Checking a wheelgun in with your luggage?
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herrwalther
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Flying with a firearm is quite easy. Once you know and follow the rules. Here is a TSA page on how to fly with firearms. Also check with your airline. They will have similar rules to TSA but they may have added stipulations or restrictions. I highly suggest printing off the TSA rules and the airline rules, and carry them with you to the checkout counter. I have had gate agents say flying with a firearm is illegal and try to have me arrested for having a firearm in the airport. None of them have argued after seeing their own rules on paper.
I also recommend putting the locked pistol case inside your luggage with the rest of your clothes, chargers, etc. A pistol case attached to the outside of the luggage or free wandering into the plane is just asking to be stolen. When I fly with firearms, I also like to loop one of those cable gun locks through the action. That way, even a blind TSA agent knows its unloaded when it gets inspected or Xrayed. It will be harder with a revolver, but doable.
I also recommend putting the locked pistol case inside your luggage with the rest of your clothes, chargers, etc. A pistol case attached to the outside of the luggage or free wandering into the plane is just asking to be stolen. When I fly with firearms, I also like to loop one of those cable gun locks through the action. That way, even a blind TSA agent knows its unloaded when it gets inspected or Xrayed. It will be harder with a revolver, but doable.
Just be sure that at any location where you might conceivably have to take possession of your luggage, that it is legal for you to possess the firearm in question. Obviously that means at the destination, but it also includes any situations where you might take possession of your luggage between flights--such as if you are flying on more than one ticket to get to your destination.
Elkins45
Member
This is an important point.
If you should be diverted to and land in New Jersey don’t take possession of your bag. People have been arrested for this very thing. Go to the baggage office and tell the airline rep that they need to take possession of your bag until they fly you back to America.
If for some reason your flight gets diverted to New York over night. DO NOT pickup your luggage containing a handgun.
Leave it on the carousel and let the airline get it to your final destination.
policetribune.com
New York will arrest you when you go to re-check in your handgun for another flight out of NY.
Leave it on the carousel and let the airline get it to your final destination.
New York Locks Up Woman For Declaring Pistol In Checked Baggage - The Police Tribune
Colonie, NY – A Colorado woman was arrested in a New York airport when she tried to check her handgun for her flight home on Jan. 10, in accordance with TSA guidelines. Haley Leach, 28, followed proper airport protocol for checking a weapon, and declared her handgun to the Southwest counter...
policetribune.com
New York will arrest you when you go to re-check in your handgun for another flight out of NY.
Yes, as long as it's legal for you to possess it in Maryland. As we outlined to you in your other thread, flying with firearms is very easy. There are dozens of threads on this subject for you to peruse if you're so inclined.
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unclenunzie
Contributing Member
The main thing is the firearm must be legal in the origin state and the destination state for FOPA protection to apply. As has also been said, any diversion to a third state makes that state a destination so heed the advice not to accept your baggage containing your firearm there (unless you are certain it also is legal in that state). Wherever you might be stopped, state and local laws apply and FOPA no longer protects you.
When I lived in NJ I traveled often to Florida. My NJ firearms purchaser ID card (and firearm characteristics) made the start of the journey compliant with FOPA. My Florida carry license made the destination state compliant with FOPA (but may not have been required since Florida wasn't a restrictive state). What remains is to know and follow the unloaded and secured requirements of both FOPA and airline regulations.
In practical terms I found a quality Cabela's aluminum/steel pistol case locked to the inner frame of my baggage was great. I always called the airline ticket counter a few days before flying to let them know I was traveling lawfully with firearms and to ask if any airline regs had been changed or updated. Upon arrival at the ticket counter I declared my firearms as required and requested the proper forms for that purpose. "Oh, you're the guy that called the other day". I also learned to have a few business cards printed with a firearm declaration statement on one side and my personal info on the other, and handed it to the ticket counter person. It also included a phrase to the effect that if they had any questions to please contact a supervisor. This seemed to keep things simple for all involved.
Generally a security or similar person would then come and take the baggage to be scanned (they used to open the firearms case at the ticket counter in front of other passengers- in Newark, no less) to inspect them as unloaded.
I never found the process to cause any delay beyond the few minutes to do the form and wait for the person to take the baggage. At the other end there's no process but to pick up your baggage as usual.
One last thing - the locked pistol case cannot be a TSA lock. Use a decent padlock and keep the key on your person. The baggage lock should be a TSA lock or they will cut it.
When I lived in NJ I traveled often to Florida. My NJ firearms purchaser ID card (and firearm characteristics) made the start of the journey compliant with FOPA. My Florida carry license made the destination state compliant with FOPA (but may not have been required since Florida wasn't a restrictive state). What remains is to know and follow the unloaded and secured requirements of both FOPA and airline regulations.
