Flying with a Firearm

[shane]

Hey gang, So I am going to be traveling to Texas this Thursday and I want to bring my carry gun. I double checked that my permit will be allowed in Texas. I am flying Midwest (operated by Frontier) to Texas and Frontier coming home. I checked both Midwest's firearms policy (Here (http://midwestairlines.custhelp.com/app/answers/websearch_detail/a_id/432/session/L3NpZC9XOGpHMkYzaw%3D%3D/kw/firearm/sort/1,1/webSearchType/1/r_id/10016/sno/1)) and Frontiers firearms policy (Here (http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/plan-book/travel-info-services/baggage/equipment-firearms.do)) and what I gather is the firearm must be unloaded and in a hard case that can be locked and I must declar the pistol too. It also seems I will be able to put any ammo I am bringing along in that same case as long as it is in the original boxes. I still need to get some type of locking case for my springfield xd. Does anyone have any advice where I can get a case like this locally? Also, is it ok for my to put the belt and holster in my bag I plan on checking in with all my clothes and stuff in it? I would love to hear the experience of people who have traveled with firearms in the past so I can avoid any headaches at the airport.

[Byte Stryke]

Outdoor world/Bass pro shops, Gander Mountain... Most larger gun shops will have a nice locking case.


http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95085_425005010_425000000_425005000_425-5-10

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95089_425005010_425000000_425005000_425-5-10

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=426200&pdesc=Boyt_Tactical_Double_Handgun_Hard_Sided_Trav el_Case&aID=510L3&merchID=4006

There there is this thing..
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=427522&pdesc=All_Outdoors_Bandito_Vaquero_Flight_Proof_Gu n_Case&aID=510L3&merchID=4006

Just some Ideas

[johngraves2]

I found this on the united page. I am sure it is similar for all carriers.


Federal regulations require that firearms in checked baggage or in their own shipping cases be unloaded and declared. Firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags. Firearms in checked baggage must be packed in a locked hard-sided bag or gun case. TSA locks are not approved for securing firearms. A maximum of 11 lbs. of small arms ammunition is allowed in checked luggage in the original manufacturer's box or securely packed in a fiber, wood or metal box to prevent movement of cartridges.

[psawjack]

I just went through this business about 2 months ago for the first time. I would recommend you picking up a Pelican case. There was a guy on this forum who was selling or trading Pelican cases for ammo. Here's a link to his thread. Maybe he still has some.

http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20767&highlight=pelican+case

Inside a 1450 series Pelican case I had 2 pistols with 2 magazines each and a factory box of SD ammo. The Pelican case was then locked and placed inside a overnight type roller suitcase. I walked up to the Southwest Airlines counter and told the attendant that I needed an inspection done on my suitcase and I had to fill out a small form and place it inside the case directly on top of the pistols. Then I had to accompany the case to a luggage x-ray machine and wait while it was scanned. When I received the all-clear I was good to go. I had my carrying belt on my body and 2 holsters in my other piece of luggage and didn't have any problems with both of those items.

The info from the airlines website was good except for one thing (which I found out when I called up the airlines customer service): I read online that the Pelican case could be checked in as is but the CS rep told me that the locked Pelican case needed to be located inside another soft unlocked suitcase. No big problem for me though.

Any questions let me know.

Patrick

[bjl913]

you are pretty much good to go! I just got a cheap hardsided case that locks at big 5 sporting goods, nothing fancy, but it will easily hold 2 full size pistols or one with accessories and ammo.

Also, they will probably open your bag just to make sure that the declaration slip is properly placed in/on the firearm, and to make sure it is actually in the case, so make sure you get a TSA approved lock for you suitcase, or else it they will cut off your lock and not put anything back on it... not cool! On the firearm case itself though DO NOT USE A TSA LOCK ON THE FIREARM CASE, AND MAKE SURE THIS IS A LOCK WITH A KEY, NOT A COMBO, AND THE ONLY KEY IS IN YOUR POSESSION, NOT IN THE BAG!!! If they want to open the firearm case, they will page you and have you come open it yourself. Much better than some sneaky TSA dork getting himself a nice XD for free, and you having no proof who did it!

