Thread: Firearms on Airplanes

Taking my rifle on a plane for the first time Air NZ are happy for the rifle, bolt and ammo to all go in the same locked case. Is this normal? I’d have thought bolt needed to be seperate?


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You will hear different rules from different people in Air New Zealand, then airport security have different rules again. Generally rifle by itself in a locked guncase, ammo and bolt in a separate checked baggage (not in carry on). Ammo in a factory ammo container if you can. Turn up to check in early.

Thanks, they seemed to want me to keep the ammo with it. Was thinking of putting bolt in checked baggage


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I rang just last week to inform them I would be carrying a firearm for a match in the NI.
I was told it had to be separate baggage.
I informed them it was a handgun and she still insisted it was separate baggage.

It will be a different outcome at the airport.

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Originally Posted by HOO

Taking my rifle on a plane for the first time Air NZ are happy for the rifle, bolt and ammo to all go in the same locked case. Is this normal? I’d have thought bolt needed to be seperate?


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No no no they will change there mind you get to the airport and miss your flight as I did.
I flew from NP to Christchurch with no issues but on the return because Christchurch has a bit more security they help my bags up and I missed my flight cause I didn't have ammo in an approved container and the bag with the ammo wasn't locked.
So if I was you take out the bolt lock the gun case with rifle only and put ammo in a plastic hard case and lock that in your checked in bag with the bolt.

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Travelled lots with rifles - incl AR style

Locked separate case - actually have a larger case now so can use more of the weight allowance per bag

Carried just under 5kg of Ammo in factory boxes - had bag searched that time
Found a bit of paper in the other bag - must have got a shock at so much ammo

Other than that never had a issue with air Nz
Always ring them first so notes entered into system

I rang them today and asked repeatedly what the storage system was and they insisted all in one.
I might take a lockable case for bolt and ammo just in case they change their mind.


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This from the Air New Zealand website.

Can I bring firearms on my flight?
Answer
Firearms are a sensitive item on any flight. You must tell us you’re intending to bring a firearm when you book your ticket.

Naturally, you can’t bring your firearms on board with your carry-on bags.

You can usually carry your firearms as checked-in baggage, with some conditions:

You may not be able to take your firearms to some destinations.
Your firearms need to be in a lockable firearms case.
You can carry more than one firearm in your case.
You must pack any ammunition in a different bag.
Like any other bag, your packed firearms case must weigh 23kg or less, and not exceed your size allowance. Otherwise our excess baggage charges will apply.
If your firearms bag exceeds 23kg or it’s oversize, you can either:

Buy a Prepaid Extra Bag before you travel
Pay an excess baggage charge at the airport

SHIT! never mind firearms, there is a snake on the plane~!

Bureaucrats - both private and public sector - are almost uniformly idiots. Good luck to find a sensible one. That is all.

Year this on gets old VERY FECKEN FAST!!!!
I really wish they could all just gather around the fire and sing kumbaya my lord......it’s a wonder that they can organise to put fuel in a let alone load it with passengers and get them to the right destination!

There are a few threads on this @HOO. Same story as what you have been told here. Airlines says one thing Airport security totally ignores what airline dose and will make it up as they go along. Wish I was joking but not! It’s the world over not just in little old NZ and every airport is different even in the same country.

The big sticker seems to be ammo in factory packets. Reloads can be a real problem.

By the way if you do call the airline again them to email you with there answer you then have it in writing so will have half a toe to stand on if it goes wrong. Also write down time of call and exactly who you talked to.

Dose anyone know who is in charge of airport security for the whole of NZ? Maybe we can bring them to the table and try to change this?
Good luck Hoo remember early to airport with bag full of good manners and patience

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....unition-46401/
https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....flights-36178/
https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....s-plane-16861/
Here ya go Hoo a little light reading

AVSEC provide security services at; Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports - at all other airports your airline is responsible for security and control of what is loaded on-board their aircraft. Domestically most problems appear to arise when departing one of the airports where security is not controlled by AVSEC (airport A) enroute to one of the airports listed above (airport B),then packing equipment (firearms & ammunition) in the same way on return but having it checked by AVSEC when departing (B). Your equipment is now subject to AVSEC's interpretation of the rules which seems to often vary with that of the airlines. In all probability AVSEC are more consistent with application of the rules as they are just about security whereas for airline staff it is just another facet of their jobs. A link and an email address below. As far as the airlines are concerned, as others have said probably best to get it in writing before you leave.

Aviation Security Service: Restricted weapons

reception@avsec.govt.nz

Yup, AvSec have the final say.

Pretty easy to travel with firearms though. No ammo in the firearm bag, no bolt in the firearm bag. There's also no need to call AirNZ before a domestic flight, just rock and politely notify them you have firearms, unloaed, ammunition is packed separately, bolt packed separately and ask for the firearms tag to sign. Keep your copy, present it at the destination to the airport luggage people, in Auckland and Queenstown it's near the over-sized luggage area.

Tag looks like this :

Thanks for all the info guys. I’ll have a browse this evening.


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