There's a lot of unclear information out there about how to travel with airsoft guns, which can make planning your trips trickier than you'd like. So, to help clear up a lot of the confusion and vague information, we've done the research for you.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about travelling with airsoft guns in the UK.
Whether you're travelling within the country or even internationally, we've gathered the latest information to make your travels as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Key Points
- Always have a lawful reason for carrying your airsoft gun, such as travelling to or from a skirmish, retailer, or repair site.
- Keep proof of your lawful ownership, like your UKARA card or booking confirmation.
- Transport guns unloaded, concealed, and locked in a case or bag; never display them publicly or leave them unattended.
- For flights, airsoft guns must go in checked luggage, declared at check-in, and only with airlines that allow sporting firearms — breaking transport laws can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution, so always plan ahead and check local regulations before you travel.
What the Airsoft UK Law Says About Transporting Air Weapons
As an owner of an airsoft weapon and member of the airsoft community, you should ensure you're clued up on the UK's airsoft laws, as there's some really important information you need to be aware of — no matter how short or far your journey is.
While airsoft guns may not be considered firearms, they’re still subject to certain laws and regulations.
Our article 'Airsoft Laws in the UK & The Rest of the World' covers this in detail, but here's a quick run-through of the regulations that affect transporting airsoft guns in particular:
Firearms Act (1968)
According to this law, it's considered an offence for a person to carry a loaded or unloaded air weapon in a public place without lawful authority or a reasonable explanation.
A "reasonable excuse" for carrying an air weapon in a public place could include travelling to or from an approved shooting range or participating in a legitimate sporting event.
It's always best to keep booking emails or membership cards with you as proof that you’re headed to or from a legitimate activity with your airsoft gun, should you ever be asked to present it to authorities.
Extra info:
Section 57A of this Act notes that airsoft guns are not regarded as firearms for the purpose of this Act.
However, the Metropolitan Police state that, in England and Wales, airsoft weapons are classed as firearms if they are 'lethal barrelled', meaning if they have muzzle energy greater than 1 joule.
Violent Crime Reduction Act (2006/2007)
Under the VCRA, it’s illegal to manufacture, import, or sell a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) unless you can demonstrate a legitimate defence for doing so.
However, the Act does not make it illegal to own or transport an airsoft gun, provided you have a lawful reason for doing so.
When travelling with your airsoft guns, the key point is that you must be able to prove that you’re transporting them for a valid and lawful purpose.
Section 37 of the Act provides specific defences for people who use RIFs for legitimate activities.
For airsoft players, the most common defence is participation in insured and recognised airsoft games or reenactments. This is typically proven through UKARA (United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association) membership or registration with a recognised airsoft site.
If questioned by the police or other authorities, carrying your UKARA membership card, event booking confirmation, or club membership details can help demonstrate your defence and show that your possession and transport of a RIF is lawful.
Can You Take Airsoft Guns on Public Transport?
So, where does all of that leave us when it comes to transporting airsoft guns?
Well, provided you've complied with the above legal requirements and have a valid defence, you can take your RIFs on public transport.
BUT — and this is a big but — that doesn't mean you can openly carry your airsoft guns or brandish them, or you may end up getting yourself in trouble (and making your fellow passengers very uncomfortable).
Advice on Travelling With Air Guns on Public Transport
To make your journey as smooth as possible, we recommend the following tips when travelling with airsoft guns on public transport:
✓ Keep Your Airsoft Gun Securely Concealed in an Unidentifiable Bag
By this, we don't mean you need to go all MI5 with a hidden compartment or anything, but rather use a simple airsoft bag to keep your gun out of plain sight.
If you normally keep your weapon in a gun case, we'd suggest putting the gun case in another bag, like a rucksack or a holdall.
✘ Don't Leave Your Air Weapon Unattended
It should be inaccessible to anyone else, so don't leave your bag on a seat next to you or in an overhead compartment if you can help it.
Or, consider putting a padlock on the bag to add an extra layer of security.
✓ Keep Your Documents Close By
Have your UKARA or other official Airsoft retailer membership card with you at all times, as well as your ID.
In the situation where you are stopped by law enforcement, it's important to have these documents readily available to show that you’re a responsible and legal airsoft player.
If you have booking emails confirming your participation in an airsoft event, it's also a good idea to have those readily available in case authorities request them.
✓ Disclose Any Airsoft Replicas in Transit
Should your mode of transport require it, you should also disclose any airsoft replicas you have in your possession.
