Flying to Pennsylvania from Florida with my handguns

Call the airline you intend to use for starters.

Uncle WARRIOR said:

I'm flying to north east pa with my handguns I don't have to conceal carry permit, just going up to visit family so we can shoot on their property. Don't want to carry just want to shoot. Is there any laws that I need to know? Thank You .

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I am a lifelong PA resident with a PA License to Carry Firearms (PA’s ccw permit). To understand PA’s gun laws I suggest you visit www.handgunlaw.us, and check out PA law. PA is an open carry state except in Philadelphia where you have to have LTCF to open carry. Otherwise you need a LTCF for concealed carry. An readily accessible gun in a vehicle is considered concealed. You do not need to disclose having a gun to a police officer unless asked. If asked and you lie, watch out. Our gun laws are not oppressive, but we do have laws that different jurisdictions within the state enforce more or less rigidly. Stay within the letter of the law to be safe.

Shooting on you friend’s property is going to be subject to local to county ordinance. In my township you cannot discharge a firearm anywhere unless specifically authorized but law to do so. Your family member(s) in PA might know the local law if they are gun owners. If not, a quick call to the county or local government will get you an answer. I advise you not.to assume anything. PA is generally gun friendly, but some local governments are not. Be sure to carefully check and adhere to the federal regulation on flying with firearms. They are easy to comply with, however hundreds of people lose their guns and are criminally charged for non-compliance’s evert year. Enjoy you visit to PA.

Instead of calling the airline go to its website and down load their requirements and do the same for the TSA, you would be shocked at how many employees and agents do not know the law or requirements. Also make sure your plane does not land in New York or New Jersey for any reason and if it does do not take possession of your luggage/firearm for any reason.

FAA, TSA, Airlines all have rules.
And you have to obey ALL of them.

Why not get a Florida CC ? it's good in PA.

Avoid NY.

And it's fairly easy to get as well.

Rule3 said:

Why not get a Florida CC ? it's good in PA.

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Not sure the CHL helps the transport question.
Which has more to do with packing shooters in locking cases w/o ammo into baggage to be checked ahead of time.

Airports get all squirrely if you are pulling out the EDC and casing it at the baggage inspection station in the airport to comply with TSA and airline rules.

The FL CHL might be 'helping' the riding around PA question. But, it sounds more like the firearms will be stored at the relative's place when not being used on a range.

CapnMac said:

Not sure the CHL helps the transport question.
Which has more to do with packing shooters in locking cases w/o ammo into baggage to be checked ahead of time.

Airports get all squirrely if you are pulling out the EDC and casing it at the baggage inspection station in the airport to comply with TSA and airline rules.

The FL CHL might be 'helping' the riding around PA question. But, it sounds more like the firearms will be stored at the relative's place when not being used on a range.

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What happens or what is the "law" when a person arrives at his destination (out of the airport) and is carrying a firearm in is bag, back pack, purse whatever. Say waiting for a taxi or Uber driver. He has a firearm loaded or unloaded concealed in his bag and doesn't have a CC permit??

I don't know, call me paranoid!

Rule3 said:

He has a firearm loaded or unloaded concealed in his bag and doesn't have a CC permit??

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Typically, locked in a case is not "readily on the person" for many concealed carry laws.
And, it can't e loaded per airport/tsa/airline rules. So, you can't break open your bags in the baggage area and load up, not, typically until you are entirely off the airport reservation.

There are places, though, where how you transport in the car change if you have a CHL. Dunno if PA is one of those.

I did not think that you can fly with a handgun. Can you? Long guns yes.

Yes you fly with handguns. Make sure it is legal in your destination.

Just hope that you don't get diverted to Newark or NYC and be forced to claim your luggage. That would be my biggest fear.

ozarkhillbilly said:

Instead of calling the airline go to its website and down load their requirements and do the same for the TSA, you would be shocked at how many employees and agents do not know the law or requirements. Also make sure your plane does not land in New York or New Jersey for any reason and if it does do not take possession of your luggage/firearm for any reason.

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Exactly this. Whenever I fly with firearms, I bring a printed copy of the TSA and airline policies regarding firearms. Normally no problems out of TSA when checking firearms in but I have had several airline employees try having me arrested for having a firearm that I am trying to legally check.

1) is advice above. Follow the rules of every agency and state you will be in contact with. If you land in NY or NJ, you will be safe as long as the firearms are not in your possession. I have flown through these states many times with checked firearms. Never had an issue as long as they are in the airline's possession. I have even allowed my checked luggage (with firearm) be locked up in an airline office on a long, unexpected layover (over 12 hours) rather than take possession

2) There is no such thing as a TSA approved lock or lock container when it comes to flying with firearms. TSA does not evaluate or test products. A sturdy case that you cannot flex with your hands is usually sufficient to pass the TSA "field test" if they even do one. Most of the cases that come with a new pistol will not work for flying, even if you use locks on it. Lots of online retailers sell one, just have to pick one out to work for you.

Sistema1927 said:

Just hope that you don't get diverted to Newark or NYC and be forced to claim your luggage. That would be my biggest fear.

