Question regarding CCW in airports (PA) - Not on flights!

[38SnubFan]

I'm hoping someone here, LEO or not, can answer this for me.

I just picked up a 2nd job as a dispatcher for a local courier service. We deal mainly with delivering "recovered luggage" from airlines back to their owners. Twice per night I'm required to run to the airport to pick up the luggage and bring it back to the office, where it is sorted, luggage owners contacted, and dispatched to drivers to come pick it up and deliver it.

My problem is, I work evenings untli 10:30 PM, and while a "reasonably quiet" town, it does have its fair share of violent crime (robberies, muggings, etc.). The door is open and lights on (for incoming drivers picking up freight), and as well the office is located in a small "strip mall"-type setting. My concern would be someone looking to come in and rob the place while I'm the only one here.

My question is: Can I legally CCW into the airport terminal? I'm not required to go through any TSA/security checkpoints; only to the ticket counters and Baggage Service Offices (BSOs).

Any assistance you fine folks here could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
38SnubFan

 

[Aguila Blanca]

It is my understanding that state-legal carry is legal in terminals as long as you don't enter the secured areas. But ... I am neither an attorney nor an LEO so please don't rely solely on what I say.

 

[geekWithA.45]

Pre 9/11, my friend took the train from work to PHL International to pick up his wife.

Being armed, he asked a policeman if there was a place/way he could check his sidearm so he could meet her at the gate.

The policeman said no, so he'd have to wait for her outside the checkpoint.

AFAIK, nothing's changed since then.

In PA, presuming we're talking about concealed carry with a permit, the only firm No-No is courtrooms and judges chambers, and they must provide you with lockers to check your arms.

The "soft no-nos", which are the result of conflicting statutes that have not been tested in a court of law are schools k-12, and state parks.

The concensus on those is that no one wants to be the test case.

Open carry outside of Philadelphia is generally legal, except in a vehicle, or when the governor has both declared a state of emergency _and_ has ruled out open carriage. (LTCF holders are exempt from this contingency)

 

[Steve in PA]

I've carried in airports, Harrisburg, Philly and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wihtout any problems. Of course I stayed out of the secure areas.

 

[38SnubFan]

Thanks for the prompt replies. Always appreciated.

Makes me glad to know that I'll be legal AND protected while simply trying to make a living.

-38SnubFan

 

[peacefuljeffrey]

Pre 9/11, my friend took the train from work to PHL International to pick up his wife.

Being armed, he asked a policeman if there was a place/way he could check his sidearm so he could meet her at the gate.

The policeman said no, so he'd have to wait for her outside the checkpoint.

Individual police officers -- even police spokespeople and higher-ups -- are notorious for saying whatever the hell they want to in answer to such questions. It is by no means gospel.

This is like asking a cop on the street if a given folding knife is legal. (Some of them will give you that, "If it's longer than your palm is wide when laid across it, it's illegal," or some such crap.)

I don't know who you should consult for an answer, but it sure isn't some cop standing around looking bored at the airport.

-Jeffrey

 

[Aguila Blanca]

In PA, presuming we're talking about concealed carry with a permit, the only firm No-No is courtrooms and judges chambers, and they must provide you with lockers to check your arms.

Mr. Geek --

Having recently obtained a PA permit for when I visit there, I am interested in staying legal. Does the PA law prohibit carry only in court ROOMS? I thought it was court HOUSES. Are you saying the law allows me to wear a concealed (or unconcealed) handgun and wander around a county courthouse, as long as I remain in the corridors and don't enter an actual courtROOM?

 

[Steve in PA]

In PA, the Luzerne County Courthouse has a metal detector you must walk through. There is storage lockers provided, however I have never seen anyone other than a LEO not have to secure their weapon. Even LEO's have to secure their weapon if they will be going to the third floor (where the court rooms are).

As for the airport thing, please define/describe "check point".

 

[geekWithA.45]

Hawkmoon:

The law was clarified (in court?) to mean actual courtrooms and judges chambers. At issue was a large municipal building that had a lot of other stuff going on within it, including, (IIRC), a community center.

Theoretically, you could wander around as you describe, but that doesn't strike me as a prudent course of action. Most municipal buildings have the metal detectors, and most folks just hang 'em up on the way in. It's no big deal, and the deputies at the gates know the drill, and won't give you the evil eye for the temerity to be armed.

They kind of dig it, actually.

Steve in PA: Checkpoint = passenger security xray machines, what we know and detest today as the TSA line.

PeacefulJeffrey: I understand your point regarding LEOs as a suspect source of legal information. That's what lawyers are for.

They are, however, a reasonable source of information for directions to the arms check counter.

 

[Chipperman]

I have carried in Logan (Boston) when picking up my wife. There is no law against it, and there are no signs. As long as you don't enter a secure area, you are fine.