Traveling w/a shotgun via Southwest Airlines

[SunnySlopes]

My son is going to be visiting me in February. He wants to take his Remington 1100 home to California. He's flying Southwest.

Can he simply check the locked long gun case through? Specs on the type of case?

 

[Sam Cade]

This is what the airline says:

Customers are responsible for knowing and following the firearms laws of the state(s) that they will be traveling to, from, and through.
Our Customers must declare the gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter (no firearms will be accepted curbside) and ensure that the firearm(s) chambers are free of ammunition and the magazine clip has been removed (when applicable). Paintball guns and BB guns are considered the same as all other firearms.
Paintball guns are allowed in checked baggage and are not subject to the container requirements of firearms. Customers must declare the paintball gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter. Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carryon only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e., the cylinder has an open end). TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
Firearms must be encased in a hard-sided, locked container that is of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling, as follows:
A firearm in a hard-sided, locked container may be placed inside a soft-sided, unlocked suitcase.
A firearm placed inside a hard-sided, locked suitcase does not have to be encased in a container manufactured for the transportation of firearms.
The locked container or suitcase must completely secure the firearm from access. Cases or suitcases that can be pulled open with minimal effort do not meet the locked criterion.
Only the Customer checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock. No exceptions will be made.
Firearms may be checked and will count toward the two-piece free baggage allowance for each fare-paying passenger. We allow multiple firearms to be transported inside one hard-sided case.
Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the misalignment of sights on firearms, including those equipped with telescopic sights.
Firearms are never allowed in carryon luggage.

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

 

[nplant]

In the past, I've flown Southwest with all manner of firearms. It's a gamble as to who you'll draw at the ticket/check-in counter. Best practice is to know what needs to happen per the LAW, and per the POLICY. Knowing both is very important.

For example, I've heard horror stories from fellow travelers who have been asked to demonstrate an empty pump gun by racking the action to show clear. In an airport. With armed police officers nearby. That did not go well, and in the end, the ticket agent was sheet white with a big frown on her face when the police gave her a stern talking to.

What I do is to declare it right away, but then allow the agent to call the shots. Sometimes they need to remember how to handle the firearm, sometimes they've never done it, whatever, but they need to process the thought before they can handle the issue. Let them take their time. Get there early - way early. Only contradict them if what they're asking is unsafe, against the law, or in violation of their own policies.

Last time I did this, the TSA Burglary Locks were becoming prevalent, but I always used my own padlocks, and a Pelican or similar case. There could be some issue there because TSA often opens the case before they run it through the machines, but in most big cities there's some way to do this with you present, so you can hand the keys over temporarily while you're still technically "in control" of the items.

Lastly, he should be ready to get all manner of inane comments from anyone nearby. I would try my best to keep as low a profile as possible, but someone always sees the gun and wants to grill you about why you have it. Be prepared with some simple lines that shut down any conversation. Just in case they're on your flight, you don't need some stranger knowing ahead of time that you're going to pick up a firearm on the other end.

All in all, if you're doing something at a place where a shotgun can be rented, it is probably a whole lot easier.

 

[Sam Cade]

There could be some issue there because TSA often opens the case before they run it through the machines, but in most big cities there's some way to do this with you present, so you can hand the keys over temporarily while you're still technically "in control" of the items.

The TSA is not allowed to open your case unless you are present is my understanding.

 

[9mmepiphany]

It might be easier to mail it to himself

 

[.455_Hunter]

The TSA is not allowed to open your case unless you are present is my understanding.

That was my understanding as well until my experience flying out of El Paso. After saying "Wait Here", my bag was taken behind the counter, with a summons for the keys soon after. I protested, saying that I had to witness process, which caused MUCH consternation with the TSA staff. In order to not miss my flight, I finally handed over the keys, taking specific badge numbers in case something came-up missing.

 

[BlisteringSilence]

I've flown shotguns, pistols, and rifles all over the country, using Southwest (and American), and never had a real issue.

Follow the rules and the laws, don't be an idiot, and you'll be fine.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

http://www.wikihow.com/Travel-on-Airplanes-With-a-Gun

The only addition I have is to tell the TSA baggage screener when you drop off your bag that there's a declared firearm inside. Your bag will jump to the front of the line, and they'll flag you an all-clear when you're good to go.

 

[herrwalther]

The TSA is not allowed to open your case unless you are present is my understanding.

Correct. It is very agent dependent. Some will open the case to hand check the firearm is unloaded for transport, others will just Xray scan it. I have had both happen when flying with firearms.

Print out and HIGHLIGHT the rules of both TSA and the airline. Just in case someone along the way tries to strongarm you into thinking you don't know the rules. Never hand off the key/combo to a security member unless they are doing a check as I mentioned above. Make sure nothing is on the firearm that distinguishes it as such such as stickers, logos etc.

As far as case selections go, it is better if you can buy one that you can check out first. Some TSA agents will hold on the case and try to crush or flex it. If they can, they may not let it fly. So when picking out a case, do the test yourself. Also make sure that is has or can have at least two locks on it. I prefer the locks built into the latches to prevent pad locks from bouncing around but that is my preference. And finally don't skimp on the padding. Soft egg shell padding comes in most hard lock cases and works well. If there is none you will want to get something similar yourself. Just watch any baggage handler for 30 seconds and you will see why more padding is better.

 

[bigfatdave]

I've flown with firearms a couple times.

Print out all the rules for the airline and TSA, have them handy. Do all the things you're required to do.
And while you're not exactly required to do so, making the weapon obviously unloaded and/or disabled will make it easier for the counter drone if they want to inspect.
Chamber flags, cable padlocks, or basic disassembly can be used to accomplish that.
(more often than not, I've been handed an orange card to fill out and nobody looks in my locked case at all)