Paintball has grown into an international sport, with events in almost every corner of the globe.  Opportunities to play in another countries are bountiful.

When preparing to travel for destination paintball, consider carefully how you pack your equipment.

In light of the increased threat of terrorist attacks traveling with paintball equipment is not as simple as it once was.

G.I. Milsim wants every travel you make to play our sport to be easy and hassle free.   We have complied a checklist with links to reference to make sure your next paintball vacation goes smooth!

TRAVELING WITH PAINTBALL EQUIPMENT

• Dissemble your Marker : However your marker is traveling, whether it be by package or in your checked luggage, be sure to dissemble the marker down to the smallest pieces possible.  Remove the barrel, loader and the air system.  Like it or not, many markers do in fact look like real firearms.  By dissembling it down to smaller pieces you reduce the risk of a security screener prematurely red flagging your bag.
• Remove the Air System : Be sure your air system is not attached to your marker, and that your air system is close to the top of your suitcase, as it will be very likely searched for inspection. Know your specific airlines guidelines for traveling with compressed air cylinders.
• Paintball Marker - Not Gun : When filling out paperwork, or reporting on the contents of your baggage, always refer to your equipment as sporting equipment and markers.  Never describe your marker as a gun.
• Let the Airline Know : Although often people recommend that you don't tell your airline about paintball equipment when traveling, it is actually a good idea.  Often they send it with the heavy, oversized and special luggage - which usually mean first out on the belt on arrival.  Letting the air line know ahead of time also prepares the security staff for your bag so there will be no surprises.
• Pack a Paintball Magazine : Pack a paintball magazine with your marker and air system, sometimes the TSA inspectors simply don't know what paintball is or what they are looking at - let the magazine speak for you when you can't be there yourself to explain.
• Ship your Equipment : The issues are fewer and far between if you can ship your paintball equipment to your destination, rather than traveling with it.  Call ahead to your hotel to discuss the requirements for them to accept a package on your behalf.  Try to ship at least a week in advance to allow for any mishandling of your package to be sorted before your arrival.
• Markers are Checked Baggage : The TSA allows paintball markers in CHECKED baggage only.  The Air System must not be attached to the marker. Refer to the TSA's Prohibited Items List
• Paintballs are Checked Baggage : Paintballs are also allowed, but as CHECKED baggage only.
• Make a List & Take Pictures : Make a list of all the paintball equipment you are bringing with you.  Mark the serial numbers when applicable and snap a picture with your cell phone.  Keep this information with your passport, this way should your baggage go missing or your marker stolen you have all the info needed to start a claim or police report.
• Check with Local Authorities : The TSA does not consider Paintball guns to be firearms, so according to the TSA, you can pack them, unlocked, in either soft or hard-sided luggage. In other countries like Australia, paintball guns are considered to be firearms, so if you plan on traveling to another country with your paintball equipment, first call the airline, or visit their website for information.
• Addresses : Be sure to put a luggage tag with contact information on it, such as a phone number or email address.  It is, however, recommended you use a place of business as the return mailing address, as there has been a rise of conartists scoping our arrival passagers for your home address to rob you when you are away.
• Pack only what you will need : If you are traveling with a paintball specific gear bag, you know how heavy they can be with nothing inside.  Be sure to only pack the equipment you will need and use.  This goes for tools as well.  Be prepared to pay for overages if your bag is more than the allowed 50 pounds.
• Buy Paintballs when you Get there : Paintballs are best purchased fresh.  Traveling with boxes of paint will add unnessasary weight to your baggage, and the possibitily of breakage or exposure to harmful temperatures while in the plane cargo.
• Think before you speak : Be calm, clear, polite and cooperative when answering questions from the various airport staff you encounter .  When talking to your friends, refering to your marker as a "gun" is fine - but be diligent in refering to it as a "marker" when speaking to non-paintball players.
• Honesty is the Best Policy : Be honest and avoid being confrontational or defensive with the airport staff.  They are simply doing their job, and by you doing your part you can have a pleasent travel experience free from unncesscary delays.

LINKS & ARTICLES ABOUT TRAVELING WITH PAINTBALL EQUIPMENT

• TSA Traveling with Paintball Equipment
• TSA Traveling with Compressed Air Cylinders

Passengers considering air travel with a compressed air or CO2 system would be advised to contact its manufacturer for guidance in locating a qualified technician, or to consider shipping the system to their destination via a parcel service.