December 20, 2010

Amtrak began accepting unloaded firearms in checked baggage as of December 15 at stations and on trains operating that offer checked baggage service. This change in Amtrak's checked baggage policy was required by the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law one year ago.

Amtrak advises that not all Amtrak served stations or trains offer checked baggage service, and that passengers seeking to travel with their firearms must contact Amtrak prior to their trip to confirm which stations and trains offer checked baggage service. Furthermore, they must notify Amtrak that they will be checking firearms and/or ammunition at least 24 hours before train departure. Reservations for firearms or ammunition can be made only by calling the Amtrak reservations telephone number as online reservations are not accepted. Passengers must complete a firearms declaration form prior to beginning travel on the day of departure. Those failing to meet requirements for checking firearms will be denied transportation.

All firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns, starter pistols) must be unloaded and in an approved, locked, hard'sided container. The passenger must have sole possession of the key or the combination for the lock to the container. Locked, hard'sided containers containing smaller unloaded firearms such as handguns and starter pistols must be securely stored within a suitcase or other item of checked baggage. Rifles and shotguns will be stored in secure cabinets or areas of train stations and baggage cars.

To meet this new legal requirement, Amtrak made changes to its reservation system, installed secure storage at checked baggage train stations and modified 142 baggage cars to improve and secure firearm transport. It also is installing more visible signage in stations and on board trains to indicate restricted passenger areas. Amtrak advises that it spent about $2 million to implement this new requirement.