US Air / Air West and Checked Firearms

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

I just came back from a trip to Florida, flying US Air/Air West both ways. First time on this particular airline, but not the first time checking my sidearm in with an airline.

A couple of days before departure I went online and to the website for the airlines. Ended up in an online live chat with one of their reps who said he'd link me to their regs. He failed to do that and I assumed it was an sign of being an unwelcome 2A type. I then downloaded the info available from packing.org.

I showed up at the counter a bit earlier than usual, declared my "unloaded sidearm" (I never call them 'guns' or 'firearms' to anybody who might wet their pants). As usual, my 1911 was locked inside its LifeJacket with the empty magazine out and the LifeJacket was locked (with a TSA lock) inside my hard-sided luggage.

Bottom Line: I found the US Air / AirWest counter people to be friendly, professional and matter-of-fact in following the airline regulations, and the TSA guy who checked my luggage was very professional and friendly. No problems at all, and I wanted to pass along a Bravo Zulu ('atta boy') for the professional way these folks handled themselves.

I know different THR members have had various experiences. Thought I'd share this one and see if any other members know of specific airlines that have handled their firearms in a professional and courteous manner.

 

[Cacique500]

I just flew USAir last Friday out of Orlando. Everything was fine except for the fact that they didn't have any firearms declaration forms. The women checked in 6 other passengers before she remembered me waiting. She calls a guy to get the forms, and he comes out with the big, long 'carry on the plane' form...no no no. So we finally got it straight and it was fine after that.

 

[hso]

Just did a loop on Delta without any problems.

 

[Run&Shoot]

Southwest was fine

Son-in-law just flew out on Southwest with a hardcase with shotgun and two hanguns with little problem. Southwest itself was discrete and polite, no problem at all.

At the TSA baggage station we saw a crystal clear scan image of the case contents. He had field stripped all of the firearms so it was obvious from the scan that they were not loaded. Except the revolver. So it was pulled off to the side for visual inspection. The TSA agent had SIL open the case then he carefully tilted the revolver up just enough to ensure the cylinder was empty.

Another TSA agent commented about the 642, "Nice one, I just bought the same thing for my wife." Welcom to the 642 club Mr. TSA!

So it definitely streamlined things to remove the slide from the pistol and the barrel from the shotgun. Next time I would recommend removing the cylinder from the revolver frame and placing it vertically in the case so it displays as empty on the scan.

The Pelican case worked very well. It is the 37" model. Two hefty Master combination locks.

By the way, when we bought the case, the gun shop gave us two free firearms locks left over from other transactions. One was from Marlin and the other of indeterminate source. The scary thing was that although the locks were from totally different sources the keys were INTERCHANGEABLE and either key opened BOTH locks!

I attribute this to the fiream manufacturers supplying the absolute cheapest locks which are not made with much security design.

I highly recommend not using any lock provided with your firearm unless it shows obvious sophistication in key design. Go out and get a quality lock if you need to use one.