Flying with a pistol

[3DGearGuy]

As I'm understanding, the process for flying with a pistol in my checked bag is to have the unloaded pistol and box of ammo in a locked case, which is NOT locked with a TSA approved locked and to declare it when checking your bag. Is this correct? Is there anything else I should know or be aware of?

On the same topic, can anyone recommend a solid, inexpensive case that meets requirements?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SkyHawk]

You are correct. Do not go near a security checkpoint with the gun. Do not check it curbside. Check it at the main counter. Be sure to declare you are checking a firearm.

I like the Pelican P1075. It is slim, just over two inches thick, holds a pistol + a couple of mags and a box of ammo. You will still have plenty of room in your suitcase. It is waterproof, floats, and has a pressure valve. It has pick and pluck foam so you can easily mold your gear to it. And it is strong, it will protect the contents.

This is a great price on it.

https://www.amazon.com/WATERPROOF-Android-generation-hardcase-enclosure/dp/B06XCGTGJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504514276&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=pelican+pistol+case&psc=1

These locks work good for it, you may have to very slightly enlarge the case hasps to fit them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


That is the exact setup I have traveled with for years. And don't let the focus on ipad or electronics throw you off - it was originally made for handguns. Some people just don't like to market it that way http://www.pelicancases.com/Pelican-...Case-P421.aspx

[riceman]

Yes you must use a lock that only you have the keys to. You will have to unlock to show them it is unloaded then they will give u a slip to put in the case and re-lock. I've mainly have traveled with hunting rifles. They have told me to stand by for a few minutes in case TSA wants you to open the case. I have also read where people will attach the gun case inside of checked bags with a cable lock to keep it from walking off.
Call me paranoid but I took a couple of hand guns to my daughter in SD and used an aluminium rifle case.
Check with airlines, but my cases never come out with other bags. I do not know about it being in a checked bag. Also the first time I traveled this way I was nervous as hell. Have a safe trip.

[krb]

First time I ever did it I was nervous as heck too! Les Baer. Keep it in your checked luggage. Walk up to counter inside the airport. Tell the check in person you are traveling with a firearm. Make sure you have a tsa lock. Make sure it is unloaded! It may be a crime to travel to the airport with it loaded. Make sure you know the law of where you are traveling! John stossel reported on people traveling to New York otherwise legally but New York has bizarre laws and they are arrested spend time in jail have to hire a lawyer and it cost $15000 in fines (!) because they brought their handgun or in one case a magazine (!) to New York! Also magazines must be declared and checked (!) and cannot be carried on.

[EzyE]

The one (and only) time I travelled with a handgun I used a locking briefcase that I put inside a larger piece of checked luggage. Declare it at the airline check-in with the agent there. I was really nervous as well but the agent at the counter proceeded to handle it in a business as usual fashion. It's been a long time but I believe you will have to pick up the firearm from a secure area at your destination. I don't think it will come out on the conveyer like everything else.

[MyOdessa]

First time I ever did it I was nervous as heck too! Les Baer. Keep it in your checked luggage. Walk up to counter inside the airport. Tell the check in person you are traveling with a firearm. Make sure you have a tsa lock. Make sure it is unloaded! It may be a crime to travel to the airport with it loaded. Make sure you know the law of where you are traveling! John stossel reported on people traveling to New York otherwise legally but New York has bizarre laws and they are arrested spend time in jail have to hire a lawyer and it cost $15000 in fines (!) because they brought their handgun or in one case a magazine (!) to New York! Also magazines must be declared and checked (!) and cannot be carried on.

Make sure you DO NOT have TSA lock.

[krb]

The one (and only) time I travelled with a handgun I used a locking briefcase that I put inside a larger piece of checked luggage. Declare it at the airline check-in with the agent there. I was really nervous as well but the agent at the counter proceeded to handle it in a business as usual fashion. It's been a long time but I believe you will have to pick up the firearm from a secure area at your destination. I don't think it will come out on the conveyer like everything else.

They told me they were going to alert the staff there was a handgun and it was going to come out in the large luggage section. Just came out regular for me. I waited and waited and waited by the large luggage. Nothing. Freaked out. Then I finally went to regular luggage and there it was. But I think they are supposed to put it in a separate section.

[krb]

Make sure you DO NOT have TSA lock.

TSA told me make sure you have a TSA lock meaning one where they can unlock it if necessary. They told me if they cannot open it and have to investigate they will cut my lock and break open my luggage.

[tumark2]

TSA told me make sure you have a TSA lock meaning one where they can unlock it if necessary. They told me if they cannot open it and have to investigate they will cut my lock and break open my luggage.

NO! NO! NO!
from TSA website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transport...and-ammunition

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations.

[deephouse]

I would recommend checking the rules for each airline you fly there may be SLIGHT differences. Print it out and keep a copy in the case.

If you fly A LOT and travel with your carry, You can take it another step and get a luggage tracker such as lugloc (GPS) or Tile (bluetooth)

[dwalker]

Simple and easy:

Use a lockable hard sided case, the Pelican above works well, so do a lot of boxes the pistols come in.

Use a good padlock, only you can have the key.

Use a cable and padlock (bike cable works) to lock the case inside your checked bag. I push the cable through the lining and around the metal frame. This is pretty important, because the way guns get stolen is a bag handler or TSA guy just reaches into your checked bag and slips the locked case out. It is harder to wheel away a full size bag.

Have a TSA approved lock for your checked bag.

If you are going to carry ammo with you, I generally carry it in mags in the case or checked bag. There is NO TSA requirement to carry your ammo in the same case as the gun, just that it needs to be in the original boxes, magazine, or a plastic ammo box.

When you check your firearm simply tell the counterperson that you are checking a firearm and need to fill out the declaration form. Sign it, and put it in the case. The attendant will direct you from there, as every airline and even airport has thier own quirks, but usually they ask you if it is unloaded, you put the declaration form inside, lock the case, and either they or you will take it to TSA. Generically they will have you stand nearby in case they need you to open the case, but in some airports you will be told to go ahead and they will call you if they need you. The TSA will do their test for explosives and whatnot, and as long as there is no issues you are GTG.

[krb]

NO! NO! NO!
from TSA website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transport...and-ammunition

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations.

I'm just telling you what they told me. Tsa locks all around. Now it could be they didn't know what they were doing. Many of us have been in situations where someone in the law should know the law and they don't. This may have been that situation. But the tsa told me only tsa lock. They said specifically if it fails their scanner the have to open the locked container otherwise they will break it open.

[edgerly779]

KRB totally wrong. We hear this fud all the time. Only you may retain keys or combo to firearms. Must have met a tsa employee that spent time on knees instead of on the books. I am flying to El Paso on thus am to hunt and expect no problems. Been doing it for 40 years. No body wants to hear what idiot TSA twit said.

[SkyHawk]

I'm just telling you what they told me. Tsa locks all around. Now it could be they didn't know what they were doing. Many of us have been in situations where someone in the law should know the law and they don't. This may have been that situation. But the tsa told me only tsa lock. They said specifically if it fails their scanner the have to open the locked container otherwise they will break it open.

They didn't know what they were doing. What they should have told you, and have said to me everytime, is to wait at the luggage check in counter for 20 - 25 minutes and listen for your name to be called. If they do not call your name, it means your luggage has cleared all checks. If they do call your name, you need to return to the counter and open the box for them.

[T6pilot]

Let me get this
Firearm arm in locked container, that only you have key/combo
Container placed in luggage with TSA approved lock?
Does luggage need to be hard sided?
TSA website clear as Houston water