Note: American Airlines does not accept firearms in checked baggage to/from the United Kingdom (except for military/government personnel with proper documentation).
The information shown below pertains to travel within the United States only (unless stated otherwise). For information on the transportation of firearms and ammunition to international destinations, please contact Reservations.
General Information
- Firearms and ammunition are accepted as checked baggage only.
- Firearms will only be accepted if unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container only (for example - rifle case. TSA approved locks are now accepted).
- Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition or clips will not be accepted.
- Firearms may not be checked curbside.
- No one under 18 years of age may check a firearm.
- Pellet and BB guns are not considered firearms, and therefore, do not require any special handling or documentation.
Allowance
- Maximum per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers, ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors, and tools. There is no limit on the amount of cases allowed.
- Ammunition is limited to 11 lbs./5 kgs. per passenger.
- Charges may apply based on the number of checked bags in addition to oversize/overweight charges. Visit the Baggage Allowance page for more information.
Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed
All Law Enforcement Offices (LEOs) flying armed are required to check in with an American Airlines airport agent. State, local, and territorial LEOs flying armed must submit a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message during airport check-in to the American Airlines airport agent. The NLETS message sent by the employing agency replaces the original letter of authority, signed by the chief or agency head, required under 49 CFR 1544.219. Once the NLETS message is received by TSA, a return NLETS message will be sent to the employing agency with an eight-character unique alphanumeric Identifier for verification at the airport on the day of travel. The current procedures for federal LEOs flying armed remains unchanged.
Reservations