In practical terms I found a quality Cabela's aluminum/steel pistol case locked to the inner frame of my baggage was great. I always called the airline ticket counter a few days before flying to let them know I was traveling lawfully with firearms and to ask if any airline regs had been changed or updated. Upon arrival at the ticket counter I declared my firearms as required and requested the proper forms for that purpose. "Oh, you're the guy that called the other day". I also learned to have a few business cards printed with a firearm declaration statement on one side and my personal info on the other, and handed it to the ticket counter person. It also included a phrase to the effect that if they had any questions to please contact a supervisor. This seemed to keep things simple for all involved.
Generally a security or similar person would then come and take the baggage to be scanned (they used to open the firearms case at the ticket counter in front of other passengers- in Newark, no less) to inspect them as unloaded.
I never found the process to cause any delay beyond the few minutes to do the form and wait for the person to take the baggage. At the other end there's no process but to pick up your baggage as usual.
One last thing - the locked pistol case cannot be a TSA lock. Use a decent padlock and keep the key on your person. The baggage lock should be a TSA lock or they will cut it.
unclenunzie
Contributing Member
"However, Leach was not in possession of a pistol permit for the state of New York, so police arrested her."If for some reason your flight gets diverted to New York over night. DO NOT pickup your luggage containing a handgun.
Leave it on the carousel and let the airline get it to your final destination.
New York Locks Up Woman For Declaring Pistol In Checked Baggage - The Police Tribune
Colonie, NY – A Colorado woman was arrested in a New York airport when she tried to check her handgun for her flight home on Jan. 10, in accordance with TSA guidelines. Haley Leach, 28, followed proper airport protocol for checking a weapon, and declared her handgun to the Southwest counter...
New York will arrest you when you go to re-check in your handgun for another flight out of NY.
Know and comply with the law.
It's funny sometimes what you'll get at the ticket counter. I once had a lady have me open the case, take my Glock out and show her that it was unloaded. She then asked "what is that? A .38?
I've had a couple times where it actually sped up the process. I got through security faster than the other folks who had been near me in line at the ticket counter. At the destination, it can sometimes cause a little delay, depending on the airport. Some of them will pull your bag and have it waiting for you at the service counter by baggage claim rather than sending it out on the carousel.
unclenunzie
Contributing Member
I know right? I had four pistols in my case opened at the ticket counter in Newark, including a 1911 and some plastic pistols. Talk about weird. To her credit she didn't even flinch. I had each of them locked with a red barrel lock which makes it obvious it is not and cannot be loaded.It's funny sometimes what you'll get at the ticket counter. I once had a lady have me open the case, take my Glock out and show her that it was unloaded. She then asked "what is that? A .38?
My understanding is that it can be a TSA lock.
"You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."
I was on 100% travel from 2010 to 2015 and flew with firearms hundreds of times. It's hard for me to imagine calling an airline before a flight and the clerk checking my baggage knowing I had called ahead. Is that a New Jersey thing?
I usually traveled to the Southeast and Midwest. Everybody knew what a firearms declaration card was. If anyone had questioned it, last week's card was still taped to the $9 Sentry lockbox in my suitcase. I could count on one hand the number of times someone didn't know what the declaration card was, and it was a first-day-on-the-job kind of thing.
RickD427
Member
My understanding is that it can be a TSA lock.
"You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."
I was on 100% travel from 2010 to 2015 and flew with firearms hundreds of times. It's hard for me to imagine calling an airline before a flight and the clerk checking my baggage knowing I had called ahead. Is that a New Jersey thing?
I usually traveled to the Southeast and Midwest. Everybody knew what a firearms declaration card was. If anyone had questioned it, last week's card was still taped to the $9 Sentry lockbox in my suitcase. I could count on one hand the number of times someone didn't know what the declaration card was, and it was a first-day-on-the-job kind of thing.
Wayne,
There is a very clear disagreement between the TSA Material and the Federal Regulations. As the responsible federal agency, the TSA's position is worthy of note. But the applicable regulation is contrary. Here is the applicable text:
49 CFR § 1544.203 - Acceptance and screening of checked baggage.
(f) Firearms in checked baggage. No aircraft operator may knowingly permit any person to transport in checked baggage:(1) Any loaded firearm(s).
(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless—
(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally or in writing before checking the baggage that any firearm carried in the baggage is unloaded;
(ii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container;
(iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination; and
(iv) The checked baggage containing the firearm is carried in an area that is inaccessible to passengers, and is not carried in the flightcrew compartment,.
(3) Any unauthorized explosive or incendiary.
The area of disagreement is whether a TSA Lock meets the criteria of "only the individual checking the baggage retains the key." Since TSA locks can be opened by multiple keys not in the possession of the person checking the bag, this condition does not appear satisfied.
herrwalther
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Excellent point. I have been diverted to NY a few times while flying to the northeast for alumni relations. At one point the layover was going to be long enough that our bags were being returned before a flight could be scheduled. I made a fast line to the baggage claim agent and explained the situation. My bag with firearm inside was locked inside an office, I never touched it, and was waiting for me in another locked office when I landed in gun-friendly Vermont. My destination.