The whole process was super easy and painless. Pack the firearm on top... When I checked my bag, I said that I had a firearm to declare in my checked luggage, the lady working the counter gave a few quick keystrokes, asked me if it was unloaded and if any ammo was in the original boxes. I said yes, she handed me an orange tag and said to put it in the box with part of the tag/string hanging out, relock it, and put it back in my suitcase. If TSA had questions, they would call me over the loudspeaker, so keep my ears open! I was never paged, and everything went smooth, unfortunately, the TSA guys did go through my bag that was packed pretty stratigically to protect some valuable stuff from my grandfathers estate, and with things being shifted, the stuff was broken.... grrrrrr!

Hope this is helpful!!!

~Ben

[shane]

So do I need to fill out paperwork before I go to make things easier? Can I get this off of the TSA's website? Also what is a TSA approved lock? Are we talking a master lock with a key? And it looks like I'll pack an empty bag just incase they want me to put the hard case in a soft shell bag as patric was saying. Good info here gentelmen. Thank you.

[bjl913]

a TSA lock has their logo on it, and usually has a second key hole so the guards can open your bag for inspection. You can find them at walmart in the section where they sell locks or luggage. http://www.rei.com/product/714382?preferredSku=7143820012&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7143820012&mr:trackingCode=8886071B-81F9-DE11-BAE3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA its that little red diamond you are looking for. the packaging is usually VERY clearly marked... If you dont have that kind of lock on your checked bag, expect it to get cut off...

As far as the soft side bag, most suitcases are soft (fabric) sided and as long as the pistol case is hard sided, and is inside there, you are good to go.

No paperwork to fill out on your end, they may have you sign something agreeing to their policy, but literally, the bag only took maybe an extra 30-45 seconds to check than if I had not had a gun with me.

So again. Hardsided pistol case with standard keyed masterlock(only you can open this one!!!) Pistol unloaded, Ammo in original box in case /w pistol. Hardsided case inside your suitcase on top. Suitcase locked /w TSA lock. Tell the clerk you have a firearm to declare in your checked luggage, she will have you sign a red or orange tag agreeing to their policy and stating it is unloaded and packed properly, you will stick that tag either in the pistol case, or on top of the pistol case, depending on their instruction. And then keep your ears open for a page if they want you to open up the pistol case. I wouldnt worry too much about it. Ive only done it one time, and was nervous about taking a gun in a freaking airport, but it ended up being no big deal at all!

[funkfool]

Where is LariatBob when you need him...
Probably on an airplane.
[Coffee]

[tonantius]

I have traveled via air thrice with a handgun and the first time was a little strange but after that it was o big deal. The airline employee assumes that you are an leo. Denver is kind of stupid because you have to go to a central location for TSA to x-ray your bag. In Houston they have an x-ray machine near the ticketing counter.

I bought a hard case from Midway USA. It was $30+ and has a 4-digit combination lock. I can put two pistols or one with extra mags in it. I put the ammo in original packaging in the suitcase near the pistol case. I have a specific box of ammo that I use for flights.

United has a 1st class desk that is specific for declaring firearms in the West Terminal.

[hurley842002]

Good info guys, this would make good sticky material.

[cowboykjohnson]

Good info guys, this would make good sticky material.
+1

[shane]

Outdoor world/Bass pro shops, Gander Mountain... Most larger gun shops will have a nice locking case.


http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95085_425005010_425000000_425005000_425-5-10

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95089_425005010_425000000_425005000_425-5-10

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=426200&pdesc=Boyt_Tactical_Double_Handgun_Hard_Sided_Trav el_Case&aID=510L3&merchID=4006

There there is this thing..
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=427522&pdesc=All_Outdoors_Bandito_Vaquero_Flight_Proof_Gu n_Case&aID=510L3&merchID=4006

Just some Ideas



Thanks for everyone's advice and information. I now feel like I have a clear understanding of the procedure that will take place and feel less nervous about everything. I ended up going with the second option there.

[spleify]

So, you need two different locks? One on the gun case, and one on the suite case?

Are other airports the same when traveling back?

Thanks

[bjl913]

So, you need two different locks? One on the gun case, and one on the suite case?

Are other airports the same when traveling back?

