How to Travel With a Firearm on Southwest Airlines: A Guide

How to Travel With a Firearm on Southwest Airlines

Whether you’re a hunter, a recreational shooter, or a law enforcement officer, you may need to travel with your firearm at some point. Flying with a firearm can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. By following a few simple steps, you can safely and legally travel with your firearm on Southwest Airlines.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to travel with a firearm on Southwest Airlines. We’ll cover everything from packing your firearm to checking it in at the airport. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to make your trip as smooth as possible.

So if you’re planning on traveling with a firearm on Southwest Airlines, read on for all the information you need.

Step	Description	Reference
1	Check Southwest’s firearm policy	Southwest Airlines Firearms Policy
2	Pack your firearm in a hard-sided case	–
3	Label your case with the words “Firearm” and “Contains Ammunition”	–
4	Check your firearm at the ticket counter	Southwest Airlines Check-in Process for Firearms

Requirements for Traveling with a Firearm on Southwest

To travel with a firearm on Southwest Airlines, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a legal resident of the United States. This includes citizens, permanent residents, and those with a valid green card.
• Must be at least 21 years old. This is the minimum age required to possess a firearm in the United States.
• Firearm must be unloaded and encased in a hard-sided container. The firearm must be unloaded and in a locked container that is hard-sided and cannot be easily opened. The container must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Ammunition must be stored in a separate, locked container. The ammunition must be stored in a separate, locked container that is also small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Firearm must be declared to the airline at check-in. When you check in for your flight, you must declare that you are traveling with a firearm. You will be given a Firearms Declaration Form (FD-258) to complete. The form must be signed and dated by you, and it must be presented to the airline employee at the gate before you board the plane.

Note: Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers to check firearms in as luggage. Firearms must be carried on board in a locked container.

Restrictions on Traveling with a Firearm on Southwest

In addition to the requirements listed above, there are also some restrictions on traveling with a firearm on Southwest Airlines. These restrictions include:

• Firearm cannot be checked in as luggage. As mentioned above, firearms must be carried on board in a locked container.
• Firearm must be carried on board in a locked container. The firearm must be carried on board in a locked container that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Firearm cannot be stored in the cargo hold. Firearms cannot be stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
• Firearm cannot be loaded during the flight. The firearm must remain unloaded during the entire flight.

Note: If you are traveling with a firearm, you are responsible for ensuring that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations. You should also check with the airline before your flight to make sure that you are aware of any additional restrictions or requirements.

Traveling with a firearm can be a complicated process, but it is important to remember that the safety of your firearm and the safety of others is the top priority. By following the requirements and restrictions listed above, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight.

Here are some additional tips for traveling with a firearm on Southwest Airlines:

• Pack your firearm in a hard-sided container that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. The container should be locked and should not be able to be easily opened.
• Label the container with the words “Firearm” and “Unloaded.” This will help to ensure that the container is not opened by mistake.
• Keep the ammunition separate from the firearm. The ammunition should be stored in a separate, locked container that is also small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Declare your firearm to the airline at check-in. You will be given a Firearms Declaration Form (FD-258) to complete. The form must be signed and dated by you, and it must be presented to the airline employee at the gate before you board the plane.
• Be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding firearms. You should check with the airline before your flight to make sure that you are aware of any additional restrictions or requirements.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight for yourself and everyone else on board.

How to Travel with a Firearm on Southwest

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to travel with firearms in checked baggage, but there are a few important things you need to know before you do.

• Pack the firearm in a hard-sided container. The container must be strong enough to withstand being dropped or crushed. It should also be locked, and the key should be kept with you at all times.
• Lock the container and place it in a checked bag. The checked bag must be zipped closed and locked. You should also attach a luggage tag to the bag that clearly states that it contains a firearm.
• Declare the firearm to the airline at check-in. When you check in for your flight, you will need to declare that you have a firearm in your checked bag. The airline will then give you a Firearms Declaration Form, which you must complete and sign.
• Present the firearm and the required documentation to the TSA at the security checkpoint. When you go through the security checkpoint, you will need to present the firearm, the Firearms Declaration Form, and a valid photo ID to the TSA officer. The TSA officer will inspect the firearm and the ammunition, and they may ask you some questions about the firearm.
• Once the firearm has been cleared by the TSA, you can board the plane with it. You will need to keep the firearm in your checked bag at all times. You will not be able to carry the firearm on your person or in your carry-on bag.

