The Transport Security Administration (TSA) explains that firearms, ammunition and firearms parts are not permitted to be carried in carry-on luggage on aircraft, but in most cases can be carried in checked luggage. An exception to this rule are law enforcement officers who, in some cases, can carry firearms on board an aircraft, although they must declare them to airport security staff. Other weapons usually can be carried in checked luggage onto an aircraft.
According to the TSA, all ammunition and firearms carried in checked luggage must be declared to the airline during the check-in process. Ammunition and firearms must be stored in a locked container made of a material that cannot be accessed easily.
Weapons that can be carried in checked luggage include billy clubs, swords, stun clubs and nunchakus. Explosive materials, such as hand grenades and dynamite, are not allowed to be carried onto airplanes under any circumstances. Violations of TSA regulations can result in criminal and civil prosecutions, carrying fines of up to $10,000.
