What is the LAW when flying and traveling with a pistol?

[ieballplyr@aol.com]

I will be relocating for my job and will be flying out of LAX i have seen so many reports on the news of people getting in trouble for carrying there pistol. If i remeber correctly you can fly with your pistol in your checked luggage in a gun boxed with it locked and tell the person you are flying with a firearm. If something has changed how the heck do you get your gun to where you are going?

[Tony.]

Call the airline that you will be flying on. You should be able to declare the pistol at the counter, lock it up and put it in your luggage.

[PonchoTA]

Call the airline that you will be flying on. You should be able to declare the pistol at the counter, lock it up and put it in your CHECKED luggage.
Fixt!

[KimoBBZ]

Call the airline that you will be flying on. You should be able to declare the pistol at the counter, lock it up and put it in your luggage.

+1 I've done a fair amount of flying and the one thing I can say is that the regs from each airline VARY WIDELY and so does the knowledge of them by their counter staff. Moreso when flying out of CA... airline staff in just about any other state in the union seem more familliar with the process. Plus now you've got the TSA to deal with.

Do your homework.

1. Check the regs for the city you are flying to - make sure your firearm, accessories, and ammo are legal.

2. Check the airline regs online & print them off to BRING WITH YOU when checking in. I used to call too, to verify. How the firearm is secured, ammo limits and etc. will be detailed on their web site. Some want the pistol in a seperate locked container, placed inside your luggage, others allow it to be thrown loose (but unloaded) in a locked luggage. Some specify the luggage needs to be "hardsided", some require ammo to be factory boxed, seperated from the pistol, some allow several pounds of ammo, some limit the number of rounds. And on it goes...

3. Transport as legal & normal to the airport, already in the LOCKED LUGGAGE. Be EARLY, add another 45 min when traveling with firearms. You'll need to check-in manually (no unassisted, express check in for us firearm owners!) and simply state quietly to the conter person "I have an unloaded firearm to declare". It's at this moment you'll know if you'll need those regs you printed out. :cool:

They will either say "Oh, set it aside" and will process you as normal then call the TSA person over to walk you and your luggage/firearm to "the spot" for inspection... or semi-freakout and say something like "I'll be right back" be prepared for them to scamper until they find someone who DOES know what to do.

4. Same with the TSA, treatment here will vary, some know the drill and are casually cautious... some are openly suspicious and try to "interview" you. As with LEO, less is more, say as little as possible, but like Patrick Swayze says "Be NICE, until it's time to NOT BE NICE".

As I typically travel with 3 pistols and all that goes with them, to the unfamilliar that might seem excessive for a vacation trip to Florida I guess, as I was subjected to unnecessary comments between the TSA folks (in front of my family, mind you) along the lines of "If he's not a cop, I wonder why he needs all this?" , "Wonder where the war is?", etc. Finally one of them actually directed a comment to me: "Are you a competition shooter or something?" I replied simply "no". He pressed: "Well, why do you bring all this with you?"

I replied simply, making good eye contact: "Because, it's my legal right to." It was all business after that, but be careful with these guys... they could on a whim, delay you further and mess up your time table.

This was a single incident, most times things go really smooth, if slow - give yourself plenty of time when flying with weapons.

[DocSkinner]

+1 I've done a fair amount of flying and the one thing I can say is that the regs from each airline VARY WIDELY and so does the knowledge of them by their counter staff. Moreso when flying out of CA... airline staff in just about any other state in the union seem more familliar with the process. Plus now you've got the TSA to deal with.

Do your homework.

1. Check the regs for the city you are flying to - make sure your firearm, accessories, and ammo are legal.

2. Check the airline regs online & print them off to BRING WITH YOU when checking in. I used to call too, to verify. How the firearm is secured, ammo limits and etc. will be detailed on their web site. Some want the pistol in a seperate locked container, placed inside your luggage, others allow it to be thrown loose (but unloaded) in a locked luggage. Some specify the luggage needs to be "hardsided", some require ammo to be factory boxed, seperated from the pistol, some allow several pounds of ammo, some limit the number of rounds. And on it goes...

