Are two locked cases required when flying with guns for Delta?

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sherman123

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I ask because I've seen on their website http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/before-your-trip/special-items.html#shooting under "shooting items" section towards the bottom that it only says one locked hard sided container is needed but I've also seen a video on youtube where activist Adam Kokesh had to buy a second hard sided container to keep the firearm in and needed two total saying it was their policy. Has this changed does anyone know because it appears only one is needed? Also does the ammo need to be in a locked container as well since I see that is to be kept separate? Thanks and much appreciated.
 
I would pick up the phone and call Delta directly. If their website does not have the correct information I am sure they will tell you. The information you get from them is likely to be more accurate than a U tube video.
 
No. I have to fly Delta because they're one of the only airlines that fly non-stop from where I live to a couple other places I travel routinely.

Firearm in locked hard-case (NOT TSA locks) inside checked bag w/TSA locks. Ammo in factory boxes.

Of course, now that Alaska flies direct routes to where I want to go, I probably won't ever fly Delta again ... not a fan of their service.
 
OK thanks. And from what I've gathered it is OK to have two handguns in that same locked case together?
 
Don't fly Delta much, but I have flown with firearms on Southwest. Must be unloaded and locked in a container. Last time I did it I had 3 firearms in one case. Sometimes they check to see if the container is locked, sometimes they take your word for it. Ammo does not need to be in a container for them. Can't be in the same container with the guns, but I just put boxes in with my clothes.
 
I've flown with multiple in one case via Delta on my way out to AK when I moved there. Didn't have any problems ('course, that was almost 5 years ago).

Of course, now that Alaska flies direct routes to where I want to go, I probably won't ever fly Delta again ... not a fan of their service.

I could not agree more, Alaska Airlines is far superior IMO, and my preferred carrier.
 
Yeah, checking in at Detroit Metro Delta counter one time ... agent scoots down a ways to check something, then yells back -- keep in mind I've got a line of about 50 people behind me and the area was packed -- "Sir! How many guns did you say you're declaring?"

Alaska Airlines agents typically treat folks traveling with firearms as though it's the most natural thing on earth; they seem to always be calm and courteous to us. (And the new style seats are pretty comfortable and create much more legroom.)
 
http://deviating.net/firearms/packing/report.html

Delta Air Lines
as specified on their web site...

Delta will accept gun cases containing up to a total of four rifles or shotguns, plus shooting materials, and tools
Delta will accept gun cases containing up to five handguns, one scope, and tools

An excess baggage fee will apply to cases containing more than two rifles
An excess baggage fee will apply to cases containing more than two shotguns
An excess baggage fee will apply to cases containing more than five pistols
 
Here's what I do when I fly with a checked handgun.

Disassemble the slide. Run a lock loop through the empty mag well and lock it. That way, even a neophyte can see that the pistol is non-operational.

Follow all rules as listed by the airline on their webpage. Print off said rules in case there are any questions at the desk.

That said, I've NEVER had an issue. All my check-ins have been easy-peasy to get through. I think having the pistol slide completely removed with the lock loop through the empty mag well does wonders to calm nerves.
 
I have flown with a handgun (or multiples) many times. Living near Atlanta a lot of those were Delta. Never had a problem. The one locking hard sided case placed inside the luggage is fine.

I don't disassemble anything or any of that, and I often put ammunition (in mags) in the same locking case as the gun (TSA allows this, not all airlines do).

It's simple and quick.
 
if traveling with a handgun in a hard case inside your checked baggage, chain the gun case to the internal structure of the suitcase to reduce the chance of theft.
 
......I don't disassemble anything or any of that, and I often put ammunition (in mags) in the same locking case as the gun (TSA allows this, not all airlines do).......

I've flown with a handgun in checked luggage many times. My experience has been that mags cannot contain ammo, and that ammo must be packed in a container specifically designed for ammo. TSA's website mentions this, though the subsequent paragraph confuses things a bit. Excerpted from TSA's website:


Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
 
Delta wouldn't allow me to have ammo in mags so I simply started carrying a factory box with the round count for 2 mags.

They also insisted on a hard case for the handgun and that the bag be a hard bag with lock. Having seen several videos of baggage personnel robbing baggage using a ballpoint pen to get into zippers I understood what their motive was for insisting on the additional security measure of a hard lockable bag in addition to TSA's requirement for a hard lockable case inside the bag.
 
I would pick up the phone and call Delta directly. If their website does not have the correct information I am sure they will tell you. The information you get from them is likely to be more accurate than a U tube video.
That would be my thinking and note the date, time and person you spoke with. Delta is ready when you are!

Ron
 
I have never needed two locked cases to fly with any airline. But it happens anyway. It is usually a locked pistol case inside my checked luggage, which is also locked. While only one is hard sided, they are both locked.

Best advice other than call Delta, is to print out the airline and TSA requirements to bring to the airport with you. Many times I have flown with firearms, some employee would state something contrary to law or policy. For example one TSA employee demanded that I give him a copy of the key to the weapon case, directly in conflict with TSA policy and law.
 
Thanks again all. Can anyone recommend a cheap hard locked bag I can buy before my trip?
 
If you are a Sam's Club member they have some 25" hard side spinners (4 wheels) for about $82 online. Amazon has Zero Haliburton 26" for 3x the price. If you travel a lot you might want to invest in a Samsonite hard sided set.
 
Pelican makes a great case but I think they are pretty heavy. I also think they probably tend to attract a bit more attention - on the baggage conveyor belt, down in the bowels of the airport - than a more typical traveler's suitcase...... but maybe that is just me being paranoid about airport baggage thieves. I regularly travel with a Delsey brand hard-sided suitcase. They are moderately priced (usually on sale for under $200), sturdy enough for normal use, and fairly lightweight for a hard sided suitcase. They keep changing the model names, but I have a couple, in different sizes, like this.........

http://shop.delsey.us/travel?prefn1=collection&prefv1=BELFORT PLUS

I also never travel with an expensive handgun that I will cry over if it gets stolen; a well worn S&W 2" bbl .38 revolver is my usual travel gun. I've got no emotional attachment to it, it's not very valuable, and if the airline loses it or it gets stolen, they can just buy me a new one. I would caution everyone NOT to put a favorite handgun in any checked baggage, if you can avoid it.
 
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