[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 8]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR1544.203]

[Page 328-329]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
   CHAPTER XII--TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                            HOMELAND SECURITY
 
PART 1544_AIRCRAFT OPERATOR SECURITY: AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL 
OPERATORS--Table of Contents
 
                          Subpart C_Operations
 
Sec. 1544.203  Acceptance and screening of checked baggage.

    (a) Preventing or deterring the carriage of any explosive or 
incendiary. Each aircraft operator must use the procedures, facilities, 
and equipment described in its security program to prevent or deter the 
carriage of any unauthorized explosive or incendiary onboard aircraft in 
checked baggage.
    (b) Acceptance. Each aircraft operator must ensure that checked 
baggage carried in the aircraft is received by its authorized aircraft 
operator representative.
    (c) Screening of checked baggage. Except as provided in its security 
program, each aircraft operator must ensure that all checked baggage is 
inspected for explosives and incendiaries before loading it on its 
aircraft, in accordance with Sec. 1544.207.
    (d) Control. Each aircraft operator must use the procedures in its 
security program to control checked baggage that it accepts for 
transport on an aircraft, in a manner that:
    (1) Prevents the unauthorized carriage of any explosive or 
incendiary aboard the aircraft.
    (2) Prevents access by persons other than an aircraft operator 
employee or its agent.
    (e) Refusal to transport. Each aircraft operator must refuse to 
transport any individual's checked baggage or property if the individual 
does not consent to a search or inspection of that checked baggage or 
property in accordance with the system prescribed by this part.
    (f) Firearms in checked baggage. No aircraft operator may knowingly 
permit any person to transport in checked baggage:
    (1) Any loaded firearm(s).
    (2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless--
    (i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally 
or in writing before checking the baggage that any firearm carried in 
the baggage is unloaded;
    (ii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container;
    (iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the 
individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination; and

[[Page 329]]

    (iv) The checked baggage containing the firearm is carried in an 
area that is inaccessible to passengers, and is not carried in the 
flightcrew compartment,.
    (3) Any unauthorized explosive or incendiary.
    (g) Ammunition. This section does not prohibit the carriage of 
ammunition in checked baggage or in the same container as a firearm. 
Title 49 CFR part 175 provides additional requirements governing 
carriage of ammunition on aircraft.