Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits loaded magazines in carry-on luggage.
✅ Empty magazines are allowed in carry-on.
✅ Loaded or empty magazines are permitted in checked luggage, but must follow ammo rules:
- Loaded mags must be packed in a hard case or securely boxed.
- Airlines generally limit ammo to 11 lbs (5 kg) per passenger.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Empty magazines are permitted.
- Loaded magazines are not allowed in carry-on, even if under ammo limits.
- Checked luggage:
- Magazines (loaded or empty) are permitted.
- If loaded, the magazine must:
- Be stored in a hard-sided locked case with the firearm, or
- Be securely boxed in fiber, wood, or metal packaging to prevent accidental discharge.
- Loose ammo in magazines without protection is prohibited.
- International flights:
- Many countries ban importing magazines, especially high-capacity ones.
TSA Magazine Rules Summary
| Magazine Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Empty magazine | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Loaded magazine (unprotected) | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Loaded magazine (properly packed) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| High-capacity mags | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (customs restrictions may apply) |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Empty vs loaded: Empty mags in carry-on are fine, but loaded ones must go in checked.
- ✈️ Ammo rules apply: Loaded mags count toward the 11 lb ammo allowance.
- ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries ban importing magazines entirely, regardless of size.
- ✈️ Best practice: Always pack mags in a locked hard-sided case with your firearm.