Flying with a firearm

[copfish]

I’ve flown PUB to ORD (and back) via United/SkyWest without issues, but I have an HR218 card, not a CO CHP. I just declare my unloaded firearm to the ticketing agent who has me sign the firearms declaration form, place it next to my locked case in my Non-TSA compliant Sampsonite hard sided locking suitcase and off we go…

[CHA-LEE]

I have flown into and out of Chicago at least 10 times over the years while attending USPSA matches. Each time hauling two high cap 2011 pistols and 300 - 600 rounds of ammo. You obviously have to follow the airline and TSA requiremnets of declaring your firearm. But pretty much ZERO fucks given by airlines or TSA entering or departing Chicago. Where it gets sketchy is after you leave the airport. Getting pulled over with a loaded firearm within reach without an IL CCW would be a free trip to Jail and lot of "Splainin" to do. I always transported my firearms unloaded and in the trunk out of reach when traveling in IL. I never got pulled over so I am not sure how that would go even with the unloaded firearms in the trunk.

[Great-Kazoo]

I have flown into and out of Chicago at least 10 times over the years while attending USPSA matches. Each time hauling two high cap 2011 pistols and 300 - 600 rounds of ammo. You obviously have to follow the airline and TSA requiremnets of declaring your firearm. But pretty much ZERO fucks given by airlines or TSA entering or departing Chicago. Where it gets sketchy is after you leave the airport. Getting pulled over with a loaded firearm within reach without an IL CCW would be a free trip to Jail and lot of "Splainin" to do. I always transported my firearms unloaded and in the trunk out of reach when traveling in IL. I never got pulled over so I am not sure how that would go even with the unloaded firearms in the trunk.

With a rental car, you are unable to not consent to a vehicle search.

[CHA-LEE]

I believe that its still within your 4th Amendment right to refuse consent to a vehicle search even if its a Rental Car. But we all know how inconsistently some LEO's adhere to the laws or honoring constitutional rights. In the heat of the moment your vehicle could be unjustifiably searched. Would it EVENTUALLY get sorted out with a judge? Sure. But that is likely months or years down the line.

Short answer, don't drive like a donkey which would lead to getting pulled over in the first place.