Returning to CA with a C&R on a domestic flight.

[bigthaiboy]

Anybody ever aquire a C&R rifle or handgun while out of state, and then transported the C&R back to CA with their checked luggage on a domestic flight?

Can anybody please tell me the procedure or arrangements that need to be made with the airline prior to checking in for the flight.

Thanks.

[smle-man]

Anybody ever aquire a C&R rifle or handgun while out of state, and then transported the C&R back to CA with their checked luggage on a domestic flight?

Can anybody please tell me the procedure or arrangements that need to be made with the airline prior to checking in for the flight.

Thanks.

last time was about 7 years ago for me so it is best to call your airline. Some charge an extra fee for handling the firearm. It must be in a locked hard case and unloaded with no ammunition in the case. The airline counter jocky will ask if it is unloaded. They will fill out a form which is placed inside the case and locked. At least that was how it was done 7 years ago.

[EastBayRidge]

Maybe save yourself the hassle and just ship it to yourself ?

[tlillard23]

should not be a problem

They don't care if it's a C&R. Look up the specific airlines firearm policy, read it carefully then print it out. Go to the check-in counter and tell them you "have a firearm to declare" (firearm sounds less threatening to anti's...)

**search for the other posts about travel.
You need a hard side gun case, best if it can fit inside of a HARDSIDE suitcase. Do not let them put the "unloaded firearm" x-ray tag on the outside of the case.

[hoffmang]

It's just another rifle or handgun that you're transporting via air. Often having a declared firearm will get you checked in and through security faster.

Terrorists don't declare...

-Gene

[dfletcher]

Anybody ever aquire a C&R rifle or handgun while out of state, and then transported the C&R back to CA with their checked luggage on a domestic flight?

Can anybody please tell me the procedure or arrangements that need to be made with the airline prior to checking in for the flight.

Thanks.

As mentioned whether it's a C & R is not important. I travelled with a handgun and had no problems. Here's what I found flying out of SF & into Boston.

The gun must be in a locked hard case. I trigger locked the gun itself and the hard case and put it inside my checked baggage. When I checked in I announced the gun - they had me take a few steps to the right, show that the gun was unloaded and sign a declaration to that effect. And yes, clearing a semi auto at the check in line does get some attention.

You then immediately accompany your baggage to a TSA inspection point where they check the gun and the contents of your baggage. You're done.

I found it very quick & easy.

One thing to consider - at your destination no one knows you have a gun in your baggage. You could fly into SFO with a folding stock, pistol grip & detach mag AR15 (and 30 rd mags) and no one would know. However, on your return trip you'd have to declare the gun and at that point you could run into problems - you want to ensure your possession of a particular gun does not violate state or local law at the location you are leaving. Don't count on the airline personnel to be able to determine what's legal or not - I could have taken out a HK pistol & hi cap mags, they wouldn't have known. But if they have a concern they'll call local PD. I recently read of a fellow traveling through NYC who had problems that took him through the court system.

[hipoint.nut]

From the TSA web Page.

[Socal858]

ive flown with OLL on AA and southwest. just make sure firearm is unloaded duh and any ammo in the case is boxed and not loose.

just to alleviate their fears i run a cable lock through the chamber in addition to the required locks on the case. everyone always comes out smiles and curiousity and kind words

DO NOT USE TSA LOCKS

[smle-man]

As mentioned whether it's a C & R is not important. I travelled with a handgun and had no problems. Here's what I found flying out of SF & into Boston.

The gun must be in a locked hard case. I trigger locked the gun itself and the hard case and put it inside my checked baggage. When I checked in I announced the gun - they had me take a few steps to the right, show that the gun was unloaded and sign a declaration to that effect. And yes, clearing a semi auto at the check in line does get some attention.

You then immediately accompany your baggage to a TSA inspection point where they check the gun and the contents of your baggage. You're done.

I found it very quick & easy.

One thing to consider - at your destination no one knows you have a gun in your baggage. You could fly into SFO with a folding stock, pistol grip & detach mag AR15 (and 30 rd mags) and no one would know. However, on your return trip you'd have to declare the gun and at that point you could run into problems - you want to ensure your possession of a particular gun does not violate state or local law at the location you are leaving. Don't count on the airline personnel to be able to determine what's legal or not - I could have taken out a HK pistol & hi cap mags, they wouldn't have known. But if they have a concern they'll call local PD. I recently read of a fellow traveling through NYC who had problems that took him through the court system.

Indeed it can be a problem. When I returned from duty in Germany with the U.S. military many years ago I brought my two government model .45s in my checked baggage. I was changing planes in NYC and going onto my home of record in another state for leave. When I got to customs I told them I had the two pistols. Surprise! No unregistered handguns allowed in NYC even if you are passing through. In those pre terrorism days GIs traveled in uniform so the customs guy called over a NYC cop who escorted me to the airline counter for my next flight. He told me it was lucky that I was a GI otherwise he would've had to 'run me in'. I was appreciative that I got a pass. Be aware of what the laws are where you are arriving and departing.

[bigthaiboy]

Thank you for the replies. I knew a C&R rifle or handgun would be treated the same as any other firearm, it's just I did not know the procedure with the airlines and the TSA was at check-in.

I travel out of state several times a year, and try to check out gun stores and pawn shops for C&R firearms when I can. Hopefully, next time I will find something worth bring back - especially C&R handguns.

[Cali-V]

Personally, even with heighten security measures, I would be a mess worrying about theft/loss...

Maybe it's just my accumulated experience with the airlines...

[MysteryCereal]

DO NOT USE TSA LOCKS

I have to agree, I work for TSA and know how easy (paperclip) it is to open a TSA lock. Good 'ol Masterlocks never go wrong.

[Stormfeather]

It's just another rifle or handgun that you're transporting via air. Often having a declared firearm will get you checked in and through security faster.
-Gene

Yes it does! I love that part! I travel with a pistol no matter where I fly now, just so I can avoid the lines! Pack yourself a cheapie and let them know right when you get to the terminal, and they will have a TSA rep come get you and declare your firearm! You get to bypass the lines and all the waiting! Just make sure you have packed it accoring to the rules!

[Cali-V]

...You get to bypass the lines and all the waiting! ...

Now that part I likes, thanks for the travel tip!

[30Cal]

I've travelled with rifles a couple times in the past few years. No hassles. Just check it at the counter, keep your ammo in a separate bag. I have an additional masterlock that I put on the handles in addition to the chinsey locks that are standard on most gun cases.

At Louisville, the TSA x-ray stuff is in front of the counter and you hand carry it over, so I always have the TSA tape the latches down after it clears. At SJC, they'll ask for your keys at the ticket counter, then they'll bring them to you at the gate when the TSA is done. I've done this probably 3-4 times, and it's worked out fine.

Place no magazines, ammo, gun parts, gun related tools, etc in your carry-on.

When you arrive, it will probably show up with the oversized baggage at the baggage counter (although I've had it come out on the conveyor once or twice).

Ty