Flying, Checked Baggage.....

kwoozn · #1 06-30-2009, 11:09 PM

...anyone have personal experiance checking your handguns when you fly?
I've read the TSA rules that further state to check with your airline for more info.
Specifically United.
They require the firearm be in a locked hard case, which is then to go into a hard suitcase(?) not too cncerned with the ammo requirements at this time.
Any tips or suggestions?

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Biker Bob · #2 06-30-2009, 11:25 PM

I flew out of Greater Cincinnati Airport without any problems. Flew back out of Ft.Myer, FL again without problems.

The only thing is that it took about 20 minutes for TSA to hand inspect my luggage but it was well worth it.

I would also highly reccommend buying some TSA approved combination locks to lock your suitcase. My suitcase was a soft side suitcase, not a hard case. The TSA locks can be found most anywhere locks are sold.

Use the smallest pistol gun cae that the gun will fit into to save space in the suitcase. I used the factory gun case that my pistol came in, put two loaded mags into a soft mag pouch, put the mag pouch in the gun case and then used two small master locks to lock the gun case.

You always keep the keys to the master locks but at check in, be prepaired to open the gun case for the TSA to inspect the gun to see that it's not loaded and then the gun goes back into the case and is locked up. Sometimes they don't even open the case to inspect the gun.

They then give you a red "unloaded weapon card" to sign and that attaches to the gun case.

After the inspection, the gun case goes back into your suitcase, you lock up your suitcase, they take your suit case to load onto the airplane and you go through secirity.

I also printed out the TSA and airline information and took it with me for the TSA guy to see that I knew the rules. Absolutely no problems so long as you follow their rules.

At check in you just tell the baggage attendant that you need for TSA to hand check your luggage because you're carrying a weapon.

I would also expect a more thorough examination when going through security.

All in all, I will always take my CC weapon with me whenever going to a state that accepts my CC permit.

Hope this helps, Bob

mofaster · #3 07-01-2009, 02:21 AM

I have flown internationally and cross country. As stated above, it helps to have the rules printed and make sure you follow them to the letter.

Only problem I have ever had was when one airline canceled my flight and rescheduled me through a partner airline that had different rules. This is where the print outs com in handy.

I would not take loaded mags as some airlines require that your ammo be in the factory box.

Be prepared for questions by security people, most of them are just curious about your guns more than about you being a threat.

sgtdave · #4 07-01-2009, 06:52 AM

Lock your pistols in a airline approved case with TSA locks on the case and put the case in your luggage with a lock on the suitcase also. When you get to the ticket counter tell them you need a firearms declaration form. They will ask you to show them the weapon and show it is unloaded. You can carry 11 pounds of ammo in your luggage as well. I travel with my guns to USPSA matches all the time with no problem. I really like the crowd reaction when you pull the weapon out and show clear at the ticket counter. My best reaction was with my 3 gun gear when I had to show my AR15, Benelli M1, and SVI Open pistol. I also carry my off duty gun when I travel to Washington DC twice a year with no problems. Southwest Airlines is the most gun friendly airline in my experience.

Biker Bob · #5 07-01-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtdave

Lock your pistols in a airline approved case with TSA locks on the case and put the case in your luggage with a lock on the suitcase also. When you get to the ticket counter tell them you need a firearms declaration form. They will ask you to show them the weapon and show it is unloaded. You can carry 11 pounds of ammo in your luggage as well. I travel with my guns to USPSA matches all the time with no problem. I really like the crowd reaction when you pull the weapon out and show clear at the ticket counter. My best reaction was with my 3 gun gear when I had to show my AR15, Benelli M1, and SVI Open pistol. I also carry my off duty gun when I travel to Washington DC twice a year with no problems. Southwest Airlines is the most gun friendly airline in my experience.

Good times, ahhh yes, good times! But didn't any liberals scream at you that you were killing bunnies or anything? Bob

MI_Jim · #6 07-01-2009, 10:23 AM

I've never had a problem with handguns in checked baggage either. I've always had to fill out an "unloaded firearms form" (or something like that) and put it in the case with the handgun. I also use TSA locks and keep ammo in factory boxes or plastic ammo boxes. A printed copy of the airline's regulations wouldn't hurt but I've never had any issues where they were needed.

One time at Chicago O'Hare I thought there was going to be a problem. The security person inspected my gun then called another guy over to look at it. I was really wondering what I did wrong when the second guy walked over to talk to me. Turns out he was a fellow "gun nut" and wanted to comment on my Kimber! I got worried again when I arrived at my final destination and my checked bag with the handgun was missing. It arrived several hours later on a different flight, but for a while there I wondered if one of the security people might have flagged it for theft or something.