Final answer:
Firearms and other weapons must be declared to the airline staff and must follow their instructions, typically requiring the weapons to be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and checked as baggage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper handling of firearms and other weapons on board an aircraft is a critical safety issue. According to airline regulations and the law, the correct handling is to declare them to the airline staff and follow their instructions. This typically involves checking the firearms as baggage, ensuring they are unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. It is against the law to store firearms in carry-on luggage, keep them accessible for personal protection, or to display them openly. Regulations may also require firearms to be stored with a trigger lock or similar device to prevent accidental discharge.
For example, the police may issue one-year licenses for handguns, but the code usually requires legally registered firearms to be kept unloaded and disassembled or secured with a trigger lock, unless in a place of business or being used for legal recreational activities. This approach is in line with ensuring the safety and security of all passengers on board.