Owais Crawford
In 2024, Nashville International Airport (BNA) discovered 188 guns in travelers' carry-on luggage, the fifth-highest total in the US. This highlights the importance of understanding the rules and regulations regarding traveling with firearms. Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and enhance your travel experience. If you intend to fly with a gun, you must declare it at the airline ticket counter and comply with the relevant gun laws and regulations at your destination. Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you check a gun at BNA airport? | Yes, unloaded firearms can be checked in at BNA airport, but there are strict rules to follow. |
| Gun laws at BNA airport | In 2024, 188 guns were found in carry-on luggage at Nashville International Airport (BNA), the fifth-highest total in the US. |
| TSA rules | Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. They must be checked in as baggage and declared to the airline. |
| Ammunition rules | Small arms ammunition must be packaged in a cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal box designed to carry ammunition. It can be transported in the same locked case as a firearm. |
| Gun parts | Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage. |
| Replica guns | Replica firearms, including toys, may be transported in checked baggage only. |
| Planning ahead | Planning and packing correctly can facilitate the screening process and improve your travel experience. |
| Airline-specific rules | Each airline may have its own specific rules for transporting firearms. Check with your airline before travelling. |
| State and local laws | Gun laws vary between states and countries. Ensure you are aware of the gun laws at your destination and any layover locations. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA firearm discoveries at Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Passengers are allowed to transport firearms on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case, and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage.
In 2020, TSA officers at Nashville International Airport (BNA) detected 31 firearms at security checkpoints. This number increased to 163 in 2021, breaking a statewide record and amounting to more than the sum of all Tennessee airports combined in 2020. In 2024, 188 guns were found at BNA, the fifth-highest total for that year nationwide.
In June 2020, TSA discovered an unloaded Colt .32 caliber revolver in a passenger's carry-on bag at a BNA checkpoint. The firearm was confiscated by airport police, and the passenger was escorted out of the checkpoint area.
TSA reminds passengers to thoroughly search their bags for any potential dangerous weapons or prohibited items before departing for the airport. Security is the first concern of the TSA, and having these items in bags that are traveling with you on the aircraft is dangerous to other travelers and can be easily mistaken for an intentional attempt to bring a prohibited item on board.
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Checking in firearms at the airline ticket counter
If you are checking in firearms at the airline ticket counter, there are several important procedures to follow. Firstly, you must declare each firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag. This must be done every time you present a firearm for transport as checked baggage. You must also comply with the laws concerning firearm possession, as they vary by local, state, and international governments. For international travel, refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for specific information and requirements. Most airlines require at least 72 hours' notice before your travel date.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container as checked baggage. The container must completely secure the firearm, and locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. The firearm owner must retain the key or combination to the lock unless requested by TSA personnel to ensure compliance with regulations. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage. Small arms ammunition must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided firearm case and declared to the airline. Ammunition may be transported in the same locked case as a firearm if packaged correctly.
It is important to note that bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, a firearm is considered "loaded" if both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. Replica firearms, including toys, may be transported but only as checked baggage.
When travelling with firearms, it is essential to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ensure a smooth travel experience. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer regarding what items are allowed through the checkpoint.
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Packing unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container
When packing unloaded firearms, there are several important regulations to follow. Firstly, firearms must be transported in checked baggage only and unloaded. They must be locked in a hard-sided container, with only the passenger retaining the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request access. The container must completely secure the firearm and prevent unauthorised access. It is important to note that locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.
The container should be specifically designed to secure firearms during transport. It should be sturdy enough to maintain its shape even with a heavy weight on top of it. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within the hard-sided case containing the unloaded firearm. Small arms ammunition (up to .75 calibre and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition. This must be declared to the airline.
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm, but it must be packaged as described above. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips cannot be used for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose it. Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
It is important to be aware of the laws concerning firearm possession in your destination, as they vary by local, state, and international governments. For example, American Airlines requires that you notify them at least 72 hours before your travel date if you plan to travel with firearms and ammunition. There may be additional fees for baggage and weight when travelling with firearms.
