New question about flying w'handguns.

[jojosdad]

I'm going to be flying into LAX in a few days and since I've got a CA CCW, I thought I could play the one-eyed king down there.
I already have a sturdy TSA approved metal pistol case; I do not, however, have a hardshell suitcase to put it in. My question is: are there any secure softsided cases out there, and in not, what are your recommendations as to hardsided ones?

thanks

 

[GRIZ22]

I use a Haliburton. Locked gun case in the locked Haliburton. When TSA goes to check the luggage inform them discreetly if they want to go through it now because you need to lock the suitcase. It's wise to printout TSA regs and the airline's policy from their website and have them with you because many TSA and airline personnel really don't know what the regs are.

 

[nyresq]

DO NOT USE THE TSA LOCKS ON A GUNCASE!!!


Seems silly but I have seen many people put their standard travel locks on their gun cases. those locks can be opened by TSA without any evidence of doing so.
Use standard keyed master locks and keep the keys in your pocket with your CCW permit. I have also seen people tape a card to the outside with a cell phone number and name on it so if any TSA jerkweeds want to see inside, they can find you in the airport after you check in the bag.

 

[kd7nqb]

Only some airlines require hard side cases others allow soft ones.

 

[carebear]

Yep, the Federal reg. only requires the actual gun case itself to be hard sided, it can go into any suitcase.

As was said, check with the airline (website is best, may be links from packing.org) to make sure they don't have any rules unique to them.

 

[Cacique500]

When I fly mine go in a small pelican case, inside a larger, soft sided travel bag. As Nyresq said, DO NOT use TSA locks on the gun case - I use master locks and I retain they keys *at all times*. If you are asked to give them the keys, refuse - you may unlock it for them but federal law states the passenger *must maintain possession of any keys or combinations at all times*.

You can print out a copy of the regs, but do not get the TSA regs - get the actual CFR that deals with firearms on aircraft. The TSA regs differ slightly and are not in line with the actual CFR. The TSA regs use wording to the effect of "it is recommended that you give your keys or combination..." - actual CFR wording is *you* maintain possession at all times.

I got into it with TSA in Dallas over not 'surrendering' my keys to them to unlock the case - a copy of the actual CFR's and a request for a U.S. Marshall (and the idiots supervisor) backed them down.

The one you're looking for is 49 CFR 1540.111 and can be found at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=49:9.1.3.5.8.2.10.6&idno=49

 

[Trebor]

Thanks for that link to the actual CFR. I've been looking for that.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I got into it with TSA in Dallas over not 'surrendering' my keys to them to unlock the case - a copy of the actual CFR's and a request for a U.S. Marshall (and the idiots supervisor) backed them down.

Yep, had the exact same thing with TSA in Dallas.

Sad part is I fly all over with my handgun and Texas of all places is where I get the most grief. :banghead:

 

[jojosdad]

Thanks for all the help. My main concern now is the security of a softsided suitcase.

 

[Cacique500]

You can always "TSA lock" the soft sided case - with your pelican non-TSA locked inside - that's what I do.

Once you declare your firearm at the check in counter you'll get a tag that you have to fill out that goes in with the gun(s). You fill it out and then lock it in your hard shell (pelican) - and then lock the whole thing in your soft sided bag with a TSA lock. In large airports, the bag usually gets taken (with you in tow) to the xray and most times it goes right through with no further issue...you're bag goes down the chute and you procede to the strip search area for normal screening.

In smaller airports I've had to go in a back room with a TSA agent and have them hand search the bag & most want to look in the gun case. Just keep in mind that they are *NOT* allowed to touch the firearm (not even one little pinky on it) and if you see this ask tell them to stop immediately and/or get a supervisor. They can swab around it for explosives, but can't touch the actual firearm. Anyway, after all that mess I lock everything back up and the bag goes on its merry way.

As long as you know the law and are polite and firm, you won't have any issues.