Firearms and ammunition

Unloaded firearms may be transported as checked baggage in hard-sided, locked cases that cannot be easily pried open. Up to 11 pounds (5 kg) of ammunition may be checked in in proper packaging. 

Note: A firearm is a barreled weapon such as, but not limited to, a rifle, sporting rifle, pistol, shotgun, long gun or handgun that launches one or more projectiles whether lethal or not.

• Fees: normal baggage fees apply, including excess size and weight fees. (See below for weight limits.)

Advance notice 

If you will be checking firearms or ammunition, please call our Reservations Department at least 48 hours before your flight. 

Legal

You must review all federal, state, local, and international laws regarding transportation of firearms and ammunition to ensure you are in compliance at your origin, destination, and any stopover points. 

Age limit

You must be at least 18 years old to check a firearm. For ammunition, there is no age limit, but the ammunition must be for each person’s personal use.

Weight limits

Gun cases over 70 pounds (32 kg) are not accepted. For ammunition, there is a limit of 11 pounds (5 kg) of ammunition per person. If you have multiple travelers in your group, your ammunition cannot be packed in the same bag, combined, or transferred to someone else.  

Secure packing 

• Firearms and ammunition are accepted as checked baggage only.
• Firearms must be unloaded, with clips and magazines removed.
• Firearms and any parts must be placed in a locked, hard-sided case that cannot be easily pried open. If your locked case can be easily pried open, it will not be accepted. This applies both to stand-alone cases and to cases placed inside another piece of checked baggage.
  • Note: Many gun cases can be easily pried open, even while locked. Any case that does not provide adequate security from breach must be denied.
• Ammunition must be protected against shock and movement and placed in the manufacturer’s original packaging or in fiber, wood, or metal boxes. It must not be loose or loaded into a clip or magazine. Explosive or incendiary ammunition is completely prohibited.

Can I pack ammunition in my gun case?  

Yes, as long as the case has a designated storage space for ammunition that secures it and protects it from shock and movement. Ammunition must not be loose or loaded into a clip or magazine. 

Check-in 

When you check in at the airport, let a Hawaiian Airlines agent know that you are checking a firearm or ammunition. After inspection, a special tag will be placed on your item. Your signature will also be required. Website, mobile, and kiosk check-in are not available when traveling with a firearm or ammunition.  

Note 

Firearms or ammunition which do not comply with all of the above will be denied transportation.