dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Never flew with a pistol. I have watched many a Fort Drum soldier at the Syracuse Airport Delta Counter open their hard cases that mostly had M4’s of different types inside.
They will make you take your suitcase to a TSA inspection room, where you will again open it, unlock the gun case, search your suitcase and run swabs all around the inside of it. The general rule when flying out of Sea-Tac and checking a firearm is to add another thirty or forty-five minutes to the time you expect to wait in line at the ticket counter (can't check a bag with a firearm curbside) and the TSA security line.I've never had TSA do anything but xray the case.
I have. Its not entirely clear, and as you can see from the posts in this thread, the policies seem to be inconsistently followed.I would think it would be appropriate to look up the TSA instructions, as well as the policy of the airline you're flying on.
I know, that just sounds goofy.
The problem with ammo is the weight. esp with what airlines are charging for baggage now-a-days. If you know your going to do a lot of shooting buy your ammo at the destination.
Some do, some don't. Many ticket agents and security are just as happy to throw it on an Xray machine to verify it is unloaded. I like to run one of those cable locks they give out through the action inside the case. That way, even a Stevie Wonder Xray tech can see it is unloaded. If they do ask, just grin and bear having to dig it out of your luggage to do the process. Which leads toWill they have me open the case at the ticket counter to inspect it?
I say yes. Sure it means you have less room for socks and underwear but it is more secure in my opinion. A case inside non descript luggage doesn't scream "Steal me! I'm a firearm" like a locked gun-sized case on a carousel does. It also gives thieves another layer to cut through if they happen to take your bag. Bluetooth trackers like the Apple Airtag and Galaxy Tag are great for travel and knowing where your bags are.Can I place the hard side gun case inside my regular piece of luggage or does it have to be separate?
Only if you want to be arrested for unlawful possession.This seems like bad advice
It's not bad advice at all. A whole bunch of people have been rerouted to New York and then when they tried to recheck their baggage back onto the airline they were arrested.This seems like bad advice
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I believe in flying with easily replaceable dime a dozen CCW handguns. If my Glock or Ruger got stolen, I'm not emotionally attached to them and can easily replace them. On another forum a member recommended attaching the pistol case to an internal support in your suitcase with a cable lock. That would make if more difficult for a baggage handler to steal your cased gun. Mmm, I figure if he can steel a handgun out of checked luggage, he could probably get a set of bolt cutters too.
I've read on other forums of TSA needing to unlock the case and look inside. I've never needed to unlock my pistol case.
I guess it might be easier just to buy ammo when I get there, and not have to bother with having to fly with it.
It's not bad advice at all. A whole bunch of people have been rerouted to New York and then when they tried to recheck their baggage back onto the airline they were arrested.
If you're somehow rerouted to a non-gun friendly state you abandon your suitcase with the gun in it and the airline will send it on to your final destination.
The issue with Bridge and Tunnel cops at LaGuardia trying to arrest people traveling in accordance with federal law was resolved a long time ago:
https://shared.nrapvf.org/sharedmedia/1509107/don-young-nyc-fopa.pdf
I've flown Delta with a handgun several times, as well as with multiple other airlines.I am looking for input from people who have flown on Delta with a checked handgun. I have reviewed the Delta website, and want to make sure I understand the process.
That is correct. Only thing I would add is that the lock should not be a "TSA" lock. They cannot legally access the inside of the case without you present.I place the unloaded gun in a locked hardside gun case.
I keep the key.
I declare the gun at the counter and fill out a declaration form stating the gun is unloaded.
Depends on the airport and the individual at the counter. Most don't. Some do. I've had ticket counter people who literally (I had one ask if my Glock was a .38) couldn't tell you the difference between a revolver and a semi auto have me open the case and take the gun out to "show them it was unloaded".Will they have me open the case at the ticket counter to inspect it?
Yes. That's SOP, unless it's a large rifle case.Can I place the hard side gun case inside my regular piece of luggage or does it have to be separate?
Ammo does not have to be in a locked case by TSA regs. What kind of case you can use though will vary depending, once again, on the individual at the counter, the airport, and the airline. I don't recall exactly what Delta's policy is. I've carried ammo in magazines many times. Once I had a counter person make a stink about it and I ended up having to pull the ammo out of the mags and leave it with them. To be safe, I now carry ammo in those snap lid plastic boxes designed for the purpose.Does ammo in a factory box have to be in the locked case also, or can it be in suitcase?
That is appropriate, but not all there is to be considered. It's common for the people at the counter to not know the TSA regs or the policies of the airline they work for.I would think it would be appropriate to look up the TSA instructions, as well as the policy of the airline you're flying on.
I know, that just sounds goofy.
It's not a big deal to fly with it, unless you're bringing a significant amount. Your normal "carry load", 2-4 mags worth or so is not a problem in the least, no more so than the gun itself, especially if you do as I mentioned before and use those plastic ammo boxes.I guess it might be easier just to buy ammo when I get there, and not have to bother with having to fly with it.