Jet DesertFox has been a large blip in the Popular Airsoft in the recent months for all the good reasons. The first thing is that he has been doing some kick-ass in-game airsoft videos; and the second good reason is he has been willing  to share whatever information that he thinks would be helpful to airsoft players, veterans and newbies alike. His latest video on air travel with airsoft guns is one of the most helpful videos for any serious airsoft who player who seeks to go to farther places to play airsoft.

To put it simply, the video affirms how we should treat airsoft guns: like firearms instead of toys, no matter how airsoft manufacturers label their products as toys. In this case, transporting airsoft guns by land, sea or air, think of transporting a real gun instead and that means following precautions and researching ahead before taking your airsoft gun to the airport.

Another thing is that you should not hide the fact that you are transporting a gun. Tell your airline and airport security that you're carrying an airsoft gun and you have properly followed their procedures on how to store an airsoft gun in an approved bag or case. The best really is to visit the government website, for example, the TSA in the US, and also the airline's website in transporting certain items such as firearms. This will save you the headache of missing your flight or hassled by airport security for not following established procedures.

The case in the USA may not necessarily be the same in other countries. While European players usually just drive to airsoft events in other European countries, some countries, in this case those in the United Kingdom may need to take the plane to play in another European country. They will have to contact the local police and their airline prior to travelling.

At Berget Events, they usually recommend shipping your airsoft gun ahead with their recommended couriers and they will also ship it back for you. It's actually the most practical way, but also expensive since you have to pay another company for the transport of your airsoft gun. Having checked in your luggage by using baggage allowances would help save on costs.

In other countries, airsoft players will need "permit to carry" issued by the local police.

Overall, here are the following tips to help you avoid the hassle of being accosted and prevented from travelling with your airsoft gun:

• Research ahead on policies concerning carrying airsoft guns/replica guns/firearms at airline websites, airport websites, and government websites;
• Get the necessary permits from the Police to carry if need be days ahead before you need to travel by air;
• Know the local rules such as FPS limits, weapons sights and accessories, allowed and fire modes in your destination, especially  if it's another country. But if airsoft is banned in your destination, you better doubt the game organizer and stop any airsoft travel plans. He might put you in even deeper trouble;
• Get a proper case, which usually is a hard case that can be securely locked; and
• Ask other trusted players who have had good or bad experiences in travelling with airsoft guns by air. Weigh the risks.

Sometimes, the simplest thing to avoid such hassles is to inform the airsoft event organizers if they'll be able to furnish rental guns and magazines. However, if you think you can only play with the airsoft gun that you personally own, no one's stopping you travelling with your airsoft gun as long as you have done your homework properly.

Jet has highlighted a concern in airsoft when travelling and has provided the answers that U.S.-based airsoft players should know and follow. If you want to share more information so that airsoft players will be able to avoid legal hassles and trouble with the authorities especially in airports where security paranoia is understandably high, it would be great to have it posted somewhere where it can be easily found by airsoft players around the world. One such great example is Popular Airsoft *wink*wink*.