Thread: Flying Domestic with a rifle and ammo

Originally Posted by stug

Ammo needs to be separate from rifle in checked baggage. Rifle in a locked case. Ring the airline and get the info from them. Be aware some of them don't know what they are talking about. I had a checkin person insist ammo had to be in original factory packaging. It ended up costing them a shit load of money sending a taxi an hour to my house to get my rifle and put it on a later flight.

Really interested in this original factory packaging thing stug as I fly a lot with firearms and have had a couple of questionable encounters. the problem currently is that security seems to be entering every bag I check in to inspect ammo and batteries - after you have checked it in and have gone through to the departure gates.
Luckily on a return trip I had a handful of rounds removed because they were not in original packaging (with a note left in the bag to say so) and another instance where I intentionally put some insulation tape on the 'original' pack which was in reality for reloaded rounds and the tape had been cut at one end indicating inspection.
This is an issue for anyone that reloads and does anyone know our if there is a practical and workable way to navigate this? What did you do in your instance?

also seems to be a different opinion between individuals and different airports about whether you need a signed firearm tag on the bag holding the ammo. I've noticed most don't these days but some still insisting
@TianBotha the rifle case constitutes a bag so you may need to buy an extra bag for your flight. other than the above I find the whole thing very easy and only fly air nz these days