the key.
------------------
Ray Atkinson
ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com
11 November 2001, 07:15
Tom FThe biggest problem you can have at the airport is with personell who are not knowledgable or flexible. If you have the original factory packaging, use it as the people with whom you will be dealing do not understand or care for the reasons for the regulations.
This situation has only gotten worse, we are ALL viewed as "terrorists" by "them", and that includes me and I am an airline pilot!
11 November 2001, 13:29
beemanbemenot wanting to get too snippy but after 40 years with a major airline, I can honestly say, if you want to find the most total knowledge vacum and the most rigid "union mentality" infexibility in the airlines, look inside the cockpit.
12 November 2001, 08:02
Tom FThank You Sir!
Tom Falley
Captain: Boeing 747-400