3. Transport as legal & normal to the airport, already in the LOCKED LUGGAGE. Be EARLY, add another 45 min when traveling with firearms. You'll need to check-in manually (no unassisted, express check in for us firearm owners!) and simply state quietly to the conter person "I have an unloaded firearm to declare". It's at this moment you'll know if you'll need those regs you printed out. :cool:

They will either say "Oh, set it aside" and will process you as normal then call the TSA person over to walk you and your luggage/firearm to "the spot" for inspection... or semi-freakout and say something like "I'll be right back" be prepared for them to scamper until they find someone who DOES know what to do.

4. Same with the TSA, treatment here will vary, some know the drill and are casually cautious... some are openly suspicious and try to "interview" you. As with LEO, less is more, say as little as possible, but like Patrick Swayze says "Be NICE, until it's time to NOT BE NICE".

As I typically travel with 3 pistols and all that goes with them, to the unfamilliar that might seem excessive for a vacation trip to Florida I guess, as I was subjected to unnecessary comments between the TSA folks (in front of my family, mind you) along the lines of "If he's not a cop, I wonder why he needs all this?" , "Wonder where the war is?", etc. Finally one of them actually directed a comment to me: "Are you a competition shooter or something?" I replied simply "no". He pressed: "Well, why to you bring all this with you?"

I replied simply, making good eye contact: "Because, it's my legal right to." It was all business after that, but be careful with these guys... they could on a whim, delay you further and mess up your time table.

This was a single incident,most times things go really smooth, if slow - give yourself plenty of time when flying with weapons.

+1 on all of this.


Have flown out of SF area a few times on Delta to hunt (SFO - 1, OAK - 2, plus 2 out of LAX and BOS). They were always good to me. sometimes a little puzzled look from the desk attendant, but they called over a non-newbie, and they were fine with it, as were the TSA people.


Funniest was 2 years ago - took my fathers OLD 700 .270. Coming back, I had a great conversation with the inspector about how it had gotten so bad flying with guns, about nice old guns, and how bad the hunting had gotten, and some good old days stories and almost missed my flight BSing!

and one thing : MEMORIZE THIS LINE!!!!: "I need to declare a(n) UNLOADED firearm(s) for checking". It makes it easier if you say right upfront "UNLOADED" and usually, according to teh airline people let them know that I knew what I was doing. Numerous said you have no idea how many come up and say "I have a gun" and it gets tense...

[ysr_racer]

Agreed, use the phrase, "I need to declare an unloaded firearm".

I also never travel with ammo. I find it makes everything go easier. I just buy ammo when I get to where I'm going.

The basic rules are, declare it, show TSA or the airlines it's unloaded if they ask, lock it in a hard sided case with non TSA locks, you keep the keys.

I'm always polite, and I thank them for their help. The only time I had trouble was in Chicago.

[JDay]

I will be relocating for my job and will be flying out of LAX i have seen so many reports on the news of people getting in trouble for carrying there pistol. If i remeber correctly you can fly with your pistol in your checked luggage in a gun boxed with it locked and tell the person you are flying with a firearm. If something has changed how the heck do you get your gun to where you are going?

Everything you need to know is on the TSA website.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage are:

* You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* 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. The pictures provided here illustrate the difference between a properly packaged and an improperly packaged firearm.
* We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can't contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
* You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
* You can't bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

[Fjold]

I've flown with rifles, handguns, shotguns, including ammunition (You're allowed up to 11 Lbs of ammo). Follow the TSA rules and the individual airline regulations and you are fine. If you get stopped by the random vehicle search just tell the cop that you are flying with an unloaded firearm and you won't have any problem.

[joaoalegre]

Interesting how they allow ammo to be checked in.
I was expecting it to not be the case, due to the hazmat and explosive nature of it.

[CSACANNONEER]

Everything you need to know is on the TSA website.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

Wrong! TSA has rules and then EACH airline is free to have their own rules. Please, call the airline(s) in question and make sure that you follow all airline rules along with all TSA rules.

[CSACANNONEER]

If you get stopped by the random vehicle search just tell the cop that you are flying with an unloaded firearm and you won't have any problem.