FAQs about Traveling with a Firearm on Southwest

• Can I travel with a concealed carry weapon on Southwest?

No, you cannot travel with a concealed carry weapon on Southwest Airlines. All firearms must be packed in a checked bag and declared to the airline at check-in.

• Can I travel with a firearm in my checked bag?

Yes, you can travel with a firearm in your checked bag on Southwest Airlines. However, there are a few important things you need to know before you do.

• The firearm must be unloaded and packed in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked, and the key must be kept with you at all times.
• The checked bag must be zipped closed and locked.
• You must declare the firearm to the airline at check-in.
• You must present the firearm and the required documentation to the TSA at the security checkpoint.
• You must keep the firearm in your checked bag at all times. You will not be able to carry the firearm on your person or in your carry-on bag.

• What are the penalties for violating the firearm regulations on Southwest?

If you violate the firearm regulations on Southwest Airlines, you may be subject to a fine of up to \$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years. You may also be banned from flying Southwest Airlines for life.

• Where can I find more information about traveling with a firearm on Southwest?

You can find more information about traveling with a firearm on Southwest Airlines by visiting the following website:

[https://www.southwest.com/travel-info/baggage/firearms](https://www.southwest.com/travel-info/baggage/firearms)

How do I check a firearm with Southwest Airlines?

To check a firearm with Southwest Airlines, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid firearm permit or license from the state where you are departing.
• Pack your firearm in a hard-sided, locked container that meets TSA regulations.
• Declare your firearm to a Southwest Airlines agent at the check-in counter.
• Pay a $50 fee per firearm.

What are the firearm restrictions for Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines does not allow the following types of firearms:

• Fully automatic firearms
• Deactivated firearms
• Replica firearms
• Airsoft guns
• Paintball guns
• Tasers
• Stun guns

Can I carry a firearm in my checked luggage on Southwest Airlines?

Yes, you can carry a firearm in your checked luggage on Southwest Airlines. However, you must follow all of the firearm regulations listed above.

Can I carry a firearm in my carry-on luggage on Southwest Airlines?

No, you cannot carry a firearm in your carry-on luggage on Southwest Airlines. Firearms must be checked in at the baggage counter.

What happens if I forget to declare my firearm to a Southwest Airlines agent at the check-in counter?

If you forget to declare your firearm to a Southwest Airlines agent at the check-in counter, your firearm will be confiscated and you may be fined or arrested.

What happens if I need to transport a firearm for self-defense on Southwest Airlines?

If you need to transport a firearm for self-defense on Southwest Airlines, you should contact the airline in advance to make arrangements. Southwest Airlines may require you to complete a waiver form and/or provide additional documentation.

What are the steps for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines?

The steps for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines are as follows:

1. Pack your firearm in a hard-sided, locked container that meets TSA regulations.
2. Declare your firearm to a Southwest Airlines agent at the check-in counter.
3. Pay the $50 fee per firearm.
4. Present your firearm and your identification to a TSA officer at the security checkpoint.
5. Proceed to your gate and board your flight.

What are the additional fees for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines?

In addition to the $50 fee per firearm, Southwest Airlines may also charge a handling fee. The handling fee is typically $25 per firearm.

What are the prohibited items for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines?

In addition to the prohibited items listed above, Southwest Airlines also prohibits the following items from being transported in checked luggage:

• Ammunition
• Gunpowder
• Primers
• Explosives
• Detonators
• Flash powder

What are the safety precautions for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines?

When transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

• Pack your firearm in a hard-sided, locked container that meets TSA regulations.
• Declare your firearm to a Southwest Airlines agent at the check-in counter.
• Pay the $50 fee per firearm.
• Present your firearm and your identification to a TSA officer at the security checkpoint.
• Proceed to your gate and board your flight.

What are the resources available for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines?

The following resources are available for transporting a firearm with Southwest Airlines:

• [Southwest Airlines website](https://www.southwest.com/travel-info/baggage/firearms-ammunition)
• [Southwest Airlines customer service](1-800-435-9792)
• [TSA website](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/firearms-ammunition)
• [TSA customer service](1-866-289-9678)

  In this article, we have discussed how to travel with a firearm on Southwest Airlines. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as the prohibited items and the applicable fees. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you will be able to travel with your firearm safely and securely on Southwest Airlines.