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Air guns

 
Carry-on bag
Checked-in luggage
Air guns
 
 

Can I take this item on a plane?

Carriage of air guns, including air-soft and paintball guns, are permitted only as checked-in luggage and only if the airline approves carriage.

What are the restrictions?

  • Ask your airline before your travel.
  • Carriage of air guns are permitted only as checked-in luggage.
  • Some air guns can only be possessed by a person with a firearms licence.
  • If you are unlicensed and have doubts as to lawfulness of the air gun leave it at home.

Note: We do not recommend passengers take toy guns when they travel as this will result in your bag being searched and may result in the toy being removed. The carriage of toy guns will also create delays as your bag will need to be opened to verify that the item is safe.

Why is this item restricted?

It is almost impossible to differentiate an air gun from other types of firearms and the response from security agencies will be proportionate to the perceived risk to people.

  • If you are found in possession of an air gun on your person or in carry-on luggage:
  • the NZ Police will be alerted
  • you may be arrested
  • the air gun may be seized.

What happens if I have a restricted item in my carry-on bag?

You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:

  • you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
  • your airline will be advised of your refusal.

How does Aviation Security screen for restricted items?

AvSec X-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them.

  • Checked luggage - if something comes up on the X-ray that needs investigating, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous good or prohibited item will be removed, with a bag search notification form left within the bag.
  • Carry-on - if something comes up on the X-ray that needs investigating an AvSec Officer will request a bag search, and the bag will be opened and searched in your presence. If any dangerous goods or prohibited items are found, you will be asked to relinquish them.  If you refuse:
    • you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
    • your airline will be advised of your refusal

What if my items are removed?

For more information, see Retrieving your removed items.

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