Thanks

Regulations say you gotta have one on your gun case, and it would just be foolish to not put one on your suitcase with a firearm or anything of value in it if you are checking your bag! Its like shipping something and not taping the box shut! lol

[spleify]

Regulations say you gotta have one on your gun case, and it would just be foolish to not put one on your suitcase with a firearm or anything of value in it if you are checking your bag! Its like shipping something and not taping the box shut! lol

That makes sense! Thanks

So do other airports work th esame way when you are traveling back?

Thanks

[bjl913]

for the most part. Some may have different methods of paging if they need you after you check the bag. or they may have different ways or places doing the xray. on my way back from sarrasota fl, they either didnt xray the bag in my presence, or did it right there where i checked it, I never had to escort my bag or anything. Usually they are really clear about any special instructions like where to take your bag for xray, or what to listen for on the paging PA system if they need you.

[Jer]

I always always ALWAYS print the TSA on firearms. Lately it's been much easier as more people learn to do their jobs but when the rules first passed it was a PITA flying with firearms because most didn't know how to do their job and if you told them you were THAT guy. You print their own web page instructions and it's pretty hard for them to argue. I fold it up and keep it in my back pocket... just in case. I haven't needed it for years.

I use a Winchester handgun case which has three layers of foam. I generally travel with my wife so we both use the factory locks to lock both of our slides in the open position. I then use a double mag carrier for both of our mags which are loaded with the carry ammo. If you read the TSA it states that it needs to be either in the factory ammo box or in a magazine with something covering the top. I put the mag carrier on top of the bottom foam piece with a piece of foam between it and the pistols with the top piece naturally being inside the lid. This is the easiest for me and if you review the rules until you have them memorized and say at the counter 'I have firearms to declare' it generally goes pretty smooth. If they ask to see I open it, lift the lower foam to show them the secured ammunition and then the firearms on the top and close it up. It's the classic 'act like you know what you're doing' even if you don't and life will be smooth.

They will look at it (some don't even do that any more) and make you fill out tag which goes INSIDE of the gun case. You then lock it up and at this point I ask them if anyone needs to inspect them because that is something I do NOT allow when I am not present. I will allow anyone else in the chain of command to inspect them fully in my presence but I make it clear that that case is NOT to be opened when I'm not around or the airline will be responsible for the contents should they come up missing or damaged. In short, once I lock it it's to remain closed/locked until I open it again either at my destination or in front of security. The locked hard-side gun case then goes back into my locked checked check baggage w/o ANY sort of indication of a firearm on the outside of that one and goes where the rest of the checked baggage goes. Simple as that. Each airport is different in this process but in the end it's all about the same. DIA will have you walk to a special room where TSA scans all the firearm items and has you stand by. They then ok it and load it onto a cart where it's taken to be with the rest of the bags. Baltimore for instance has you sit and wait for 10min before you go through security in case they want to open it. They tell you to wait 'over there' and if you haven't heard from them in 10min you're free to head to security. Some smaller ones just throw a tag in it, throw it in your suitcase and send you on your way. This is the way it should be because you're already declaring a firearm so what else could they be looking for? Shouldn't they be more worried about the other 90% of the people who aren't declaring to have anything? I'm already calling all sorts of attention to myself which would be the LAST thing a terrorist or anyone breaking the law would want. I digress.

I haven't had a single issue arise yet. Most people you check with these days are pretty used to it now so they breeze through it pretty quickly. I don't suggest showing up and shouting 'I have a gun!' as you remove a loaded heater from your waistband as this could delay things slightly.

[Byte Stryke]

I don't suggest showing up and shouting 'I have a gun!' as you remove a loaded heater from your waistband as this could delay things slightly.


ROFL
Unless of course you are looking for a good time with a total stranger wearing a rubber glove!

:D

[SigsRule]

I took my Sigs with me over a dozen times to Houston with no problems with the check in process as described above. BTW, if you get a locking case with a combination lock that's okay. Here's the one I've traveled with a lot - and no those aren't Sigs.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/SigsRule/CustomSmiths-1.jpg

One other note, the only trouble I've ever had was going out of DEN with a Comp-Tac holster and magazine carrier in my carry on bag. The firearms, ammo and magazines were checked as described in this thread, but I didn't have room for the holster and magazine carrier in the soft bag that the locked pistol case was in. They said it wasn't allowed and filed an incident report before sending me back out to check my carry on bag with the holster.

