Travelling by plane interstate and carrying firearms

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Travelling by plane interstate and carrying firearms

Post by Zappa » 01 Jun 2026, 8:24 pm

first time flying with my own personal handguns and not sure of the process.

I've applied online to Jetstar that I'll be travelling with dangerous goods which is the ammo I'll be checking in. So I've got my approval form and written instructions says to go to the counter and present the approval letter together with my firerams license.

I'll be packing two small pelican cases into a large suitcase. In one will be, my two pistols, the other my ammo.

I was told I didnt have to advise I'll be travelling with firearms as they're not classified as dangerous goods. However, Im concerned when the suitcase it xray'ed on the way to the baggagers, they'll see the firearms and I'll get a special call.

What's your experience flying with handguns or rifles\shotties?
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Zappa
Corporal
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Posts: 323
Australian Capital Territory

Re: Travelling by plane interstate and carrying firearms

Post by No1Mk3 » 02 Jun 2026, 4:16 pm

Zappa wrote:first time flying with my own personal handguns and not sure of the process.

I've applied online to Jetstar that I'll be travelling with dangerous goods which is the ammo I'll be checking in. So I've got my approval form and written instructions says to go to the counter and present the approval letter together with my firerams license.

I'll be packing two small pelican cases into a large suitcase. In one will be, my two pistols, the other my ammo.

I was told I didnt have to advise I'll be travelling with firearms as they're not classified as dangerous goods. However, Im concerned when the suitcase it xray'ed on the way to the baggagers, they'll see the firearms and I'll get a special call.

What's your experience flying with handguns or rifles\shotties?


Who told you they're not Dangerous Goods? Qantas absoluitely consider them as such. But that doesn't mean there is any great drama flying with them .You just tell check-in you have firearms, they should have already told you whether you need to remove the bolt and fit trigger locks, Qantas will check-in 1 rifle case and not charge excess baggage rates if you exceed the limit but Jetstar will but as you only have handguns and they are in your suitcase you will be OK. You must have prior written approval from the airline to carry ammo at a maximum 5Kg which must be in it's original packaging (this applies to the Tassie ferry also) and in a secure container within your checked baggage, which you sound like you have covered, just present your Approval on check-in. Australian Skeet Shooters Association website has a good article of flying with guns, covering both Inter-State and Overseas including down-loadable forms. Have Fun.
No1Mk3
Lieutenant
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Victoria


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