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If that ever happens to me my plan is to never touch my bag, but instead go directly to the airlines baggage office and explain to them why I cannot take possession. I am hopeful that the airline will be willing to make an effort on behalf of the customer and store the bag until I am ready to board again and will check it through for me. If not, I’m not sure what my options are other than (a) finding a police officer in the airport and explaining to them why I don’t want to claim my luggage or (b) just walking away and leaving it on the carousel either for them to eventually deal with or until someone steals it.

Elkins45 said:

If that ever happens to me my plan is to never touch my bag, but instead go directly to the airlines baggage office and explain to them why I cannot take possession. I am hopeful that the airline will be willing to make an effort on behalf of the customer and store the bag until I am ready to board again and will check it through for me. If not, I’m not sure what my options are other than (a) finding a police officer in the airport and explaining to them why I don’t want to claim my luggage or (b) just walking away and leaving it on the carousel either for them to eventually deal with or until someone steals it.

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One of the times I flew with Delta, I had a layover at JFK that kept getting extended due to snow. The airline staff locked my bag in a side office before it ever touched a carousel. It worried me for awhile when my bag wasn't showing up. It was incredible proactive customer service on their part in the long run.

I fly between Florida and PA with handguns all the time.

IT'S NO BIG DEAL, BECAUSE PA AND FL ARE FREE AMERICAN STATES.

The ticket agent won't even look at you funny.

The problems occur when one state is NOT a free state, or when someone fails to read and follow the directions listed under "traveling with firearms" on every airline's website.

Check your airline: some don't accept firearms in checked luggage. Never fly them again if you're caught short on that.

The simplified summary on flying with firearms is that it must be unloaded and in a locked box in your checked luggage. Your ammo must also be boxed separately, limited to 11 lbs.

When you approach the ticket agent, announce evenly and without fanfare "I declare an unloaded firearm in my checked luggage". Don't stupid and shout "I HAVE A GUN!". No one thinks that is funny. The agent will give you a form to put your name & address on, which you then tape to your firearm box. At that point, they may escort you to the TSA for them to inspect your bags. The TSA agent will ask you to wait for a moment in case they need you to open the box. That's never happened to me. After a few minutes, they'll wave you on, and you move along to carry on with your day. When you get to the other end, take a quick peek in your bag to ensure your firearm box arrived with your luggage before leaving the airport.

As far as transporting around the state, no one will bother you about an unloaded, locked gun in your luggage in the trunk.

Like I said, it's no big deal.

Just make sure you understand and rigorously adhere to the rules at both ends of the trip, and obviously to federal and airline regulations. Years ago I travelled often between my former home state of NJ to Florida, and back, with no problems, but i was prepared. Don't assume anyone in the process knows more than you do - but make sure you know exactly what is required. Heck, I even printed up business cards with a brief statement explaining my intent to lawfully transport (not carry) firearms in my checked baggage "in accord with all state and federal laws and airline regulations" and if the reader did not understand to "please contact a supervisor". Handing the card to them was nice and quiet and came across professional, I thought.

Things went well every time, though the first time through the ticket counter person in Newark tried to give me a carry on the plane form. It looked like something for law enforcement use. Obviously I declined that form and suggested the correct form/declaration which was found and provided. Another time the ticket counter person in Newark cheerfully asked me to open my gun case so she could see my pistols (this with many passengers in line directly behind me, so... "What, here, now? Um, OK". I turned the case in her direction so only she could see and opened it.

Never any confusion in Florida. Not too bad in NJ, they just lack experience.

Oh yes, heed the excellent advice given above about never taking possession of your baggage in a gun-unfriendly location along the way. Your FOPA protection disappears once you are no longer in transit and have possession, then local law will apply.

geekWithA.45 said:

Your ammo must also be boxed separately,

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Dependent on the airline. I have always flown with the ammo in the case with the firearm. Typically either in magazines or in the factory ammo box. Never had an issue. I also take the unloaded part one step further. I take one of those annoying cable locks that usually get handed out for free. Run the length down the barrel and down the magazine well. Even a blind xray tech can see that and know its unloaded.

They confiscate a lot of weapons at OIA. Good luck.

Sav .250 said:

They confiscate a lot of weapons at OIA. Good luck.

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They confiscate a lot of legally transported weapons, or illegally transported ones? Pretty significant difference.

A lot would depend on which airport you plan to fly into. I'd avoid anything in New York City...frankly, in New York State. Put the firearm into a hard-sided case. Preferably with a trigger or cable lock, it makes things easier. Have padlocks for the case...preferably NOT TSA locks. When you get to the ticket counter, ask for "a firearm card" for "this case" (point to the locked case). This is an orange card, you sign it stating that the firearm is unloaded and put it INSIDE the case.

Your bearing counts for a lot. Calm, confident, and knowledgable.

Do check the airline's policies, but I don't know of an American carrier that makes trouble. Some of the European airlines can be a PITA, and you have to check closely. Lufthansa and Air France are good to go.

bearcreek said:

They confiscate a lot of legally transported weapons, or illegally transported ones? Pretty significant difference.

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If you just want to make an argument ....... My comment as written is correct. #22.
Signs all over the air port ref weapons.
No disrespect to you of course............