Flying with a Firearm

[GallupsPB]

Gentlemen,

Have any of you guys ever flown with a firearm? I am flying delta to Kentucky and would love to take my EDC. Can’t really bare the thought of being in another state with my wife and not having my EDC with me. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Viper0hr]

Just check it, you need a hard gun case that locks, and a lock and 2 keys. Gun unloaded, ammo can be ion the case I think.
Here's the FFA details.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

www.tsa.gov

 

[ABlaster]

Remember that airlines can have stricter rules than TSA, too.

My experience has been the locked case is the failure point most of the time. If the case can be opened at all while locked it will most likely be rejected. Some cases aren’t super sturdy and the plastic can be flexed enough for them to get a finger into, or the locks aren’t tight enough to the case and the lid can be opened to the limit of the hasp.

 

[Recondo 101]

I have flown all over the world and US with SKM reinforced security cases. These are the same cases used by US Military operators to transport their weapons and equipment, rounded reinforced corners, covered hinges, security locks, water proof with rubber gaskets. The handgun version has two locks, fits into a suitcase and is put in checked baggage inside your suitcase. You declare the firearm at the ticket counter, inside your suitcase, they take you aside, check to make sure the firearm is unloaded, put a X-Ray card in the gun case, that scans as a firearm that has been checked. Then the firearm, in the luggage, goes into a secure area, you only get it back upon arrival at destination or if ctossing an international border, for a security check at the first airport you land at. You will be called on the intercom for the security check, to come open your gun case. You are the only person that has the keys to the gun case.
My four gun rifle case has five locks, wheels, a spring loaded steel handle on one end, and a moulded in handle on the side. Ammo goes in hard sided cases , MTM style, in the checked baggage, cleaning materials, solvents, etc can go in the gun cases.

 

[Bodhisattva]

Check with the airlines first.

 

[Welldoya]

I flew to Alaska with a Glock 20 last August.
I looked at all the cases, Pelican etc and found the best deal at Harbor Freight. Their Apache cases are a bargain. Most other brands were $50+ and were too big.
I paid $11 for the smallest Apache and the Glock and a 20 round box of ammo fit perfectly.
Get locks that are not TSA approved because after you check it, nobody should be opening it.
I just put the case in my suitcase and told the lady at the counter I would like to check a firearm. She asked me to open the suitcase and firearm case and asked if it was loaded. I filled out a short questionnaire and put it in the case. I then closed it up and she took the suitcase.
In Alaska I picked it up off the treadmill.
The return home was the same. No hassle and I wasn’t taken aside.

 

[timc]

It’s pretty easy. As others have said, get a decent, lockable case. I have Pelicans and used the smaller one to put my 365, spare mag and a 50 round box of Gold Dots in. Also threw a pocket knife in the box. Used two locks to secure it. The other thing I add to the case is a printed copy of the TSA firearms regulations as well as a printed copy of the airlines firearms regulations. I haven’t had any issues flying, but if there’s any question at the counter I have the rules and regulations handy. With the pistol sized case, I just put it in my suitcase

Last flight I took, the counter lady at Pensacola had me open the case and then lock it back up. When I flew out of California, the lady just asked if the gun was unloaded. I said yes and then She gave me the unloaded firearms card to fill out. She didn’t want to see inside the case
As far as ammo, I always carry it in either the factory box or one of the plastic ammo boxes like is used for reloading. Most airlines won’t allow ammo in the magazine.

 

[Bay Ranger]

I flew with one from Seattle (imagine that!) with one. Somewhat of a hassle between the airline (Southwest) and TSA with their inspections and examinations. Make sure that you allow at least an extra hour to jump through the hoops. Make sure that you have locks on your case that cannot be opened by the TSA keys and a hard case with 2 locks. I have the one for a handgun that I used the I can sell you and the locks.