By REMF

This article is for reference purposes only. Any use of the information contained on this article is made on solely on your OWN responsibilty.

Prior to 911 I had transported several airsoft weapons on commercial airlines with little thought or concern. I naturally sent them through as checked luggage and always mentioned them to the ticket agent. As soon as they knew they were not firearms there was no additional required steps and they always arrived on the carousel at the other end.

My son, Platoon Sergeant and I all traveled to Lion Claws III in California last month and flew from Seattle to Burbank on Alaska Airlines. Between the three of us we had five AEG’s and five gas blow back pistols. We also had enough gear and equipment to assault fortress Europe! We literally had two checked bags and two carry on for each of us. We called the airlines in advance and were told that they would have to be declared and would be treated like firearms which are routinely shipped on commercial airlines even today. As firearms they would have to be in cases and naturally packed unloaded. Each of these cases had to be capable of being locked. I selected a type of case that was capable of holding two AEGs and two pistols along with a number of spare magazines and my tracer elements.

We couldn’t pack green gas or CO2 cartridges or even Silicon oil as any form of aerosol gases are supposed to be shipped by ground transport only. I arranged to have a friend bring a can of Green Gas to the game that the three of us could use. Naturally I left all my simulated grenades and Claymores behind. I wanted to bring them but failed to arrange to have them shipped before hand to the game sponsors. Any form of simulated explosive will be confiscated and probably cause serious ramifications for the traveler even when sent in checked baggage. These days you must assume that your luggage will be inspected and indeed better than 70% of the time when I travel and check luggage there is a form in my bag indicating that the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration) has inspected the bag.

Today all bags are to be left unlocked so the bags can be inspected but firearms are supposed to be locked while being shipped. This seemingly flagrant contradiction is handled this way: Attach an open lock to your gun case with a note for the TSA so they can inspect the case and secure it with a lock once it’s passed their inspection. Be prepared to explain what the heck the guns are. They are always particularly intrigued by the batteries and wires in the gun! We attached a large printed note explaining what they were. THESE ARE REPLICA BB GUNs that are electrically powered. THEY ARE NOT LOADED and are not firearms. “USE this lock to secure the case when you’re finished with your inspection.” Be sure to keep your keys and combination with you and handy in your carryon.

As with any checked luggage be sure you have ID tags with your name, address and phone number on all luggage items. Cell phone # is best when you are traveling. Take care when packing to insure that none of the bags exceed 50 lbs as many airlines charge a surcharge for overweight bags. Be particularly careful that none of your carry on both going and coming from your trip has any item no matter how trivial that might qualify as contraband or illegal items.

Plan extra time when checking in on both ends as naturally your shipment will be considered anything but routine for the TSA and you can expect to be required to do some explaining. Be patient with their lack of understanding and curiosity. Be prepared to ask for a supervisor if necessary and expect them to require additional input and advice.

Don’t be afraid to transport your airsoft guns but be prepared and patient.

-REMF-

Be safe and have fun!

REMF is retired infantry captain (airborne, ranger and recondo qualified) who first got into airsoft 16 years ago. He now spends his freetime playing airsoft with his son. You can reach him from his team Hooah Airsoft email address.