Ammo case locked?

[postoak]

I'm finally off to Namibia via Johannesberg at the end of next week. I thought I had done all the prep but then it occurred to me that RSA wants the ammo box separate from everything else (no problem) but should it then be padlocked? Won't that interfere with the TSA requirement to have only TSA locks on it?

I suppose I could place the ammo box in my regular luggage and upon claiming my baggage at Johannesburg remove it first thing and put a regular padlock on it there...

 

[BRICKBURN]

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition


Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

Contact the TSA Contact Center with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations and for clarification on what you may or may not transport in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Firearms

• When traveling, comply with the laws concerning posession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
• Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock.
• Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
• Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

United States Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, firearm definitions includes: any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; and any destructive device. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm.

Ammunition

• Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
• Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm.

 

[postoak]

Thanks, so as I read it, ammo can go in checked bags and does not require any kind of lock at all.

 

[JimP]

I used TSA locks on my ammo can on my trip to South Africa last year with no problems. I flew into Joberg and then to Port Elizabeth on SAA with my ammo can in my checked luggage. On my return trip I was asked to take it out of my checked luggage and place it with my rifle case. Once I picked up my luggage, rifle case and ammo can in Joberg I place the ammo back into my checked luggage and rechecked it for my trip back to the US.

 

[cpr0312]

Yes, the ammo case must be locked inside your checked luggage to enter SA

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Thanks, so as I read it, ammo can go in checked bags and does not require any kind of lock at all.

IMPORTANT: Traveling to Africa usually requires taking at least a couple of different airlines as well as departing from several countries. All having their own rules, regulations and laws for which it is your responsibility to be aware and in compliance with all of them.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Thanks, so as I read it, ammo can go in checked bags and does not require any kind of lock at all.

The TSA rules relate to the US, nowhere else. In addition, look at YOUR airlines rules.

Some airlines want the ammo case separate, others allow it to be inside a checked bag.

Lock your cases, firearms and ammunition. Save yourself the trouble.

 

[Hank2211]

I have yet to find an airline that has refused a locked ammo case. On there other hand, lots will refuse ammo in regular checked luggage, locked or not. Ditto for the authorities.

 

[JGRaider]

Thanks, so as I read it, ammo can go in checked bags and does not require any kind of lock at all.

postoak, as others have said, put ammo in ammo box, secure it with TSA locks, and put it in your checked luggage. Not sure if you're using a SAPS meet/greet service in J'Burg or not, but IMO if you are, they will get everything cleared for you upon arrival, and get you checked back in the next morning for your trip to Namibia. I've used Africa Sky a few times and they've always done this. You may be asked to separate your locked ammo from your checked bag for the leg onward to Namibia, but I have never had that happen. I believe it depends on which gate agent you get, but I also believe the Africa Sky guy helping out is also a good ally in having a hassle free transfer.

 

[Foxi]

For a SAA flight, I put the ammo in a normal Tupperware case in my luggage.Thats all.
Next month I try it again.
Foxi

 

[charleslabounty]

I used my locks on my ammo can which was inside my checked luggage.
I used TSA locks on my checked luggage and my locks on my rifle case.

Now, I brought a package of two extra TSA locks with me in case any were cut or "they" wanted TSA locks on something.
I also brought two extra of my locks for the same reason.
It was not going to get caught with some buracrat making up rules and then having no place to get locks.
Note, I carried the extra locks with me in my carry on.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I used my locks on my ammo can which was inside my checked luggage.
I used TSA locks on my checked luggage and my locks on my rifle case.

Now, I brought a package of two extra TSA locks with me in case any were cut or "they" wanted TSA locks on something.
I also brought two extra of my locks for the same reason.
It was not going to get caught with some buracrat making up rules and then having no place to get locks.
Note, I carried the extra locks with me in my carry on.

I'd have to say that's covering all bases. I've never owned a TSA lock much less used one, but I think I'll buy a few as spares for next trip.

 

[JimP]

I used my locks on my ammo can which was inside my checked luggage.
I used TSA locks on my checked luggage and my locks on my rifle case.

Now, I brought a package of two extra TSA locks with me in case any were cut or "they" wanted TSA locks on something.
I also brought two extra of my locks for the same reason.
It was not going to get caught with some buracrat making up rules and then having no place to get locks.
Note, I carried the extra locks with me in my carry on.

I did the same thing and placed a unlocked padlock inside of my rifle case just in case a inspector cut the first lock off and then they could relock it with the second lock. When I had my rifle inspected by the TSA before I started out the inspector saw the lock on the inside and when I closed it she asked me how I was going to lock the case, she figured that I had the first lock still inside my case. I told her what I was doing and she said that she wished that others would think ahead as I had done.

 

[charleslabounty]

Placing an additional unlocked lock inside the rifle case is a good idea too.
Have to try to cover as many potential problems as possible.

 

[cpr0312]

Thanks for the advice @JimP! I am leaving tomorrow for SA and just did this very thing based on your advice here. Also wrote a short note saying please lock my case back with this lock

 

[Royal27]

The TSA rules relate to the US, nowhere else. In addition, look at YOUR airlines rules.

This.

And can even be different for domestic vs. International. When flying domestic I put ammo in gun case. International it goes in checked bag , but locked in separate case. Then within africa ot always seems they want it separate from checked luggage.

As long as you have a separate box to lock you should be fine. If they don't like the order someone will tell you.

 

[postoak]

I think I am pretty well set. I'll use a TSA lock on the ammo case and put it in my checked bag. In SA, if I'm told I must have the ammo out separately, the TSA lock will serve as a regular lock to them.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Have a good trip.

 

[Bruce]

For a SAA flight, I put the ammo in a normal Tupperware case in my luggage.Thats all.
Next month I try it again.
Foxi

You were lucky to get away with that, IMO. I travel ONLY SAA when hunting within RSA or Zambia/ Zimbabwe etc and have ALWAYS had to have the ammo in separate LOCKED boxes that were transported with the firearms and NOT in my checked baggage.

 

[CAustin]

I used my locks on my ammo can which was inside my checked luggage.
I used TSA locks on my checked luggage and my locks on my rifle case.

Now, I brought a package of two extra TSA locks with me in case any were cut or "they" wanted TSA locks on something.
I also brought two extra of my locks for the same reason.
It was not going to get caught with some buracrat making up rules and then having no place to get locks.
Note, I carried the extra locks with me in my carry on.

Plus 1 exactly!