Flying with a handgun... would like info from people who have done it.

[uneasy_rider]

I will be travelling from a small airport in Georgia to Salt Lake City on Delta. My trip will involve changing flights in Atlanta.

As I understand it, I should put my firearm, unloaded, in a hard sided case, and lock it. I will be taking one box of ammo, and will keep it in its original box.

I declare the gun upon check in at the ticketing counter.

At that point, will the TSA be called to inspect?

Will TSA want to open the case and see if it is loaded?

Can I use the case the gun came in from the factory, or does it need to be a special case of some kind?

Are all firearms in checked baggage inspected?

Am I supposed to keep the key with me during the flight?

Can I pack the gun case and box of ammo inside my suitcase so I only have one checked bag total?

Will the fact that I am changing flights in Atlanta cause any hassle? Will I need to do anything in Atlanta?

If anyone has flown with a gun lately I would appreciate your input. Hopefully someone can walk me throught the process. I have looked at the TSA website, and it is a little vague. Does anyone have a link to that actual federal regulations?

 

[Jimmie]

As I understand it, I should put my firearm, unloaded, in a hard sided case, and lock it. I will be taking one box of ammo, and will keep it in its original box.

Hard and lockable, good. TSA doesn't require original boxed ammo, but some airlines do.

I declare the gun upon check in at the ticketing counter.

Yes.

At that point, will the TSA be called to inspect?

My hometown airport is small and they came to the airline counter. At PHX, I took my bags to the TSA area, they inspected me, and then put my bags on the conveyor.

Will TSA want to open the case and see if it is loaded?

They will want to open the case, but they will probably only give it a once-over look - they probably won't check the chamber or anything.

Can I use the case the gun came in from the factory, or does it need to be a special case of some kind?

Anything is fine as long as it's hard and lockable.

Are all firearms in checked baggage inspected?

They're checked before the bag goes to the back.

Am I supposed to keep the key with me during the flight?

Yes, you do not give them the key to "take to the back." They can unlock it, but it should always be in your sight.

Can I pack the gun case and box of ammo inside my suitcase so I only have one checked bag total?

Yes.

Will the fact that I am changing flights in Atlanta cause any hassle? Will I need to do anything in Atlanta?

No. No.

If anyone has flown with a gun lately I would appreciate your input. Hopefully someone can walk me throught the process. I have looked at the TSA website, and it is a little vague. Does anyone have a link to that actual federal regulations?

It's really not a big deal. Most airports have been handling firearms for a long time. Just tell the ticket agent you've got a firearm and ask them what to do next.

 

[uneasy_rider]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Do you recommend putting the hard gun case inside my regular suitcase, or should I get a specialized gun case designed for travel that would be a seperate piece of checked baggage?

 

[g3shooter]

The TSA has a subcontractor usually for checking firearms.

They will usually just open the case and press on the foam to feel for any protrusions that may be underneath... I guess that they figure it would make a good place to hide some explosives.

 

[El Tejon]

Clean out your range bag: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=209034

 

[Jimmie]

I always put the gun case in my normal checked bags if it'll fit. I do that so it doesn't stand out. I don't want to advertise to thieves or crooked baggage handlers that I've got anything worth stealing.

 

[GigaBuist]

I declare the gun upon check in at the ticketing counter.

At that point, will the TSA be called to inspect?

Nope, the clerk just hands you a redish orange tag that you sign affirming that the gun is unloaded.

Will TSA want to open the case and see if it is loaded?

Yes and no. They'll want to open the case just to make sure you didn't put a bomb in there and say you had a gun.

Can I use the case the gun came in from the factory, or does it need to be a special case of some kind?

Any lockable case should do.

Are all firearms in checked baggage inspected?

All of mine have been, but I don't fly much.

Am I supposed to keep the key with me during the flight?

What else would you do with it? Bet it in an in-flight poker game?

Can I pack the gun case and box of ammo inside my suitcase so I only have one checked bag total?

By TSA's rules yes. Delta didn't let me though. They even said it was fine by the TSA but Delta had their own regs.

Will the fact that I am changing flights in Atlanta cause any hassle? Will I need to do anything in Atlanta?

Just pray they don't lose your luggage.

 

[RonE]

I recently flew from CC, Tx to Oakland, Ca with a pistol. I flew Southwest and they told me on the phone before I got to the airport that I needed a hard lockable box for the pistol and could not ship ammo in the same box as the pistol. I bought ammo in Ca. Take the gun in the box unlocked and TSA will inspect it and put a tag in the box and lock it in front of you with your lock. Put the box in your suitcase. You do not have to declare the gun at the destination (perhaps you do in some cities like NY or DC) It was easy and painless except for finding cheap small locks.

 

[TampaSsgt]

Here is the link to the Delta website and regulations about firearms in checked in baggage.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/dangerous_goods/index.jsp

 

[RioShooter]

Nope, the clerk just hands you a redish orange tag that you sign affirming that the gun is unloaded.

This is what they're supposed to do. The only time I've flown with a gun, the clerk was afraid of guns and didn't want to look at it.....and she didn't know where the orange tags were kept.

She had to ask TSA to come-over to help her.

 

[uneasy_rider]

Here is the link to the Delta website and regulations about firearms in checked in baggage.

It is unclear to me whether or not Delta allows the hard gun case to be placed in a suitcase, or whether it must be an independent bag.

It is also unclear whether or not a box of ammo can be placed in the hard gun case.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Couple of extra things I've picked up flying with handguns.

You've gotten solid advice so far, the 2 things I'd add are:

1) Yes go ahead and put the firearm case inside your regular suitcase. You don't want anything to say "steal me". (assuming your airline allows that)

2) Field strip the handgun if it's an auto. I've been asked to show the firearm to the ticket agent many times (some airlines require their agent be shown its unloaded). Having the handgun in pieces allows the agent to clearly see it's unloaded and it avoids you having to rack the slide in a public place, which can unnerve folks.

