Axe throwing is a ton of fun, but when it comes to travel, you need to make sure
Any seasoned adventurer knows that traveling with an axe can be a bit of a challenge. Not only are they bulky and difficult to carry, but they also tend to attract a lot of unwanted attention. There are a lot of assumptions that you are an axe murderer when in reality, you are taking an uber to an axe throwing tournament. Customs officials are often suspicious of anyone traveling with anything that could be considered a weapon, like an axe. In addition, because of safety precautions many times there are strict regulations around how axes can and cannot be transported. If you don’t know the rules, you will have a huge headache.
But if you know the rules, then you will be able to travel fine with your axes no problem.
Here are the things you need to know different types of transportation has different rules regarding how axes need to be stored in order to be transported. Most forms of transportation will allow sharp objects or weapons, but they need to be checked and can’t be brought into the cabin. This is the case for airlines and buses.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t play one on TV, so this isn’t legal advice, and if you get in trouble, that’s on you.
Planes & Airlines Axe Regulations
According to aviation.gov axes are considered weapons along with hatchets and ice picks which means they must be placed in checked luggage to be transported.
If you don’t comply with these regulations, you will not be allowed to go past the screening point, and they will advise your airline not to allow you to fly. Likely the axes will be seized and removed, which means you might not be able to get them back, so make sure if you travel on a plane, you place all of your axes into a checked bag.
Buses
Very similar to planes, you are allowed to bring axes onto a bus if they are in checked bags. If you don’t check them, then you won’t be allowed to bring them onto public transportation because you will have what is considered a weapon in the cabin, which is not allowed.
Trains & Amtrak
To travel with an axe on a train, you need to ensure the axe is in checked luggage. The same as if you are on a bus or plane. Weapons and sharp objects are not usually allowed in the cabin area of trains.
If the train you are traveling on doesn’t have the option to check your bag, you are likely not allowed to bring an axe on board. Although it’s never a bad idea to check first.
Taxis & Ride Share
Uber
When researching this article, I found axes are allowed in an uber but are not allowed for their package delivery service. Uber has a restriction on firearms during rides but never explicitly states that axes or other weapons or sharp objects are not allowed during traditional uber rides. Likely it would be up to the driver as long as you are normal and not acting erratically or threatening with it stored or sheathed, I doubt it would be a problem.
Personally, I have ridden in ubers with axes that were out and visible but sheathed and had no problems.
Lyft
Lyft has a “No Weapons” policy for its drivers and riders; however, on the list of what constitutes a weapon, there is no mention of an axe. It is important to note that under most definitions I’ve seen, axes are considered weapons, and Lyft also has this in their safety policy “Lyft reserves sole judgment on what else may constitute a “weapon.” Meaning they can define an axe as a weapon if they want.
That means, technically, they aren’t banned, but you should be smart to have them stored away in a bag and sheathed so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you don’t have a bag, I would just mention to the driver that you have a throwing axe that will remain sheathed to ensure they are comfortable with that before getting in their vehicle.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t play one on TV, so this isn’t legal advice, and if you get in trouble, that’s on you.
Taxis
Since there are multiple different taxi companies all in different states, it’s hard to say if they are universally allowed or not. From what I can tell, there is no uniform policy or regulation about transporting an axe in a taxi. If you are nervous when making your reservation ask the company if it is allowed or ensure that it is not visible or obvious when you transport your axes.
Car
You are allowed to have an axe in your car while driving there are no regulations against this, but I would advise that you make sure it is stored or secured somewhere. If you get in an accident, even a small fender bender, you don’t want an axe flying around in the car. Make sure it is sheathed and locked down if you can to prevent movement.
Important Notes & Takeaways for traveling with an axe
- I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t play one on TV, so this isn’t legal advice, and if you get in trouble, that’s on you.
- If you have the option to check a bag, then put your axe in the checked bag.
- Make sure your axe is sheathed and not visible in a bag it will make everyone more comfortable.
- Ensure that if your axe is not in a bag, it is secured and sheathed in case an accident happens to axes aren’t flying around.
- You can always just ask and be 100% sure.
