PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED ITEMS

Ammunition, Explosives & Firearms

Traveling with Firearms or Ammunition on Delta? Here’s What You Need to Know:

Delta takes safety seriously and follows all applicable laws when it comes to transporting firearms and related items:

  • We treat handguns, rifles, shotguns, starter pistols, firearm parts (like frames or receivers), and silencers as firearms under federal law.
  • Items like BB guns, paintball markers, and air guns are also handled like firearms.
  • Compressed gas cartridges are classified as dangerous goods and are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
  • You can pack empty air cylinders and paintballs in your checked bags.
  • Blank cartridges count as ammunition, so they must follow our checked ammunition rules.

While firearms and ammunition can be checked as sporting equipment with strict guidelines, there are a few exceptions as required by law. Review the regulations before you bring anything potentially hazardous to the airport.

AMMUNITION

We allow small arms ammunition, in quantities not exceeding 11 lbs. (5 kg) per person, as checked baggage only. The weapon must be securely boxed and intended for that person's own use. More than one passenger may not combine quantities into one package. See more details/guidelines under shooting equipment.

You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA website.

Note: Gunpowder (e.g., Pyrodex, black powder), mace, pepper spray and tear gas are never permitted.

International Firearms and Ammunition Restrictions

In addition to the country-specific restrictions listed below, you should always check the customs requirements and applicable laws for your points of transit and destination.

Ammunition and Firearms – Morocco

Ammunition and firearms are not allowed on any Delta operated flight to Morocco.

Ammunition Transport – South Africa

When departing from South Africa with weapons and ammunition:

  • Pack the ammunition separately in a small, locked box or case inside your checked bag
  • Keep weapons and ammunition apart, never store them in the same case
  • Ammunition should not be packed with clothing

All above guidelines must be met in addition to packing and declaring firearms guidelines required on Delta Air Lines.

AMMUNITION AND FIREARMS - SOUTH KOREA

When traveling to and through South Korea, all firearms and ammunition in checked baggage must be declared at the time of check-in/baggage drop-off.

Failure to declare firearms and ammunition may result in confiscation of the firearms/ammunition in South Korea, refused entry to South Korea or continued travel, and possible fines. Customers must declare exact quantity and type of firearms (serial number if available) and exact quantity of ammunition.

Please read important information regarding packaging and presenting/declaring firearms at check-in.

AMMUNITION – UNITED KINGDOM

Weapons and ammunition departing from the United Kingdom must be packed in a small box or case. That box or case must be locked and placed inside checked baggage. Ammunition cannot be stored in the same case as the weapon. These guidelines must be met in addition to packing and declaring firearms guidelines required on Delta Air Lines.

FIREWORKS OR EXPLOSIVES

Don’t even think about it. Firecrackers, signal flares, Christmas crackers or sparklers are not allowed anytime, as a carry-on or checked baggage. If in doubt about an item that could be explosive, leave it at home. These items are not allowed on any Delta Air Lines flights.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR SOLIDS

Flammable liquids are rarely allowed on Delta flights. Guidelines for carrying flammable liquids are as follows:

  • A fuel lighter is permitted in your pocket or in carry-on baggage only
  • Up to two lighters are allowed in your checked baggage if they are properly enclosed in a U.S. Department of Transportation approved case
  • Lighters without fuel are allowed as checked or carry-on baggage
  • Lighter refills, fuels (such as gasoline or Sterno cans), paints, stains, lubricants, and "strike-anywhere" matches are not allowed
  • One regular matchbook is permitted in your pocket as long as it isn’t the "strike anywhere" matches
  • Torch or blue flame lighters are strictly prohibited
  • Lithium battery-powered lighters without a safety cap or means of protection against unintentional activation are prohibited in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, and as when carried on one’s person.