Flying Southwest Airlines w/a handgun - suggestions?

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DHart

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Planning a trip flying on Southwest and haven't flown with a handgun before. What I know so far is that I need to declare that I have a handgun in my checked bag and that I shouldn't have ammo in the same bag as the gun.

Should I expect much in the way of delay during check-in? Will they want the gun locked inside a gun case in the bag or just with a cable lock through the cylinder? Anything I should know that will help speed and smooth the process would be much appreciated. No, I won't be taking a highly valued gun... just a Ruger SP101. Thank you, in advance!
 
Southwest is quite straight forward and normal.
The firearm should be unloaded in a lockable hardsided case.Ammo can be in the same case separate preferably in the original factory carton.
The Declaration of Firearms Form is filled out at the counter and TSA will take over from there.TSA will check out the case with you retaining the key.
Be sure to have the key to the case when arriving at the airport.
I've flown on 4 different airlines with firearms with no problems at all including Chicago and Los Angeles.
Relax and have a great trip.
 
All the above is correct to the best of my knowledge.

As far as delays: In my limited experience you will actually get your luggage through faster when you declare a gun. You will have to be present while the TSA examines it and they'll bump you right up so you can be present to unlock things for them.

People get really cordial when you proclaim at the ticket counter that you have a gun. In my opinion, it breaks up their routine, they get to feel like they're doing something, and this is probably the most excitement that the TSA guys will have all day. If they're good folks then they'll feel good that they knew how to handle that odd occurance when a gun came through their inspection point.

Just make sure you know the rules and insist on them being followed. Do not, under any circumstances, let your pistol get to the TSA without the prolamation form being included in the case. If that means you need to talk to the agent at the ticket counter for a bit, so be it. If they permit you to continue on without that silly little form it's your butt that'll be in court.
 
When you approach the counter say, "I have an unloaded firearm to declare." That seems to be the best way to keep everyone from worrying.

Also, don't try to take anything gun related in your carry-on. No extra grips, no extra mags, no pistol scope, nothing. The last time I flew I was told, "If it's a part of a gun or touches a gun, check it."
 
Depending on the Southwest Airlines baggage clerk/TSA inspectors, you might want to allow some extra time for check-in. One flight on check-in I let them know I was traveling with a pistol, and got told that I needed to go thru the full-service counter, they had just opened operations for the day and the full-service counter was empty.
 
ive flown with Southwest many times with a checked firearm in luggage. in my opinion they are pretty cool about things. i checked in an M16 and they didnt even blink at me funny.

now JetBlue, they will make sure TSA gives you the full body cavity search. they flagged my boarding pass both times i flew armed and in one location even called the airport police because i checked in a Glock pistol. the ticket agent was proudly making a big red "X" on the top of my boarding pass. i asked her what that meant. she told me it flagged me for secondary screening with TSA, which somehow is a matter of policy for JetBlue, at least according to her.

just my two cents. ill probably never fly JetBlue again.
 
Thanks, guys, for the info. Today I found a Master padlock that will securely and snugly close around the entire handle on my Glock 23 case... I hope that's good enough security as far as having a locked case goes.

Do they usually ask you to open the suitcase and then open the locked gun case and show that the pistol is empty? Is this done out in the open or behind a screen of some sort? Just curious... I've never seen it done at an airport.
 
DHart,

TSA takes over-you touch nothing once they begin the screening process. The suitcase and your handgun case need to be unlocked when you arrive; they may actually inspect the handgun, or they may not. It just depends on the employee. TSA will ask you if you want the case and/or the suitcase locked after they're done; once they've inspected and stamped the luggage tag the airline employee places on your suitcase handle, they've always told me that no one else will be inspecting it since they already have.

Sam
 
Southwest and even the TSA were quite professional when I flew to Phoenix a couple of months ago... You should have no problem. Make sure ammo is in a box that you but ammo in. That's my suggestion.
 
I was planning on taking my ammo in one of those hard plastic boxes with a snap closed lid that has a slot for each individual round - is that considered sufficient for keeping the ammo secure?
 
If your ammo won't fit in the plastic box the gun will be in can you throw it in your suitcase also provided it's in the factory ammo box and rubber-banded, or does it need it's own locked box?
 
The only time I ever flew SW while transporting a firearm, I let the lady know at check in and I had no trouble. I was taken to the TSA officials, verified my possession and boarded the plane. When I landed, the item was transferred with my luggage.

My only warning about SW is to wear appropriate clothing and if allergic, Don't Eat the Peanuts.....(long story thereabout a short flight)
 
If your ammo won't fit in the plastic box the gun will be in can you throw it in your suitcase also provided it's in the factory ammo box and rubber-banded, or does it need it's own locked box?
Click to expand...

Ammo doesn't need to be in a locked box on Southwest or American, not sure of the other airlines. Can be in the same suitcase on those 2 airlines also.
 
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