Traveling with ammunition can feel like navigating through a maze of rules and regulations. To legally and safely transport your ammo it is necessary to find a locking ammo box for airline travel.
If ammo is not packed according to TSA guidelines, airport security can confiscate it. They may even consider it a violation of the law.
I am very familiar with TSA guidelines over all but the ones to transport ammo and guns are very explicit. So let’s take an in depth look at the rules for a locking ammo box for airline travel. After we understand the rules let’s find a locking ammo box for airline travel that will meet those rules.
What Are The Rules?
Before we look at the ammo boxes, it will help to know a bit about the regulations. For starters, the administration of TSA states that firearms and ammunition must be in your checked luggage. They are not permitted as a carry on. However, you can pack the ammunition with your gun as long as it is in a TSA approved ammo container such as the original box, a wooden box, a plastic box, or a metal one. The firearm must be empty of all ammo at all times. TSA does not require a locking ammo box for airline travel. But when traveling with ammo, it is more secure to have an ammo box that will lock.
Quick Overview Of Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel
In-Depth Look At Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel
Without further delay, here is the review for the best locking ammo boxes for airline travel.
Best Editors Choice
Seahorse 56 100 Round Ammo Storage Box
Seahorse proudly manufactures a robust IP67 waterproof case in Southern California, USA. This case features a specialized foam insert designed to safeguard up to 100 rounds of ammunition during air travel. Additionally, it is equipped with a secure twist-locking latch to ensure the safety of your ammunition.
Dimensions: Internal: 8.4in x 4.4in x 2.3in inches External: 9.5in x 5.8in x 2.8in
Pros
Small, easy to pack
Built-in twist locking system
Waterproof to 1 meter for 30 min
Self-adjusting foam to fit ammo
Cons
Glossy paint finish scratches easily
ConBetter fit for rifle ammo vs handgun ammo
Best For Rifel Ammo
Evergreen 112-Round Rifle Ammo Locking Storage Case
The Evergreen 112 ammunition case, specifically designed for rifle ammo, incorporates locking holes for a padlock. It comes equipped with an automatic equalization system, a pressure release valve, and a secure twist lock with a key. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Dimensions – Internal: 10.6 inches x 6.1 inches 4.0 inches External11.9 inches x 8.6 inches x 4.8 inches and weighs 2.45 lbs
Pros
Crushproof, impact-resistant, and waterproof
Larger compact-size, 112 shells
Double locking system
Has foam inserts
Cons
The foam is not super tight
No carrying handle
Best For Handgun Ammo
Evergreen 100-Round Bullet Locking Storage Case
Evergreen’s secure ammunition boxes are designed for airline travel. This robust case is crafted from hard plastic, ensuring impact resistance and crushproof durability. It features a dual locking system, including a twist lock with a key, and is equipped with an air pressure release valve for added security.
Dimensions – Internal: 8.4 inches x 4.4 inches x 2.3 inches – External: 9.5 inches x 5.8 inches x 2.8 inches and weighs 1.31 lbs
Pros
Crushproof, impact-resistant, waterproof
Double lock option
7 color options
Protective foam
Cons
Not made to hold 22LR ammo
No carrying handle
Best Large Capacity
Kinghardcase 350 Round Bullet Locking Storage Case
The Kinghardcase features a dual-layer foam design capable of accommodating up to 350 rounds of ammunition. The upper layer includes practical handles for easy removal. Constructed from high-strength ABS and enhanced EVA materials, it offers waterproof protection up to 1 meter and is designed to be shockproof, impact-resistant, and safeguard against collisions and scratches.
Dimensions: External: 11.5 inch x 9.5 inch x 4.5 inch.
Pros
2-layer foam protection.
Heavy-duty ABS construction
Buckle and lock
Moisture Proof desiccant
Cons
It is only useful for handgun ammo
May hold too much ammo for flight regulations when full
Best Most Versatile
Sheffield 12628 Ammo Storage Box
Sheffield has developed a versatile case that is ideal for storing ammunition, hunting and fishing equipment, electronics, and tools. Its compression-fit lid ensures waterproof protection, while the innovative base-to-lid interlocking system allows for convenient and efficient stackable storage.
Dimensions: External: 11.5 in x 5.06in x 7.25in
Pros
3 locking mechanisms
Compact, stackable design
Tamper-Proof locking system
Convenient Carry Handle
Cons
Not as sturdy as other options
No foam provided
May be larger than needed for some to fly with ammo
What Features To Look For In A Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel
Since the TSA guidelines are so strict for flying with ammo and guns, there are a few features to look for when searching for your airline approved ammo boxes.
Durability
First, a locking ammo box for airline travel must be a hard, durable plastic case. Your checked luggage will get thrown around during cargo loading, and you want to protect your ammunition. So, not only a hard shell but inner foam padding for additional protection is nice to have.
