First Time Flying on Plane with Firearm ???

[KestrelBike]

For me, it's usually "No problem with checking your firearm. Would you like a free seat upgrade? "

Oh nice! What airline is that?

[Monky]

For me, it's usually "No problem with checking your firearm. Would you like a free seat upgrade? "

Well shit... I feel special since I keep being singled out for additional screening


Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.

[Hound]

Not a repost but there is additional info over on this thread:

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/133635-...Trust-Question

[JohnnyEgo]

Not a repost but there is additional info over on this thread:

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/133635-...Trust-Question

From that other thread:

At the check-in counter at DIA:


Coming off the baggage claim:


Recently, Southwest has started delivering firearms to their baggage office instead of putting them on the belt. Kind of like that, because they usually arrive before the rest of my luggage.

Every thing that needs to be said about the proper procedure has already been said. I travel with guns all the time, and have not had any problems.

[O2HeN2]

I know someone else posted the TSA link, but for one stop shopping:

http://www.flyfrontier.com/customer-...ggage/firearms
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...and-ammunition

Every airport is different, but last time I flew out of DIA I declared my firearm at check in at which point they tagged, but did not take the firearm case. An airline representative took the case and I accompanied him over to a special TSA area where I waited in the doorway "in case TSA had any questions." TSA X-rayed the case, said I was good to go (no need for the key/inspection) and that was it.

O2

[MarkCO]

I love how people who have obviously never flown with firearms are giving advice. Asmo has it pretty good and has obviously been through it.

I fly with guns frequently, even though I do not like to. Here is some good initial advice...I like a case with no foam, put my guns in rugs and soft cases inside a hardside case and then use foam sheets, clothes, shoes, etc. to pack that sucker tight. Tan or orange is good, and then get some stickers to put on them that are NOT gun related: I have used "Survey Equipment, Handle with Care", "Medical Equipment, Handle With Care", "This Equipment Out of Service, Calibration Required". Don't get too cute and put something stupid like "Bio Hazard" on it.

The locks must be TSA approved, and most are. Get good ones, with a key! Combo locks too easy to pick. I carry 2 sets of locks. I arrive at the check in counter with one set in the case and one set in my pocket. The keys are obviously in my pocket. "I need to declare a Firearm" is all I ever say. Fill out the tag and drop it in the case, then lock the case. In Denver, an airline porter will come and take the case and you accompany the porter to the TSA screening area. They will X-Ray the case and you keep the key. You have to stand behind a banister, but you can see inside. If they decide to open your case (usually they do), they will ask for the key, and yes, you have to give it to them. They will open and look inside, close back up and return the key. The porter then takes the case to special services and it goes on the plane. I have had the extra time range from 5 minutes to over an hour (as opposed to not checking any bags), so plan accordingly.

I have flown into airports all over the US and they are slight differences here and there and from Airline to Airline, but most are pretty much the same. Sometimes you have to use the claim check to get your guns case from special services, other times they hit the conveyor with everything else. Ammo can not be loose, but it can be in magazines if they are in a secured pouch. I use the plastic ammo boxes and a some packing tape.

I flew into Dulles on the morning of the Navy Yard Shooting, with 5 guns. Got picked up by Tes from FNH. She had her guns, camo netting, a full sized dummy and military rucks in the car, which she dragged out so I could put my gear in. I almost had heart failure as I tried to stuff everything in as fast as I could.

[FLIPCO]

You NEVER EVER put a TSA lock on a declared firearm.

The locks must be TSA approved, and most are.

Both of you provided your actual travel experience and thank you........but now I'm a bit confused as I'm about to run to a store to buy a 4 pack of Master Lock padlocks keyed alike from like Lowes.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_397705-382-3...ock&facetInfo=

[TheWeeze]

I've never done it myself, but I'd imagine Frontier is more than happy to take your firearm...for the agreed upon upcharge. Ever since they set their new pricing structure, I'm sure you'll be taking it up the tail pipe price wise for any checked baggage.

[ColoWyo]

I've never done it myself, but I'd imagine Frontier is more than happy to take your firearm...for the agreed upon upcharge. Ever since they set their new pricing structure, I'm sure you'll be taking it up the tail pipe price wise for any checked baggage.

More than likely it'll still be cheaper than the other airlines. But in all fairness, I do work for them. So I may be a little partial.

[MarkCO]

"TSA locks" means that TSA personnel can open them without damage, without your key. Maybe okay for a checked bag, but NOT for a firearm. TSA approved means a lock that the TSA will accept a suitable lock. The information can be a bit confusing because the "TSA locks" are marketed to the masses, not those traveling with firearms.

I use these: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1