• There are very specific rules on how to pack guns and ammunition for air travel.gun image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has its own mandatory rules on transportation of firearms on airplanes. Airlines also are free to impose their own rules on top of these. For example, some airlines restrict the number of firearms that can be carried. For this reason, it is always wise to check with your airline before transporting any firearm by air, as failure to follow the exact rules and procedures can result in the firearm being confiscated, a fine levied and a criminal charge.
  
  

Rules on Where To Carry Firearms

• Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts can only be carried in checked baggage. Law enforcement officers may carry their weapons on board as long as they meet the TSA's requirements. These include a mandatory training program on flying armed, and submission of a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System message before travel. All firearms need to be declared to airline staff during check-in, whether they are in baggage or carried on.
  
  

Rules on Securing Firearms

• All firearms that are carried in checked baggage must be unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container. You will have to declare verbally and in writing to the airline at check-in that the firearm is unloaded. The lock must completely secure the container, so that it can't be opened by any other method. At check-in, you will have to unlock the case and show the security officer the firearm. You will keep the key. The airline must stow the bag containing the firearm in a location passengers do not have access to.
  
  

Rules on Ammunition

• All ammunition must be packed in a cardboard, wood or metal box--or a type of box specifically designed to hold ammunition. Ammunition can be carried in a magazine, but the magazine must completely enclose the ammunition, such as by placing it in a holster. Ammunition can be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, but must be packed and not left loose. Most airlines limit ammunition to 11 lbs. per passenger, although some airlines limit the number of rounds and some require the ammunition to be packed separately from the firearm.