Locks
The next thing to look for is a locking mechanism. A lock is part of the TSA guidelines you must follow. A locking ammo box for airline travel must have a key to a lock on your ammo case for air travel. TSA guidelines state that only you can have the key in your possession. DO NOT use a TSA approved lock; instead, use a regular padlock. The lock must not be easy to break or open without a key.
Size
Last but not least, the size of airline approved ammo case is important. If you plan on taking more than just a few rounds in your locking ammo box for airline travel, you might want to think twice before buying an oversized box. A smaller hard-sided container would be easier to pack in your checked bag.
Type Of Ammo
It is equally important to know the type of firearms and ammo you are taking. Do you need a case for a rifle or a handgun? And can you customize the foam to protect each bullet?
TSA Ammunition Container
A TSA approved ammo box is the same as a TSA ammunition container. It features locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and is a steel or plastic material. A TSA ammo case provides a reliable solution for traveling with ammunition. Each locking ammo box for airline travel must comply with the necessary regulations set forth by the TSA to maintain air travel security.
DOT Regulations For Traveling With Ammo
The Department of Transportation regulations 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8) state:
“Small arms ammunition for personal use carried by a crewmember or passenger in checked baggage only, if securely packed in boxes or other packagings specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition clips and magazines must also be securely boxed.“
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and the DOT (Department Of Transportation) work together to ensure the safety of all passengers. So, what does TSA say about a locking ammo box for airline travel?
What Are The TSA Rules And Guidelines You Must Follow To Fly With Ammo?
The administration of TSA states that firearms and ammunition must be in your checked-in luggage. They are not permitted as a carry-on. However, you can pack the ammunition with your gun as long as it is in the original box, a wooden box, a plastic box, or a metal one. The firearm must be empty of all ammo at all times.
To use a firearm magazine as a storage unit, it must completely cover the shell with no open areas. The loaded magazine needs to be in the same box as your unloaded firearm.
However, some airlines limit the amount of ammo to 11 pounds or 5 Kg, while others say you can take a reasonable amount of ammo that is for personal use only. Also, some airlines say you can pack ammo in the magazine, yet others prohibit packed magazines. Please check with your airline for individual rules regarding locking ammo boxes for airline travel.
Or you can simplify the whole process by storing your gun in a TSA approved hard-sided case and your ammunition in separate airline approved ammo boxes. Cases that are hard-sided, locked, and secure. Then, place them both in your checked luggage.
One more rule: you must declare your firearms and ammo when you check in at the ticket counter. You must have both locked and have a key in your possession at all times.
The TSA approved ammunition cases are specifically designed to safely transport firearms and ammunition in compliance with airport security regulations.
FAQs Regarding TSA Approved Ammo Boxes
We’ve covered a lot of information, but there are some questions that are frequently asked about TSA approved ammo boxes. We compiled a few for you.
Can you fly with a box of ammo?
Yes, you can only take an ammo lock box on a plane in your checked luggage. It must follow the TSA guidelines by placing it in a locked TSA approved ammo box or its original manufacturer’s package. Along with this, you must declare it to an airport agent at the security checkpoint at the airline counter.
Does ammo need to be in a locked box?
Yes, it needs to be a locked TSA approved ammo box. But you can also store it in the original container inside your firearm case or locked in a separate ammunition TSA compliant box.
Do you have to declare ammo on a plane?
When you check in at the ticket counter, you must declare your ammo and firearms. Tell the ticket personnel you have a gun and ammo, let them see it and inspect it, and then you can put it in your checked luggage.
How much ammo can you bring through TSA?
You can take 11 pounds of ammo or 5 kilos per person placed in your checked bags. It must be in an ammunition box or the original manufacturer box to fly.
Can I put my ammunition case for flying in my suitcase?
The answer depends on the specific airline and airport regulations, as well as local and international laws. In many cases, firearms must be transported in a hard-sided, locked gun case that is separate from regular luggage, and ammo must be in a TSA approved ammo box. However, please check with the airline and the regulations for your destination country.
Does TSA check gun serial numbers?
TSA does not routinely check gun serial numbers. Their primary goal is to detect and prevent the smuggling of firearms and other dangerous items on board commercial flights. TSA may consider hiding a gun or ammo and not declaring it at the check-in counter as smuggling.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on TSA , here are some additional posts about TSA :
Conclusion
So that concludes our list airline approved ammo boxes. You can safely fly with a TSA ammo box for your firearms if you follow the TSA requirements. But the 2 most important takeaways from this post are that you must place it in your checked luggage and declare it at the ticket check-in counter. As long as you follow TSA regulations, your lockable ammo box for travel will be safe.
Happy travels, my friends.
