ith all of the new air travel rules and tightened security at airports nationwide it's easy to understand why sportsmen and women may be somewhat apprehensive about transporting a firearm. Just the thought alone of walking into an airport today with a gun can add 20 points to most people's blood pressure.

However, in spite of the new rules and regulations relatively little has changed for the transportation of hunting equipment. So take a few deep breaths, relax, and we'll help you sort through the proper steps of air travel with a firearm.

As is the case with any prosperous hunting expedition, planning and preparation are the keys to success. First and foremost, you need to become familiar with the special regulatory requirements for transporting a firearm.

Firearms and ammunition are prohibited from all carry-on luggage. Forget this important rule and you could be escorted away in handcuffs. However, guns and ammunition can be legally transported as checked baggage, but only if certain rules are followed.

Likewise, there are many other items, such as gun parts (including choke tubes, stocks, etc.), knives, and pliers, that are also prohibited from all carry-on luggage, but are permitted in checked luggage.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site will be your best source for general information on the carriage of firearms and other items. They've assembled some excellent, easy-to-understand resources for traveling with restricted items. The TSA web site also maintains an up-to-date section for Permitted and Prohibited Items. Remember, these lists are not "all-inclusive" and are periodically being updated, so it's a good idea to always double check.

Additionally, you need to be aware of any state or local restrictions on the carriage of firearms. When in doubt, check with a local law enforcement agency. If you are traveling internationally, you will probably want either your travel agent or someone from the airline to help you with the added rules and regulations.

Next, become familiar with your airline's rules for handling firearms. Each one differs and some impose additional limitations or fees. Check the web site for your airline and read their posted rules for accepting & handling checked firearms. Double-check again a day or two before your flight to make sure the rules have not changed. It's a good idea to print out these rules and have them available just in case your agent tells you something different at check-in.

Federal laws require that anyone traveling with a firearm or ammunition must declare those items when checking in at the ticket counter. The firearm must be unloaded, be packed in a lockable hard-sided case, and be partially disassembled. For shotguns, disconnect the barrel(s) from the receiver. For rifles, remove the bolt. Only the passenger may have the key or combination to the case.

For ammunition it's always a good idea to pack it in a separate container from the firearm. The ammunition must travel in the manufacturer's packaging or other packaging suitable for transport, such as a fiber, wood, or metal box specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Again, don't forget to check with your airline to see if there are any other limitations, such as weight or packaging.

You will want to allow even more time than normal at check-in for the declaration and inspection process. Since some agents may not be well experienced in the proper procedures, it's extremely important to remain polite, patient, and understanding. After informing the ticket agent that you are checking a firearm as baggage, the agent will inspect the cased firearm to verify that it is unloaded and you will be required sign a Firearm Declaration Form SS-161 declaring that the firearm is unloaded. Once this is done, you will relock the case, and depending on the airport, either take your case and luggage to the screening area or hand it to the ticket agent.

Since new regulations now require that all checked baggage be screened for explosives, it is recommended that luggage be left unlocked. However, this does not apply to luggage containing firearms. All gun containers must continue to remain locked after the declaration process.

If during the screening process a screener detects something unusual or needs to open the gun case, they will work with the airline's representatives to contact you so that you can provide the key or combination. Be sure to pay special attention to PA announcements in the airport to avoid any necessary delays. Again, always remain polite and courteous during the process. Act like a jerk, and you'll most likely be treated like a jerk.

With a the right planning and a little patience traveling with a firearm can be a relatively easy process. For updates or more information you can visit http://www.tsatraveltips.us/, call the TSA Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673, or email the TSA at PrepareForTakeoff@dhs.gov.

Links to Airline Web Sites AirTran Alaska Airlines America West American Continental Delta Northwest Airlines Southwest Airlines TWA United US Airways

TSA Travel Advice: Transporting Special Items Traveling with outdoor gear, guns, and most camping items are permitted. Outdoor enthusiasts should carefully prepare and pack to avoid removal of prohibited items from checked baggage or surrendering prohibited items at the security checkpoint. Here is a specific list of all permitted and prohibited items. Below is information specific to traveling in pursuit of outdoor activities: Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you, the passenger, may have the key or combination. Traveling With Firearms & Ammunition Hunting Firearms - There are specific regulatory requirements to transport a firearm: The firearm must be checked with the air carrier as luggage. Firearms are prohibited from   carry-on luggage. The firearm must be declared orally or in writing in accordance with the air carriers   procedures (contact your air carrier for their specific procedures). The firearm must be unloaded. The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container. The container must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. All checked baggage is subject to inspection. If during the inspection process it is necessary to open the container, air carriers are required to locate the passenger and the passenger must unlock the container for further inspection. The firearm may not be transported if the passenger can not be located to unlock the container. If you are traveling with a firearm, pay close attention to airport pages and announcements. If requested, provide the cooperation necessary to inspect your firearm. Ammunition - Ammunition is likewise prohibited from carry-on luggage. Ammunition may not be carried loose. It must travel in the manufacturer's packaging or other packaging suitable for transport. Consult your air carrier to determine quantity limitations or whether the ammunition must be packed separately from the firearm. Bow and Arrows - Bows and arrows are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners. Animal Repellants - Chemical repellants can be carried in checked luggage if the volume is less than 4 ounces and has less than a 2% active ingredient. Most bear repellants exceed these limitations. We suggest buying such items at your destination and leaving them behind upon return. Hunting Knives and Tools - Hunting knives and tools are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners. Fishing Fishing Rods / Poles - Fishing Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage.  However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage. Spear Guns - Spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners. Tackle Equipment - fishing equipment, including small hooks, should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous.

http://www.tsa.gov/