A gun in pieces is not as scary for some reason

 

[just carl]

One friend of mine didn't want to play around with all that so he dismantled a gun completely. Placed all the parts in with a lot of other stuff made of metals and hard plastics. Lots of work but it worked. Went right through inspections.
On the other hand I used to fly my Son to Wisconsin to visit relatives. At the grand old age of 6 his suitcase was full of toys. Some were plastic water guns in the shape of a fish, dog, cat, etc. He was stopped at the O'Hare check point, suitcase opened, all water pistols taken and placed in a case called armaments. This was then tagged and we had to go to a special counter to register FIREARM shipments. You all know how dangerous a 6 year old can be. In Wisconsin, at the airport, I understand there was lots and lots of laughter when that DANGEROUS shipment was opened.

 

[uneasy_rider]

One friend of mine didn't want to play around with all that so he dismantled a gun completely. Placed all the parts in with a lot of other stuff made of metals and hard plastics. Lots of work but it worked. Went right through inspections.

I am glad that worked for your friend, but I sort of want to go on vacation without the risk of getting charged with a federal crime.

Vacation is more relaxing without felony firearms charges hanging over your head. What your friend did was illegal. In the eyes of the federal government, the gun part that is stamped with the serial number is a firearm, whether it is completely assembled or not.

 

[AirForceShooter]

Do NOT use a TSA lock on the gun case.
Once it's been inspected no one should be able to open it but you.

AFS

 

[usp_fan]

Small airports are usually more personal and personable. You should have a good experience. I'd lock your gun case and place it in your luggage. Returning from SLC should be cake. I've flow handguns out of there many times and they've never blinked. I'm under the impression that many pistols fly out of Utah daily.

--usp_fan

 

[TexasRifleman]

One friend of mine didn't want to play around with all that so he dismantled a gun completely. Placed all the parts in with a lot of other stuff made of metals and hard plastics. Lots of work but it worked. Went right through inspections.

And a felony, so there's that.......

 

[Pilot]

Check this thread, especially the post by GHF. I just did it following these procedures and it went great.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=363564&highlight=airlines

 

[MJZZZ]

I recently flew out of Kanasas City to Orlando on Air Tran. I declared the firearm in it's locked case, with the locked case cable locked to the frame of the suitcase. I unlocked the case and showed the TSA the gun was unloaded, relocked the case and reattached the cable lock to the suitcase. AirTran requires the ammo be in another suitcase, they only asked where it was and didn't visually verify it. It worked the same way coming home, only in Orlando the TSA after the guns visual inspection and looking me up and down thoroughly, hand carried my families suitcases to the loading tunnel and put them on the conveyor belt all together. My wife, who is neither pro or anti, commented how smooth the process was and that she expected alot more hassle. Know the rules and follow them and you will have no problems. Mike

 

[GHF]

My List of Gun Traveling Stuff

Airline Travel Posting

Having traveled a number of times, here's how I go at it:

1. Put the unloaded weapon(s) in a lockable hard-sided case with locks only you have the keys to open. TSA locks are not allowed.
2. Check the airline(s) you are flying on:
   • Determine if the ammo MUST be in boxes OR can fly in loaded magazines.
   • If loaded magazines are permitted, make sure the pouches fully cover the magazines.
   • The round from the pipe(s) must be in a box, not loose.
3. Secure and protect magazines and ammunition boxes from possible damage.
4. Put the lockable hard-sided case with the weapon and the ammo/magazines into a cheap, non-descript bag - with clear labeling outside and inside - for checking in. The labeling should be limited to:
   • Your Name
   • Your Cell Phone - if you have one, or your home phone if you do not
   • Your personal email address - if you have one
   • NO ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE INDICATED
5. Other stuff - like shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc, could be in this checked bag also.
6. Have the rules for the airline in hand when you check this non-descript bag at the airport.
7. Make sure you have the keys to the lockable hard-sided case with you and you alone (Per Federal Regulations § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals - http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=49:9.1.3.5.9.2.10.6&idno=49) at all times. You will have to open the lockable hard-side case
   • to demonstrate to the airline that the weapon(s) are not loaded at check in
   • if the TSA wants to see.
8. Have the serial number(s) and descriptions of your weapons on you, so if they "disappear" you can report the loss/theft to the:
   • airline
   • FAA Regional Office
   • ATF Regional Office

immediately.​

Other things to consider:

1. Check www.handgunlaw.us to determine:
   • If you can possess the weapon at all your stops.
   • Where and how you can carry at all your stops.
   • What are the deadly force rules in each state you are visiting.
2. Have a copy of the Don Young Transportation Letter on hand - http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/us letter.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.

 

[uneasy_rider]

What kind of lockable case do you guys use?

 

[GHF]

My Box

I use this -

http://hunting.flambeauoutdoors.com/otdrs_hunting/gun_cases/guncases.asp

 

[PavePusher]

All the answers here so far are great, but you actually forgot to ask one question:

"What do I do once I get to SL airport?"

Answer: Claim your bags. Proceed to the restroom. Enter a stall (handicapped size if required by amount/size of luggage). Remove pistol and don in appropriate carry rig, CC if you have a Utah-accepted permit or OC if you feel like it. Load appropriately to your permit status. Walk out of terminal building and proceed about your buisness.

I LOVE Utah! (Currently in SLC to visit family.)

 

[uneasy_rider]

Claim your bags. Proceed to the restroom. Enter a stall (

I've tried to avoid airport restrooms, ever since Senator Larry Craig made history.