Going home to PA and want to take my carry gun

[Slapps74]

So, I will be taking a plane ride home to PA to spend a little over a week there. My CCW should be in my hand by then and I want to take my carry gun with me. So the question is how do I get my gun there? Is there a way to get it on the plane. I can carry in PA with my CO CCW.

[spqrzilla]

You need to familiarize yourself with the TSA regulations for having a firearm in checked baggage.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

You'll need to be sure you have a container for the handgun that meets the requirements.

Additionally, download and print the instructions on your airlines' webpage for any airline specific procedures.

[asmo]

Its rather straightforward. Search the forum for detailed info. Firearm declaration.

[Eggysrun]

1. Read up on the airline rules on their website, airlines have different policies this is very important.

2. have a good case, double lock is ideal but they'll wa

nt to make sure the locked case can't be easilly opened.

3. You don't have to have a tsa approved lock, but a good solid one or two will work. Key locks are better

[Monky]

1. Put your hat on backwards, and wear some really baggy pants.

2. Go up to the ticket counter and check a bag. Be sure to tell the bitch behind the counter 'I got a gun yo'.

3. Prepare for hilarity.

[Eggysrun]

I flew with united, I had a pistol hardcase that came with the gun and 1 lock. Gun was unloaded, I was able to have ammo in the case (airlines have specific rules for round count) but no loaded mags. The tsa guy made no big deal about me having a gun, cleared it discretely, no zip ties. Locked the case, gave me an orange paper slip stating I had a firearm and took my case. Zero issues and I picked up my case at the baggage belt. Man's sure you are right up front to where lugage drops on the belt because theoretically someone could take your gun.

[cstone]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

http://www.flyfrontier.com/customer-service/travel-support/baggage/firearms

http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/baggage/specialitems.html

[SideShow Bob]

Put the locked pistol case into another lockable bag. Declare it at check in and follow TSA / Airline regs. I don't think a lone pistol case would make it to your destination.
I am sure the previous poster was referring to a long gun case.
Edit : my mistake, brave to trust a lone factory pistol case to the baggage handlers.

[Spdu4ia]

Pelican cases or similar are great for airline travel with a firearm.

[rockhound]

1. Put your hat on backwards, and wear some really baggy pants.

2. Go up to the ticket counter and check a bag. Be sure to tell the bitch behind the counter 'I got a gun yo'.

3. Prepare for hilarity.

[ROFL2]

[ChadAmberg]

I have one of the smaller MTM ammo boxes that lets you put locks on it. Just don't use TSA locks. Throw unloaded gun and ammo in there, stick it in your normal checked baggage.

[Inconel710]

It's easy - TSA says gun in locked case (no TSA approved locks - they don't want someone to get into it easily). Ammo doesn't have to be locked, just packaged so its not loose. Factory ammo box is perfect. TSA does allow ammo in mags, but some airlines don't - check their website. I traveled to New Orleans like this - gun and loaded mag in case, extra ammo separate. Picked up my luggage, walked into the nearest bathroom and was strapped before my ride got to airport.

Safe travels!

[Bailey Guns]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=flying+with+a+handgun

Sorry. Had to.

[82ndShooter]

I travel a lot for work. I have one of the "GunVault" portable gun safes that people normally strap in their vehicles that I use when traveling. I'll keep the gun and loaded magazines in the safe, plus extra ammo in the factory packaging outside of the safe in the suitcase itself. I use the cable that came with the safe to strap the safe to the frame of my suitcase, as well as have a TSA approved lock for locking up the suitcase itself. Be sure to check the airline's rules for the ammo storage.

There is also an app that I use quite frequently on my Android called "LegalHeat", which is an extremely useful resource for gun laws in each state and TSA regulations too. It links to a lot of the sites previously mentioned in the other comments here on your post.

[IShouldDoThisAllTheTime]

Be aware of local laws, too. For example, possession without a permit is illegal in NYC, and airline/TSA agents in that city will call in NYPD to check your credentials. This has gotten plenty of people into trouble/jail.

Every five years or so San Francisco bans handguns inside city limits. This eventually (so far) gets struck down by the state supreme court, but in the interim flying through SFO with a firearm can be thrilling.

Then there are places like Oakland, where airline and TSA agents see firearms so rarely that they run around in circles flapping their arms trying to figure out what to do. I've missed flights because of this.

Off the top of my head I've checked firearms at Hartford, Nashville, Birmingham, Raleigh-Durham, Orlando, Columbus, Minneapolis, Albuquerque, Denver, Seattle, Sacramento, Oakland, Ontario (CA), Phoenix, and Dallas. Except for those stupid delays in Oakland they've all been straightforward and uneventful.

Know the rules, allow a little bit of extra time, avoid lecturing the TSA agent about the Second Amendment being your carry permit, and you'll be fine.

[Slapps74]

All great info. Thanks everyone

[ChadAmberg]

Oh, last time I flew out of Philly, when I was checking in at the gate and declared with firearms, the attendant there chatted about what we both shoot, then he upgraded my seat! Your mileage may vary of course...

[Singlestack]

This is a great thread, and the above information is A+ advice. I have checked long guns and pistols several times between here and Kalifornia, and never had any issue whatsoever - but closely followed the advice and resources above. If you do follow it, you will have no problems.

Singlestack