Vacation is coming on and paintball players are getting ready for an exciting paintball tournament. What about the new paintball player? Do you know if can you travel with a paintball gun or not?

Because just like mailing paintball guns is not allowed in some countries, traveling with a paintball gun is also not allowed. And some are allowed but have strict rules to follow. What are those rules? How to pack the gun for traveling and have lots of questions in mind?

I am here to answer you. This article is specifically written for those of you who want to know whether or not you can travel with your paintball gun. The answer, surprisingly enough, may surprise you!

So whether you’re planning a Paintball Tournament in Canada or just want to play a nostalgic game on memory lane, read on for all the details you need!

Can you take a paintball gun on a plane?

Yes, paintball guns are classified as air guns, and technically speaking, they can be taken with you on an airplane. According to TSA air guns are considered “non-firearm weapons” not replica firearm or bb guns, which means that they don’t require a license to own or carry. So you can travel with a paintball gun as long as it is packed in your checked luggage. However, make sure that the gun is unloaded and all the ammunition is removed before flying. You should also be aware of any local laws that may apply to the transportation of firearms. And if you’re taking it on an international trip, make sure you have the appropriate documentation so that everything goes smoothly during security. Print a web copy of TSA approving paintball to travel with and keep in the luggage. In case the scrutiny tries to stop you from carrying it, you can show them the TSA document that it’s allowed to travel with a paintball gun in the plane. And if you are under 18 years, don’t forget to bring the permission paper from your parents.

How do you pack a paintball machine to fly?

As we know paintball gun is a sensitive sports item, and some countries declared it as a firearm and restricted their entry and exit. So you have to be very careful with it. If If you don’t pack the paintball machine properly and follow other rules and regulations, countries, where you can take paintball guns, will also refuse to allow you to take them. So how to pack a paintball machine to fly? It’s very simple, let’s know below in a few simple steps. 

  • First of all, you have to unassemble the paintball gun and remove the barrel.  Then unload the marker if it has some ammunition inside, and remove the battery. Then detach the air tank and empty it. 
  • Put the paint and battery in a separate ziplock bag or plastic container. And pack the empty air tank in a hard container and unscrewed its reg screw. 
  • Now wrap the airsoft gun with bubble wrapping, a t-shirt, or a towel. You can use other protective materials as well. Then place it inside a ziplock bag.
  • If you have the paintball gun original box it came with, that is best. But if don’t have still any problem, you can carry it in a gear bag, gun case, or regular box. Take a large box, and line it with some protective materials for safety. Then place the marker, battery &ammunition, and empty air tank inside the box.
  • don’t forget to carry the paintball accessories like a paintball mask, pants, jerseys, kneed pads, and other special items to avoid any injury. 
  • Now seal the box securely and you can write a note on the box like I am carrying a paintball marker and related products following TSA rules in a checked bag.

Can you take a paintball compressed air tank on a plane?

Yes, you can take a compressed air tank on a plane, but you have to make sure the tank is unscrewed and empty. A compressed air cylinder is a high-pressure air tank that is risky to carry filled. It can create an explosion anytime in the plane and make us seriously injured. 

So it’s not allowed to carry a filled compressed air tank on a plane. If you want to take it on a plane, you have to remove it from the paintball gun, empty it, and leave it to unscrew. 

Attention! If you are not an expert don’t try to do this at home on your own. Take it to a local paintball store and do the work by a professional. High-pressure air is too dangerous for us. 

Finally, pack it in a hard container, and write a note on the container, it’s carrying a high-pressure empty air tank to avoid airport security problems. Again the Transportation Security Administration allowed air tanks on a plane in checked luggage, so don’t forget to get a web copy of that page.

Can you bring paintball guns across the border?

Yes, you can bring paintball guns across the border if the country you are entering allows it. You know some countries consider a paintball gun as an imitation firearm, similarly dangerous like a weapon, bb gun, shotgun, or rifle, and don’t allow to carry them freely. And some countries also there that allow bringing paintball guns across the border but with proper documentation. So follow the rules of bringing paintball guns across the border and don’t forget to bring the documentation, and web copies of TSA.

 

Final verdict

Many countries are now allowing paintball guns and other paintball gear to be transported in checked baggage following some rules and regulations. So, if you’re looking to bring your paintball equipment on your next vacation, you can safely do so! 

Do you have any experience traveling with a paintball gun? Share about it in the comments section below!