Elkins45
Member
I have a friend who routinely flies with expensive technical gear. He started putting a flare pistol in the case and declaring a firearm.
He says they never lose his bag anymore.
He says they never lose his bag anymore.
Years ago, I was flying with a case full of rifle parts - action with bolt removed, barrel, and stock - to be assembled by an out-of-state gunsmith.
The TSA lady looked at the collection of parts and asked, "Is it loaded?"
It's funny, but you can't really blame her. She didn't know squat about guns and she was trained to ask.
The TSA lady looked at the collection of parts and asked, "Is it loaded?"
It's funny, but you can't really blame her. She didn't know squat about guns and she was trained to ask.
So you have now moved on from trying to ship the gun to yourself? Why not ask this in your original question?
But then the question is, Are you allowed to have that gun in Maryland?? Is it a direct flight? If not do not pickup your luggage if you have to stay over in NY or some other such place
But then the question is, Are you allowed to have that gun in Maryland?? Is it a direct flight? If not do not pickup your luggage if you have to stay over in NY or some other such place
Shipping a gun to myself?
Would it be legal to ship a gun from Florida, where I live, to myself in Maryland?
www.thehighroad.org
I have flown to Florida frequently in the past 4 years since being home in the USA from working overseas.
I use a Pelican Vault Gun Box with 2 keyed alike NON-TSA locks:
I add holsters and knives inside the locked case. I put the locked case in my suitcase at home. I keep the keys to the locks on me.
At the check in desk, I inform the person working the counter that I am checking in a firearm. I place my suitcase on the scale so it's facing them when I open it. They will have you sign a card that states the firearm is unloaded. That card goes in your suitcase on top of the gun case. The person working the check in desk has always asked me to wait around for 15 to 20 minutes just in case TSA or Local LE has questions.
Being that my Pelican Vault is plastic and is able to X-Ray'd, I have never needed to unlock the case for TSA, LE, or the counter person.
I use a Pelican Vault Gun Box with 2 keyed alike NON-TSA locks:
I add holsters and knives inside the locked case. I put the locked case in my suitcase at home. I keep the keys to the locks on me.
At the check in desk, I inform the person working the counter that I am checking in a firearm. I place my suitcase on the scale so it's facing them when I open it. They will have you sign a card that states the firearm is unloaded. That card goes in your suitcase on top of the gun case. The person working the check in desk has always asked me to wait around for 15 to 20 minutes just in case TSA or Local LE has questions.
Being that my Pelican Vault is plastic and is able to X-Ray'd, I have never needed to unlock the case for TSA, LE, or the counter person.
Too easy for that to come open with rough handling, in my opinion. That would technically meet the requirements though. Just needs to be hard sided and lockable.
HankB
Member
I haven't flown with guns for a number of years - my last few airline trips were to Chicago. But that Pelican case looks good and as I understand things it meets the requirements - hard locked case, guns unloaded, magazines not in the gun and unloaded themselves, ammo in the original boxes, all locked in the Pelican.
Now when you put it in your suitcase - is your suitcase also hard sided, or would a soft sided case (with the locked Pelican inside) meet the requirements?
As for wayneinFL and his Samsonite suitcase, I normally put a security strap (sort of like a seat belt) around any suitcase I'm traveling with, just as a little extra insurance against it popping open. I do this for both soft bags and hard ones like wayneinFL's. So far, so good.
Now when you put it in your suitcase - is your suitcase also hard sided, or would a soft sided case (with the locked Pelican inside) meet the requirements?
As for wayneinFL and his Samsonite suitcase, I normally put a security strap (sort of like a seat belt) around any suitcase I'm traveling with, just as a little extra insurance against it popping open. I do this for both soft bags and hard ones like wayneinFL's. So far, so good.
I was more double checking the legality of my $5 thrift shop suitcase.
The strap is not a bad idea. I used to travel with this model toolbox and it was open at least 50% of the time. The twist/turnbuckle straps would open up on it if they weren't tied, and TSA would never tie them after they inspected it. I put a padlock on it and it helped a little, but a strap would have been better.
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Yes. Suitcase can be soft sided with a hard case inside. That's how I've done it a majority of the time, since I'm normally flying with just a pistol.
Some of the plastic toolboxes (Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ridgid etc.) make durable, relatively inexpensive alternatives to Pelican and similar cases. I've flown for work a few times and needed to bring tools anyway. I just packed the pistol in with the tools and declared the whole thing. If a person was so inclined, and with the right size tool box, you could pack everything for your trip in it. That way everything is together and protected.
