Alaska Rail - CCW and Transporting Firearms

[Robotron2k84]

This didn't seem to fit into any other category, but will be back in Alaska this year, and this will be the first time taking the train around Denali.

I quickly looked at the rail line's firearms policy and they make mention of no firearms in the coach cars and only via checked baggage. That's all well and good.

The thing I'm confused on, is that they make no mention of declaration or notification for transport of firearms.

Aren't rail lines still under DHS and TSA? Isn't the procedure similar to how it is to check bags for flights?

In addition, AK Rail wants the bolt removed or a trigger lock / cable lock on the guns in the case(s). That means, to me, that they inspect them and you need to declare when checking bags?

Just trying to figure things out in advance.

[Big Jake]

Depends on the railroad company. Amtrak is defined as a common carrier under federal law and is the same as an airline in regards to laws and regulations about carrying firearms on board. Contact them and ask about their status in this regard.

[Robotron2k84]

I tried but their CS people had no clue. Will try calling the station on the morning.

[P5Ret]

The Alaska Railroad Corporation, bought out the federal rail authority some years back. I don't think they have the same restrictions that AmTrak does since AmTrak is still under the federal rail authority. Probably a bit more relaxed then other common carriers in the lower 48 are.

[Robotron2k84]

Pretty sure it's still under Federal rail authority. They have FRA regulations quoted for transporting explosives and fuels. Also their inspectors are Federal. They also need Federally valid ID which means they are under TSA as well.

Something I guess I never checked, but are TSA firearm transport requirements only for air travel and up to the carrier for rail?

[Big Jake]

Originally Posted by Robotron2k84

Pretty sure it's still under Federal rail authority. They have FRA regulations quoted for transporting explosives and fuels. Also their inspectors are Federal. They also need Federally valid ID which means they are under TSA as well.

Something I guess I never checked, but are TSA firearm transport requirements only for air travel and up to the carrier for rail?

Call the TSA and ask about their (the railroad!) status as far as them being a common carrier or not!

[Robotron2k84]

Called the station this morning. Talked with a woman who knew pretty well what I was asking about.

Long story short: TSA does not have jurisdiction over the stations and there isn't a sterile area. TSA does have jurisdiction over whether passengers are allowed to board or not.

Therefore, it's their rules, which unlike Amtrak, do not require advanced notification of firearms. They only require declaration at check-in and a locked case. No two-part forms.

They also don't inspect without cause. Not sure if they even care about the locking / disabling of the actual gun if that's the case.

This would seem to indicate that they are not a common carrier.

[Doheny]

It appears they do make make mention of guns in the coach cars. From their website:

“Firearms may be transported only as checked baggage and must be either disassembled (slide or bolt removed) or have a lock (trigger or cable type) installed to prevent operation, and must be in a locked case. Concealed weapons are not permitted onboard.”

https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-...and-conditions


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Robotron2k84]

^ yes. Already covered in the first post.

[Doheny]

Originally Posted by Robotron2k84

^ yes. Already covered in the first post.

Your OP says they make no mention of guns in the coach cabins, but the link says no concealed weapons are permitted onboard. Not sure where else someone would carry concealed onboard if it wasn't in the coach cabins.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[deephouse]

So that means Open Carry is allowed onboard! =)

[Doheny]

Originally Posted by deephouse

So that means Open Carry is allowed onboard! =)

Interesting point!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Robotron2k84]

Originally Posted by Doheny

Your OP says they make no mention of guns in the coach cabins, but the link says no concealed weapons are permitted onboard. Not sure where else someone would carry concealed onboard if it wasn't in the coach cabins.

Originally Posted by Robotron2k84

This didn't seem to fit into any other category, but will be back in Alaska this year, and this will be the first time taking the train around Denali.

I quickly looked at the rail line's firearms policy and they make mention of no firearms in the coach cars and only via checked baggage. That's all well and good.

Really? It is correct, you are only allowed in the coach cars, so tell me how the two statements differ?

And the station attendant told me on the phone no weapons at all in the coaches. All has to be in checked and in locked cases.

[Big Jake]

Concealed is concealed!!!!