Look at the airlines website (make a copy and fly with that copy). Then call the airline to see if there are changes to the info. Most airline reps are not all that sure about such regs, any problems politely as for a supervisor. Do not argue. Arguing will possibly get you flagged to be searched when you fly.
Then check with the TSA on the web (make a copy of their info too), then call them on the phone. Tell them you read their info on the web and ask if there are any changes you need to know about. A link to the TSA website is found below.
You are required to carry the firearm UNLOADED in a hard-sided locking case. Besides unloaded, I also use a trigger or cable lock. The case in which the gun is transported must be a hard case and can actually be your suitcase so long as it is hard-sided and locks - it does not have to be an individual case from your hardsided suitcase. Some airline folks will insist it needs to be in a separate hard locking case, then put into your suitcase; this is nonsense but why argue. In reality there is no requirement for an hardsided inner case (unless the outer bag is softsided) BUT, having the gun in its own locking case which is then put inside your suitcase is highly preferred by some airlines (makes it easier to steal than a whole suitcase I imagine - LOL). If you do it this way, the outer carry bag can be softsided so long as the handgun is in a locking hard-sided case.
If you carry ammunition, pack it in a box wherein the primers are protected. Such a box includes regular cardboard ammo boxes. Whatever the ammo is packed in, that must also be in a hard locking case which can be the same case in which the firearm is transported. I'll only say this once and not argue later (not looking for an argument), the following only is correct in part:
Ammo must not be loose or in a mag.
While ammo cannot be transported loose, it definitely can be transported in a magazine so long as the mag holding the ammo is separate from the firearm (can be in same hard locking case as the firearm but, not in the gun) AND, as long as the open end of the mag is covered, such as if you have the mag in a mag pouch. This is plainly stated on the
TSA WEBSITE
If you also intend to carry ammunition, ask the airline rep about exactly how much ammunition you can carry. This can vary by airline and, it is almost a given that TSA will not agree. They have tried to stop me from having a mere 150 rounds of 9mm in my luggage but, when I explained that I had about another 75 rounds on my person that shut them up and they actually listened to me and to the airline rep about how much I could carry in my luggage. It did not matter that I was a federal agent flying armed, nor did it matter that I was temporarily working as a Federal Air Marshal at the time. I still had to follow the regs on ammo in my checked baggage because I had some in there – which I did not mind so long as the TSA also followed the regs. Of course, I could have carried it all in my pockets or in my carry on had I wanted to do so but another 150 rounds on my person would have been a little uncomfortable. TSA was trying to say all I could carry was 50 rounds, the airline said something like 12 pounds of ammo - go figure! As it was all was ok because I had a copy of Delta Airlines regs and I knew that I could carry more than 50 rounds by anyone's standards, so did the Delta supervisor and so did the TSA supervisor. My point is you will be dealing with Frick, Frack and Jack on this one so don’t panic, stay calm, know the regulations and, have em with you just in case.
Of course someone at TSA will probably tell you one thing one day and another thing tomorrow, just the way it goes when they get different training - so make a copy and bring it with you. I try not to get to hard on them because they are not responsible for making all the rules we have to follow; nor are they the reason the rules were brought about. When anyone gives them too much grief as being the root of the problem I try to remind them of the reasons for all these rules: a field, a 5 sided building in our capital, two big towers in the Big Apple, a few planes hijacked by a large number of whackos, a few kabooms with more than a few lost. Iknow some of the rules were in place beforehand but they also can be attributed to hijackers actions for the most part.
One other thing, make sure it is legal for you to transport and possess your firearm under state law of both the departure and arrival state.
All the best,
Glenn B