Nowadays I print the TSA and airline policies just in case. There's absolutely nothing that says a piece of plastic that just happens to be a holster can't be carried on - but I didn't argue with TSA when it happened.

[jerrymrc]

One more thing to add is that if you are going to fly with long guns be very careful to measure and purchase the smallest case you can. Last year I went to a match and discovered that my case was 4" too big. On UNITED that meant an extra $175 each way.

I discovered this after I had bought my tickets. Check the oversize trigger and weight limits for the airline you are thinking about. In my case the only thing that saved my $$$$ was a Military ID. They waved the fee.

TSA cases for long guns are not cheap. The guys at the TSA were very good in my case. My return from portland with the camo FAL and the red AK went like this. Are they unloaded? YES. open it. Oh my...... That is an FNFAL? yes. you can.......... Damn those are nice...... close it now and lock it. ;)

[ChadAmberg]

Hey gang, So I am going to be traveling to Texas this Thursday and I want to bring my carry gun. I double checked that my permit will be allowed in Texas. I am flying Midwest (operated by Frontier) to Texas and Frontier coming home. I checked both Midwest's firearms policy (Here (http://midwestairlines.custhelp.com/app/answers/websearch_detail/a_id/432/session/L3NpZC9XOGpHMkYzaw%3D%3D/kw/firearm/sort/1,1/webSearchType/1/r_id/10016/sno/1)) and Frontiers firearms policy (Here (http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/plan-book/travel-info-services/baggage/equipment-firearms.do)) and what I gather is the firearm must be unloaded and in a hard case that can be locked and I must declar the pistol too. It also seems I will be able to put any ammo I am bringing along in that same case as long as it is in the original boxes. I still need to get some type of locking case for my springfield xd. Does anyone have any advice where I can get a case like this locally? Also, is it ok for my to put the belt and holster in my bag I plan on checking in with all my clothes and stuff in it? I would love to hear the experience of people who have traveled with firearms in the past so I can avoid any headaches at the airport.

I just flew last week to the east coast on Frontier with a couple handguns. It was so easy, my neighbor is TSA and she gave me the run down, and here's what I did.

I used a plastic ammo can from Midway, that has the two lock holes in it already. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=535518

I went to Target, and got a 4 pack of small NON TSA padlocks for like 10 bucks. Must be non-TSA, they're not allowed to open the box without you there. Threw in my guns, targets, and ammo (in their original box). Put on 2 of the padlocks, the rules say 2 locks.

Shoved the ammo can in my duffel bag.

Walked into COS airport and up to the counter. Said "I have to declare unloaded locked firearms." She wrote up the red tag, I put it inside the duffel bag. I walked the 10 feet over to the TSA counter, handed them the bag. Didn't tell them about the firearms. Just wait there while the bag goes through the x-ray machine. Once they throw it on the conveyor, you're done.

On the way back from Filthadelphia airport, same exact routine. In fact, the guy at the counter upgraded my seat because he likes shooting.

The only downside is, that you don't get to skip the lines for security anymore, because they'll take the bag right there at the counter.

[ChadAmberg]

So, you need two different locks? One on the gun case, and one on the suite case?

Are other airports the same when traveling back?

Thanks


You now need two locks on the gun case only. Most of my older cases would lock in the middle, but you could easily pry the side of the case up and remove the guns without leaving a trace. So now you use a lock on each corner. In theory, a briefcase with the combination lock on each side works just fine, just supply your own foam. And the locks must be non TSA locks. If you choose to lock your normal luggage, there you would use the standard TSA locks.

[shane]

You now need two locks on the gun case only. Most of my older cases would lock in the middle, but you could easily pry the side of the case up and remove the guns without leaving a trace. So now you use a lock on each corner. In theory, a briefcase with the combination lock on each side works just fine, just supply your own foam. And the locks must be non TSA locks. If you choose to lock your normal luggage, there you would use the standard TSA locks.

I sure hope I'm ok, the case I bought only has one lock in the middle. I tried prying up on the corners of the case, but it is very secure. I checked the TSA's website to see their rules for a case and it seems there is no mention of needing two or more locks. I guess I will know tonight....


The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from access by anyone other than you. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort do not meet this criterion.

Edit: I think I am going to return it for the 4 pistol model with two locks.