Overview Being shot by a gun is bad enough if you’re hit, but at least the risk applies only to you. In the enclosed space of a jetliner, a bullet that doesn’t find its target can be catastrophic. If the projectile damages critical aircraft devices, cracks window that sucks out oxygen, or punctures the skin to produce explosive decompression, all passengers and crew on board could die. To prevent these disasters, the Transportation Security Administration has established strict guidelines on flying with firearms.

Check Ahead Though the TSA offers its own regulations on traveling with firearms, the airline and its destination country may have rules that are more stringent. Passengers should check for such rules before traveling.

Carrying Firearms Passengers cannot carry guns, ammunition or similar weapons into an airline cabin unless they are law enforcement officers who meet the requirements of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations 1544.219. These rules apply to federal officers or full-time city, county or state officers who work full time for a government agency, have obtained specialized training for firearms in flight and have identified themselves to the aircraft operator.

Check-in Firearms All other passengers must declare to the airline ticket agent that they’re checking in firearms and store them, unloaded, in a hard-sided case. The luggage must be locked, though the owner can provide a security officer with the combination or a key. The gun owner must be present when the security officer opens the case or the officer will make every effort to contact you. If security cannot find you, they won’t allow the baggage on-board, according to the TSA.

Packing Ammunition Ammunition must be stored in boxes specifically designed for them. The container may be made out of cardboard, wood or metal. Magazines or clips cannot be used for storage, the TSA says, unless they totally and securely cover the bullets. Ammo boxes can be placed in the same case as the weapons, however.

Explosive or Flammable Materials Explosive or flammable materials cannot be transported, even as checked-in luggage. This includes dynamite, gunpowder, fireworks, flares and hand grenades. Strike-anywhere matches, torch lighters, gasoline and fuels are also not allowed, according to the TSA. However, passengers may carry on one book of safety matches and a common lighter. Lighters without fuel can be checked, but those without fuel are not allowed, even in baggage.

Replicas Replica models or prop firearms must be handled like the real thing. For example, passengers cannot carry a replica gun on-board but can check it in if properly packed. Replica dynamite or hand grenades are not allowed for transport, the TSA says.

Disclosure Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

About the Author Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.