Paintball guns in hold luggage

Thomas_Holding
Thomas_Holding Posts: 380 Forumite
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in Overseas holidays & travel planning
Is it possible to take paintball guns in hold luggage to the US (with an internal flight there)?
Has anyone had any problems?
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Comments

  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 3,354 Forumite
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    You really need to contact the airline(s) concerned for guidance.

    Also, contact the US Embassy in London for the same reason.

    I can't think it'll be straightforward, even if allowed.
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,550 Forumite
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    It's possible to take firearms so paintball guns themselves shouldn't be a problem with the right paperwork. Compressed gas might be an issue though.

    As said above though, you need to check directly with the airline.
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 3,354 Forumite
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    It's possible to take firearms

    The rules etc. on taking serviceable firearms in hold luggage must be very strict ?

    Official UK government advice confirms that you must contact the airline.

    https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/ammunition
  • Thomas_Holding
    Thomas_Holding Posts: 380 Forumite
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    NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »
    The rules etc. on taking serviceable firearms in hold luggage must be very strict ?

    Official UK government advice confirms that you must contact the airline.

    https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/ammunition

    That is useful, interestingly paintball guns are not mentioned anywhere
    https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/sports-equipment
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,550 Forumite
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    edited 13 July 2018 at 8:04PM
    NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »
    The rules etc. on taking serviceable firearms in hold luggage must be very strict ?

    Yes, but it's not that uncommon though. They aren't much risk in the hold. Close family members on both sides of my family have taken firearms from the UK to the USA (and back) and on internal US flights with absolutely no problems.

    A friend of mine takes his gun with him all over the place. Chile was his last trip.
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,550 Forumite
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    edited 13 July 2018 at 5:54PM
    Thomas_Holding wrote: »
    That is useful, interestingly paintball guns are not mentioned anywhere
    https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/sports-equipment

    I'd still confirm with the airline. You don't want to get pulled from the flight at the airport when your luggage gets checked.
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 3,354 Forumite
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    Close family members on both sides of my family have taken firearms from the UK to the USA (and back) and on internal US flights with absolutely no problems.

    I have experience of a smoothbore shotgun being carried in the hold of a domestic flight, but no knowledge of regulations in respect of rifled barrel firearms.
    I'd still confirm with the airline.

    An absolute no brainer - or expect a drama when an undeclared "firearm" is identified by a luggage scan.
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,550 Forumite
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    NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »
    I have experience of a smoothbore shotgun being carried in the hold of a domestic flight, but no knowledge of regulations in respect of rifled barrel firearms.

    My friend takes his shotgun. He like shooting things. Apparently, they have a bit of a pigeon problem in Chile.


    from his accounts, a bit less of a pigeon problem since his visit.
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 3,354 Forumite
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    I suspect the rules for moving weapons with rifled barrels will be much stricter, if permitted at all.
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,550 Forumite
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    NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »
    I suspect the rules for moving weapons with rifled barrels will be much stricter, if permitted at all.

    No difference. My uncles used to compete in shooting competitions in the US with rifles. My brother-in-law used to compete in clay pigeon shooting competions in the US.

    BA's requirements...
    You must contact us at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure compliance with government embargoes and restrictions for the below items - if you fail to notify us, you will not be able to travel with your equipment:

    firearms of all types, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns
    replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons
    component parts of firearms, excluding telescopic sights
    compressed air and CO2 guns, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles and ball-bearing guns
    signal flare pistols and starter pistols
    You can only carry these items in your checked baggage and will need to provide the appropriate licences and documentation for your firearms and ammunition, e.g. export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.

    You'll need to specify:

    the quantity of firearms you wish to transport
    the type (handgun, rifle, shotgun)
    the make/model and calibre
    the quantity (in weight) and calibre of ammunition

    OP it looks like paintball guns would be included too.
This discussion has been closed.
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