I don't know, at LAX, they have recently confinscated other firearms which were being legally transported. I bet there is at least one checkpoint cop who thinks that it is a crime for a civilian to fly with a firearm. He's the cop you need to worry about. But, call the airline and have all relevant laws printed out and with you before you go to the airport. It should be no big deal as long as Barney Fife isn't working that day.

[ieballplyr@aol.com]

Thank you all for the feedback

[EOD Guy]

Interesting how they allow ammo to be checked in.
I was expecting it to not be the case, due to the hazmat and explosive nature of it.

DOT HAZMAT regulations do not come into account because the ammunition is not considered "in commerce" under 49 CFR.

[Fjold]

I don't know, at LAX, they have recently confinscated other firearms which were being legally transported. I bet there is at least one checkpoint cop who thinks that it is a crime for a civilian to fly with a firearm. He's the cop you need to worry about. But, call the airline and have all relevant laws printed out and with you before you go to the airport. It should be no big deal as long as Barney Fife isn't working that day.

The people who were detained were not passengers flying from LAX they were all people just driving through to pick some one up or people who worked at the airport. They've had the checkpoint since 2001 or 2002 and I've flown 3-4 times through LAX since then including last August.

[JDay]

Wrong! TSA has rules and then EACH airline is free to have their own rules. Please, call the airline(s) in question and make sure that you follow all airline rules along with all TSA rules.

He asked about the law not the rules. The information on the TSA site comes from the Code of Federal Regulations, the CFR is law.

[JDay]

The people who were detained were not passengers flying from LAX they were all people just driving through to pick some one up or people who worked at the airport. They've had the checkpoint since 2001 or 2002 and I've flown 3-4 times through LAX since then including last August.

And there is still no law against having firearms in your vehicle when you go to the airport. Its not like they tried to bring them into a sterile area (places beyond the metal detectors) or onto a plane.

[BigDogatPlay]

+1 on the above regarding TSA regs and airline in house rules. They can vary.

In days gone by there were some airlines that wouldn't allow any firearms aboard in checked baggage. I usually fly either United or Southwest and (so far) haven't had an issue with either when checking in.

And FWIW, I've yet to have a bad experience with TSA when having a firearm in my checked bags. I've travelled with loaded mags in the same hard case as the weapon and the TSA folks have been professional and not "Chicken Little" each and every time.

Of course the other caveat to always remember is to check the firearm laws at your destination as well. It would really suck to leave an airport in New Jersey, for instance, and take a felony weapons pinch.

[yellowfin]

I've flown with Delta, SW, United, and US in the last year or so with my pistol each time and had no problems. Wear a suit, have it field stripped, and act like you know what you're doing and it's no problem. I'm actually saving all my firearm checked tags now as a log of travel.

[CRQuarto]

+1 I've done a fair amount of flying and the one thing I can say is that the regs from each airline VARY WIDELY and so does the knowledge of them by their counter staff. Moreso when flying out of CA... airline staff in just about any other state in the union seem more familliar with the process. Plus now you've got the TSA to deal with.

Do your homework.

1. Check the regs for the city you are flying to - make sure your firearm, accessories, and ammo are legal.

2. Check the airline regs online & print them off to BRING WITH YOU when checking in. I used to call too, to verify. How the firearm is secured, ammo limits and etc. will be detailed on their web site. Some want the pistol in a seperate locked container, placed inside your luggage, others allow it to be thrown loose (but unloaded) in a locked luggage. Some specify the luggage needs to be "hardsided", some require ammo to be factory boxed, seperated from the pistol, some allow several pounds of ammo, some limit the number of rounds. And on it goes...

3. Transport as legal & normal to the airport, already in the LOCKED LUGGAGE. Be EARLY, add another 45 min when traveling with firearms. You'll need to check-in manually (no unassisted, express check in for us firearm owners!) and simply state quietly to the conter person "I have an unloaded firearm to declare". It's at this moment you'll know if you'll need those regs you printed out. :cool:

They will either say "Oh, set it aside" and will process you as normal then call the TSA person over to walk you and your luggage/firearm to "the spot" for inspection... or semi-freakout and say something like "I'll be right back" be prepared for them to scamper until they find someone who DOES know what to do.