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TSA civil penalties for prohibited items
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) restricts the types of materials people can bring to the airport, such as guns, knives, or other items deemed dangerous. If you accidentally bring a weapon or incendiary device to the airport, the TSA may instigate civil action against you, including charging you with civil penalties. The TSA Civil Enforcement page outlines penalties and regulations related to prohibited items and security violations at airport checkpoints.
The TSA interpretive rule found in the Federal Register (Vol. 68, No. 31) provides guidance to the public on the types of property TSA considers to be weapons, explosives, and incendiaries prohibited in airport sterile areas and in the cabins of aircraft. The interpretation also provides guidance on the types of items permitted in these areas and in passengers' checked baggage. TSA classifies materials based on their characteristics and uses rather than their names. For that reason, possessing items not on the prohibited materials list may still subject the user to civil penalties if the TSA deems the materials dangerous or hazardous.
Items that qualify as incendiary materials, weapons, or ammunition may subject the owner to civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal charges as well. The TSA uses a sanctions schedule to determine the appropriate penalties for bringing a prohibited item to the airport. For individuals and small businesses, the sanction typically cannot exceed $14,950, whereas the maximum penalty is usually $37,377 for air carriers and aircraft operators. TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $17,062 per violation per person, and repeat violations will result in higher penalties.
If you receive a Notice of Violation, you may submit your payment electronically through www.pay.gov, a secure website administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You may also contact the Special Enforcement Program Office at (571) 227-3994 to discuss your case further.
To avoid civil penalties, it is important to check the TSA "What Can I Bring?" page, which provides a comprehensive list of items that travelers can and cannot bring in carry-on and checked baggage. This includes guidelines on common items such as liquids, electronics, sporting equipment, and medical devices, as well as special instructions for items like firearms and hazardous materials.
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Gun laws and regulations at your destination
Gun laws and regulations vary depending on your destination. It is important to check the specific requirements of your destination before travelling with firearms and/or ammunition. Here are some general guidelines and considerations to keep in mind:
Travelling within the United States
If you are travelling within the US, you must be over 18 years old to travel with firearms and ammunition, including pellet and BB guns, in your checked bags. You must check them in with an agent and declare that you are travelling with firearms and ammunition. Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage. Small arms ammunition must be packaged in a cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed for ammunition and declared to your airline. The container must completely secure the firearm, and only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless requested by TSA personnel.
International Travel
If you are travelling internationally, including to Canada or Mexico, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations of your destination. In general, you must declare each firearm and comply with local laws concerning firearm possession, as they vary by local, state, and international governments. For example, if you are travelling to Canada with long guns for sporting or hunting purposes, you must complete a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form before arriving at the border. Additionally, sportsmen travelling internationally with firearms and/or ammunition need to comply with regulations such as the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Travelling by Car
If you are travelling by car within the US, federal law 18 USC § 926A states that US citizens may legally transport firearms across state lines as long as they are legally allowed to possess the weapons in both the state of origin and destination. The firearm and ammunition must be stored out of reach, preferably in separate lock boxes in the trunk. However, it is important to note that this law only allows travel through states where it is illegal to carry firearms, not to those states.
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Frequently asked questions
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has specific requirements for checking a gun. A passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition, and any firearm parts. The firearm must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be securely boxed or included within the same hard-sided case as the firearm. It is important to check the gun laws and regulations at your destination to ensure compliance with local and state laws.
If a passenger fails to follow the proper procedures for checking a gun at BNA airport, they may face civil penalties, criminal citations, or arrest by local law enforcement. The civil penalty can go up to a maximum of $14,950 per violation. Additionally, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms may have their TSA PreCheck® eligibility revoked for up to five years and will receive enhanced screening during future travels.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding traveling with a firearm before arriving at BNA airport. Passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination and to contact their airline prior to their flight to ensure compliance with any airline-specific requirements. It is also recommended to use a full-sized, hard-sided rifle-length case or one of the bigger designs of pistol cases to avoid issues with losing, damaging, or stealing your firearm.
