With a growing number of firearms and prohibited items found at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints in airports across the country, TSA officials at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) recently offered tips for traveling safely with properly registered firearms.

Firearms can be transported in checked baggage only. Firearms must be locked in a hard-sided container inside the checked bag. Firearm owners must declare firearm or ammunition when checking their bags and fill out a declaration form at the ticket counter/baggage check location. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. The container for the firearm when originally purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

Among other tips offered were:

• When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession 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.

When traveling with ammunition for firearms, TSA recommends:

• 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.

Learn more about traveling with a firearm at the TSA website.

Firearms are just one item that requires special attention. Learn more about items prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage at the TSA website.

For more information on traveling and TSA restrictions, check the TSA website.