4. Same with the TSA, treatment here will vary, some know the drill and are casually cautious... some are openly suspicious and try to "interview" you. As with LEO, less is more, say as little as possible, but like Patrick Swayze says "Be NICE, until it's time to NOT BE NICE".

As I typically travel with 3 pistols and all that goes with them, to the unfamilliar that might seem excessive for a vacation trip to Florida I guess, as I was subjected to unnecessary comments between the TSA folks (in front of my family, mind you) along the lines of "If he's not a cop, I wonder why he needs all this?" , "Wonder where the war is?", etc. Finally one of them actually directed a comment to me: "Are you a competition shooter or something?" I replied simply "no". He pressed: "Well, why to you bring all this with you?"

I replied simply, making good eye contact: "Because, it's my legal right to." It was all business after that, but be careful with these guys... they could on a whim, delay you further and mess up your time table.

This was a single incident,most times things go really smooth, if slow - give yourself plenty of time when flying with weapons.

Nice writeup, it pretty much sums up what you need to do. Even as an LEO I have issues sometimes flying when I am checking in my firearm. A lot of the TSA guys/gals at smaller airports freak out and think you are a wierdo, even after I badge them and tell them I am law enforcement, then they just shoot me dirty looks until they are done with everything. Sheesh. :TFH:

[JDay]

Nice writeup, it pretty much sums up what you need to do. Even as an LEO I have issues sometimes flying when I am checking in my firearm. A lot of the TSA guys/gals at smaller airports freak out and think you are a wierdo, even after I badge them and tell them I am law enforcement, then they just shoot me dirty looks until they are done with everything. Sheesh. :TFH:

You should ask to see a supervisor in those cases, I'm sure they'd like to know the employees are giving LEOs a hard time.

[bwiese]

I've regularly flown out of /returned from SFO and SJC airports with multiple firearms including reg'd AWs, and separate ammo.

One time it was a FAL, an AR and a Glock. Another time 2 ARs and a revolver. Almost always at least one AR w/hicap mags.

Never any issue. I usu warn the gate agent to let TSA know the case will have nitrate residues on it. (I really spiked the detector in Boise, ID airport!)

The biggest thing to worry about is ensuring your own gun stays your own gun:...

In a multileg flight esp w/tight connections, ensure your luggage (w/guns) makes it thru on
all legs. If you ask the gate agent, the girl will usually give you a very pat, blithe assurance.
Then let her know you're travelling with declared unloaded legal firearms and that it wouldn't
be a good idea if guns ended up circling the carousel in Hoboken for Columbian luggage thieves,
and a check will be made. Sometimes you might even be upgraded to 1st class ;)



Don't rely on your orders for your rifles to be left for "pickup-with-ID" at the "oversize luggage
office" at your destination. Your rifle case may well still end up on the carousel on a busy day.



When you get off your plane at your destination, don't stop to pee, get coffee, hit the bar,
chat with folks picking you up - move your arse rapidly over to your luggage carousel.
Sometimes plane's luggage can be disgorged rapidly (as fast as you can get across the terminal)
with the 'specialty' luggage like golf clubs, rifle cases, etc. being unloaded first.

[Tarn_Helm]

I will be relocating for my job and will be flying out of LAX i have seen so many reports on the news of people getting in trouble for carrying there pistol. If i remeber correctly you can fly with your pistol in your checked luggage in a gun boxed with it locked and tell the person you are flying with a firearm. If something has changed how the heck do you get your gun to where you are going?

. . . you can blast would-be skyjackers at will if you're strapped . . . even if they're in a plane flying past the one you're in.
:D

[KimoBBZ]

...as an LEO I have issues sometimes flying when I am checking in my firearm...

Yeah... I don't get it. As I said, most of my TSA inspections were uneventful - but when LEO is identified, you think they might mellow out a bit. Only thing I can think of is maybe there are a few who are tempted to go mad with their little amount power in that situation. As most times they/we (civillians) are at the whim of LEO in most social situations, they assert themselves when they can? I have a nephew who works out of SFO w/ the TSA and he says there are very few problem children. The weeds aren't allowed to grow very long before getting yanked.

...I'm actually saving all my firearm checked tags now as a log of travel...

Nice to know I'm not the only DORK that does this! :D

http://www.goquip.org/images/airline_tags.jpg