Flying with Handguns Question

[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

Quick question on flying with handguns.

It was originally my understanding that you could legally fly with a handgun if it was locked in a hardside gun case and then placed inside a softside (cloth) suitcase.

Now I have been told that handguns (not long guns) must be also locked inside a hard shell suitcase in addition to the gun case.

Is this true or was the representative getting the suitcase confused with the gun case?

Does the gun case have to be one of those indestructable FAA approved kind with air seals and super thick foam or will the more common foam lined plastic style with a padlock do?

I'm tired of calling Delta and getting representatives that have no idea what they are talking about.

Can anyone supply me with a website or individual who can answer my question adequately?

Thanks for the help.

- Anthony

 

[cabinetman]

This should help

Check out this link. I've flown with an L1A1 in a hard case last September (I was nervous, btw) but all went well with no headaches.

This link should help you.

Rome

http://www.mattburkett.com/flying.html

 

[treeprof]

A lockable hard case will do. Whether or not you want to put in something else is your call. After Delta bag handlers tried to break into my case last year (incl. detroying the duffle it was packed in) I will be shipping all of mine C/O myself to my destination from now on via Fed Ex. Trust me, do yourself a favor and get a good case, not the std Doskil tan case with two snap locks.

This is Delta's link to FAQ's re firearms and such:

http://www.delta.com/travel/trav_serv/bag_info/sp_handling/sporting/index.jsp

 

[D.W. Drang]

Many airlines just don't have a clue and don't want to be bothered...
LEGALLY--i.e. what the FAA says--any firearm you are taking must be locked in a hardcase, and ammo must be packaged appropriately, and seperately. That is, ether in the originaly box or in a plastic box as used by reloaders. You may place the hardcase inside another case, which may be a soft case. (I.e. pistol case inside duffel.) You must declare the firearm(s) to the ticket agent, who may have you fill out a declaration form. (Form not required by law, BTW; consider the Alaskan bush pilot; one airplane, but still an "air carrier.")
The TSA will ask you to be present when they screen these bags; you will be required to give them your key or combination. They will not touch your guns while doing the sceening. (Neither will you...) When the TSA is done your hardcase will be locked again, and they MAY lock your other cases, which will be sealed in some manner, anyway.
Exactly how this happens will depend on the airport you are at.