Just wanted to share my experience flying from Spain (Malaga) to the UK with internal airsoft parts in my carry-on luggage, in case it helps anyone considering the same. This could probably help in some other EU countries as well.
Background:
I only considered doing this because I had pre-purchased parts from Finland and Italy to arrive at my address in Spain.
Nearly everything was RetroArms parts at significant discounts — hard to come by and expensive to replace. The only non-RetroArms item was the LCT AK magwell spacers.
I was trying to avoid shipping them separately or risking them in checked baggage due to time and coordination issues.
Previous Experience:
On a past trip, I had tried to take an airsoft pistol magazine in carry-on. In hindsight I couldn't believe I even tried this, I should have known better. It was flagged immediately and security said I’d have to either check it in the hold (too late) or have it confiscated. I chose the latter.
Lesson learned: magazines are a definite no in hand luggage.
This Time:
I packed the following internal-only parts in my carry-on:
2 gearboxes
2 motor cages
2 spring guides
1 cylinder
1 cylinder head
LCT AK magwell spacers
Nothing was externally gun-shaped or capable of functioning on its own. All were purely internal upgrade components.
I also brought:
Paperwork detailing what the items were, receipts and why I had them. In both Spanish and English.
My best attempt at staying calm and cooperative despite being rushed (I woke up an hour before the flight and was rushing like hell to get to the airport, don't do that!)
What Happened:
After going through the scanner, my bag was immediately pulled aside.
Security flagged the contents as “weapon-like in nature.”
I explained and handed over the documentation.
A police officer was called. Thankfully, he knew what airsoft was and confirmed the parts were internal-only and not part of a replica.
He still went to check with his superior, since it was a fairly large quantity.
The superior gave the green light, but warned me not to do it again, emphasizing that other officers could have refused it entirely.
I ended up having to sprint through the airport and barely made my flight. It was a close call as I had 7 minutes to run from Security, through Passport control and to the gate at the furthest end of B Terminal!
Key Point:
Even if what you’re carrying is legal, that does not mean you have the right to bring it in carry-on.
Airport security and airline staff have full discretion to confiscate or deny boarding over any item they find suspicious, even if it’s not prohibited by law.
Final Thoughts:
I got through this time because I had paperwork, remained polite, and the police officer was informed.
But it could have easily gone the other way.
TL;DR:
Only tried this because I had pre-bought RetroArms parts at a discount, shipped to Spain from Finland and Italy.
Packed all internal parts: no replica externals, no magazines.
Bag was pulled aside, police were called, and I was let through after a warning.
Legal doesn’t mean allowed — security can refuse anything.
Wouldn’t try it again — too stressful and risky.
If you do intend to try this. Please make sure you heed the above!