Twist on Airplane Travel Question- Flare Pistol

[.455_Hunter]

I will be traveling on Monday and been flying with firearms for years. However, this time there is a twist- In addition to checking a normal sidearm, my preference would be to also check a 12 ga flare pistol (like the Orion). No flare ammunition would be checked, just primer-only blanks made from 12 ga Minishells. The flare pistol would be locked in the same case as the normal weapon, with the ammo in appropriate containers.

Do you foresee any issues with the above? I am familiar with all of the standard protocols, its just the concept of the flare pistol making things different.

What I want to avoid is needing to find an Orion on the ground once I get to my destination. I will be on a tight time schedule in an low retail density area.

And yes, there is a valid reason for this requirement that I don't feel the need to explain right now.

Thanks!

 

[unspellable]

Common sense says it should make no difference. This is a situation where common sense does not apply. You might phone up the airline and ask a few questions.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I can also get a bigger transit case and bring a broken down H&R 18.5" barreled single-shot to accomplish the same mission, so maybe that would be the way to go.

 

[desidog]

Do you really think TSA goons will know the difference? It’s either a Glock or an AK.

that being said, FedEx it to yourself and save the potential hassle.

 

[Archie]

Unspellable has the right idea. Talk to the airline and see what other hoops, if any, need jumping.

 

[Archie]

Do you really think TSA goons will know the difference? It’s either a Glock or an AK.

Or, one could ask if any website commando knows anything about TSA?

 

[edwardware]

Checking a flare pistol, for the purpose of enabling/requiring a locked (un-openable by TSA) case in which to check camera equipment, is an old photographers trick.

A small collection of DSLRs and lenses can be $30k, adding a $20 flare pistol lets you put a padlock on the Pelican case instead of that useless TSA lock.

 

[Speedo66]

Do you really think TSA goons will know the difference? It’s either a Glock or an AK.

that being said, FedEx it to yourself and save the potential hassle.

This makes sense, ship it to yourself, carry the shells in your checked luggage.

 

[herrwalther]

According to the TSA page, flare guns are a no go. Even in checked baggage.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/flare-guns

 

[DukeConnor]

they're like 20 bucks at walmart

 

[.455_Hunter]

they're like 20 bucks at walmart

If the Walmart in the area stocks them, and this one doesn't.

 

[.455_Hunter]

This makes sense, ship it to yourself, carry the shells in your checked luggage.

Where I am going, the shipment will arrive days after I get back home.

 

[.455_Hunter]

According to the TSA page, flare guns are a no go. Even in checked baggage.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/flare-guns

Interesting. I guess that answers the question, even if stupid.

 

[desidog]

Or, one could ask if any website commando knows anything about TSA?

Website Commando Archie,
Is that snark? I’m a “website commando” who paid thousands of dollars to go on a dream hunt; and the TSA goon who called me back to security to open my rifle case for him fondled my rifle while “inspecting” it, fumbled the floor plate latch open, dropping the rifle on the metal rim of my case, denting the bell and body of my $2k Leupold scope to the point where the folks at Leupold sent me a new one… months after the trip.

TSA Goon didn’t even apologize. I’d say I know enough that I don’t recommend the OP let them touch his gun.