Police - Legal Corner Flying Armed Firearms and commercial airliners, like water and oil, are not compatible. Part of this is to curtail the rash of skyjackings that occurred in the 1960s. Another reason for the restrictions is common sense. Aside from the risk of injury or death to passengers or crewmembers, discharging a firearm aboard a commercial airliner can seriously damage a plane. Questions regarding law enforcement personnel carrying firearms aboard commercial aircraft frequently arise, such as an officer assigned to training or attending a conference, an extradition, or investigation in another city.
Most departments require that officers be armed while on duty.
Things have changed over the past few years. Contrary to popular belief, the only law enforcement officers that are routinely permitted to fly armed are Federal Air Marshals and FBI agents as they have jurisdiction over any crimes which occur aboard commercial aircraft. Before one may be allowed to board a commercial flight while armed, several requirements must be met. The individual must be a sworn law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry firearms. The officer must have a compelling need to be armed.