Is it a big hassle to check a handgun in baggage flying

[Citadelgrad87]

[M1NM]

Just bought a Pelican - from what I'm reading I can basically just toss the gun in and put my own locks on it. http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/air/1615

[RickD427]

Just bought a Pelican - from what I'm reading I can basically just toss the gun in and put my own locks on it. http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/air/1615
[ATTACH]713434[/ATTACH]

That's basically the same Pelican that I use. I recommend using both padlock fittings based on my experience above.

Make sure that you have cable clippers available. Many airlines are now securing these cases with zip-ties.

Make sure that the weapon is unloaded. Federal regs allow ammo in the same case, but must be separately packaged. Some airlines require factory packaging.

Plan on you bag going to the baggage office on arrival rather than the carousel. I fly Southwest a lot, and use my Pelican case even when traveling without a firearm. They really get nutted up over the case, even when there is no weapon and still don't put it on the carousel.

[Gryff]

Thanks for all the replies. My flight is from SFO to Denver. Do you think 2 hours before the flight is enough or is extra time needed? Thank you.

Two hours should be good. Last time I flew with firearms out of SFO, the ticketing agent had to take me downstairs to the TSA office, where I stood in line for 20 minutes while they checked some other travellers' firearms. I would have been sweating it if I hadn't allowed myself at least 90 minutes before my flight.

In some airports, the TSA check is inside a secure area. So they take your bag and ask you to wait 10-15 minutes for them to come out and notify you of any issues.


Most ask but don't verify. I had a Southwest ticket agent at the Little Rock airport, though, press check my gun like she was an IPSC Grand Master. It was great to see her handle the pistol with competence and without fear.


Some items to note:

- Ammo must be in boxes designed to isolate the rounds from one another (i.e. not bulk packed). You can transport ammo in the mags, but I believe the mags must be in some kind of pouch to prevent the rounds at the top of the mag from being exposed (although I'm not positive about that).
- If your gun box is in your checked suitcase, use TSA locks on the suitcase, but use non-TSA locks on the gun box.
- Most airlines don't want you to use the self-check in kiosks. They want you to use the full-service ticket counter. Allow time for that, since that is usually a LOT slower than the self-check in kiosks.

[Citadelgrad87]

Flying to Denver soon and will arrive at about 1040 PM. Wonder if my bag with my declared handgun inside will end up on the carousel or the baggage office. Would the office be open that late?

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[tonyxcom]

Run a cable lock through the action, with the slide locked back. No need to show clear this way.

Just rack it 6 times.

I've never been asked to show it was unloaded. I've only had to open the case locking the gun two times (out of 20). And I could tell neither of them knew what they were looking at.

All the agents do is ask that it is unloaded. May also ask about your magazines and ammo.

[L84CABO]

Just bought a Pelican - from what I'm reading I can basically just toss the gun in and put my own locks on it. http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/air/1615
[ATTACH]713434[/ATTACH]

Yup. Had that case for about a year now. The baggage monkeys can't destroy it. Only one agent was surprised that this was my actual gun case. Seems they're used to seeing the very small "case inside a larger suitcase" system. This is much better IMO. Be aware that many airports pull Pelicans and keep them behind the counter in the baggage claim area. But anything is possible. I've found it out on the general carousel several times.

[Blade Gunner]

Yup. Had that case for about a year now. The baggage monkeys can't destroy it. Only one agent was surprised that this was my actual gun case. Seems they're used to seeing the very small "case inside a larger suitcase" system. This is much better IMO. Be aware that many airports pull Pelicans and keep them behind the counter in the baggage claim area. But anything is possible. I've found it out on the general carousel several times.

[Gryff]

The scary part is the baggage handlers just throw it in the regular carousel. There is minimal security in the baggage area. A pelican case screams something expensive is in side.

Slap a sticker on it.



Who is going to steal survey equipment?

[knee dragger]

Yup. Had that case for about a year now. The baggage monkeys can't destroy it. Only one agent was surprised that this was my actual gun case. Seems they're used to seeing the very small "case inside a larger suitcase" system. This is much better IMO. Be aware that many airports pull Pelicans and keep them behind the counter in the baggage claim area. But anything is possible. I've found it out on the general carousel several times.

Fly with pelican cases full of tools a few times a year, TSA loves to search them and they always come out on the regular carousel.

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[RobinGoodfellow]

[SlowDrifter]

I flew into and back out of California recently with a couple handguns in my checked bag. Locked hard cases inside my bag, and boxes of ammo. Neither coming nor going did anyone so much as ask about them, other than filling out the little red and white cards and taping one to each case. Never had to "show clear," or even open the cases. I figure they get x-rayed, so they'll know soon enough. Just was told to hang out a few minutes and if not paged continue through TSA. I was told by a friend in Cali to not say "gun" while in line. Just get to the counter and say "I need to declare.". They knew exactly what I meant. They did send me back to the self check kiosk for my baggage tags, though. It also helped that I had the cases standing up on edge, locks up, and knew exactly where they were in the suitcase. I said, "I have two. They're right here." and tapped the bag where I knew they were. Not sure if it matters but they seemed to appreciate it. One even commented, "Wow, you really know what you're doing." I had no idea. It's easy. Safe travels.

As always, safe shooting and tight groups everyone,

SD

[WartHog]

OP - more info. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ghlight=flying

[NorCalBusa]

Nothing to it, as said- just follow their protocol and the only delay might be just the line to talk to an agent.

[Robert1234]

Unless something has changed, this is not true.

Ammo must be in a container, and can be in a magazine, but not in the gun.

TSA website has details of what is required, everything else is fud.