You'll need to do your own research for this part, as different networks, organisations, and countries have differing regulations on what is or isn't allowed on their transport systems.
✓ Have Your Air Weapon Receipt
Having evidence of when, where, and how you purchased your air weapon will make it easier for you to prove it was obtained legally.
Keep the receipt in a safe place and make a copy if necessary. This can also be a digital receipt or email if you purchased your weapon online.
✘ Don't Remove the Air Gun from the Bag
Even if you get chatty with the person sitting next to you, refrain from getting your air gun out of the bag and showing it off.
Remember, it's against the law to carry an air weapon in a public place without a valid reason, so make sure to keep it securely stored until you are able to use it safely and legally.
Additionally, displaying your air gun in public can also lead to misunderstanding or panic from others around you — and you won't be the most popular passenger if you cause delays or disruptions due to improper handling of your air gun.
Can You Take Airsoft Guns on Planes?
Should you ever find yourself travelling abroad for an airsoft event (lucky bugger), you won't just need to take into account the airsoft UK laws, but also the laws of the country you're headed to.
For this, you can visit our guide below, which details the main airsoft laws around the world:
Airsoft Laws in the UK & The Rest of the World
But also conduct your own research, as laws change frequently, and enforcement can vary from country to country.
You will also need to check airline regulations.
Some airlines, like EasyJet, allow "sporting firearms" to be transported provided they meet certain requirements (and for an additional fee). Others, like Jet2, do not.
Your best bet is to phone the airline directly or check their website for specific information on transporting firearms.
Do Airsoft Guns Need to Be Checked Luggage?
The GOV.uk website states that "you cannot take any guns or firearms (including air rifles and starting pistols) as hand luggage.". If the airline allows it, airsoft guns should be packed in checked luggage, securely stored, and declared at check-in.
Most airlines that approve the travel of airsoft guns will require you to complete a declaration form. Without this form, you could face legal consequences.
Phone the airline ahead of time to discuss their specific regulations regarding airsoft guns. You may also want to contact the airport security of your destination country to ensure you comply with their regulations as well.
What are the Consequences for Not Following Proper Airsoft Gun Transport Regulations?
Failing to follow the correct laws and transport regulations for airsoft guns can have serious consequences, even if your intentions are completely innocent.
The main risk lies in how your airsoft gun is perceived, especially by members of the public or law enforcement.
Because RIFs look like real weapons, carrying or displaying them in the wrong place can easily lead to misunderstandings and potentially a police response.
Under UK law, possible consequences include:
- Police confiscation of your airsoft gun — If you’re found transporting it in public without a reasonable excuse or proper documentation, officers may seize the replica on the spot.
- Fines or prosecution under the Firearms Act (1968) — Carrying an imitation or air weapon in a public place without lawful authority or a reasonable excuse is an offence that can result in fines, a criminal record, or, in severe cases, imprisonment.
- Charges under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (2006/2007) — Modifying a two-tone imitation firearm to make it more realistic, or selling/importing a RIF without a valid defence, can lead to prosecution.
- Permanent confiscation or travel bans abroad — When travelling internationally, failure to declare or properly store your airsoft guns could result in confiscation by airport security or customs, and in some countries, entry refusal or a ban from travelling with replicas again.
- Damage to the airsoft community’s reputation — Irresponsible handling or public incidents can lead to tighter restrictions for everyone in the hobby, which is why it’s so important for players to transport and store their equipment responsibly.
In short, always err on the side of caution. Keep your gear locked, concealed, and properly documented, and make sure anyone you’re travelling with understands the same rules.
Responsible ownership and transport protect you legally, but they also help maintain airsoft’s good standing across the UK and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the sport safely and without unnecessary scrutiny.
Summary
We know that's a lot of information, so, to summarise all of the key points, here's a quick checklist for responsible airsoft transport:
- Always check local laws and regulations before travelling with airsoft equipment.
- Keep all necessary documentation, such as membership cards, receipts of purchase, and booking confirmations, with you at all times.
- Invest in a proper gun case or bag to transport your airsoft equipment safely.
- Make sure all guns are unloaded and have their magazines removed before travelling.
- Remember that it is a punishable offence in the UK to carry an airsoft gun in public without a reasonable excuse.
- Know your rights and defences in relation to the Violent Crime Reduction Act and Firearms Act.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't use this information as your only resource — laws and regulations change, and everyone's individual circumstances are different. It’s highly recommended to stay up-to-date with current laws, and seek professional advice if needed.
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