critter
Member
Is it LEGAL and/or prudent to ccw into an airport terminal 'commons area' to meet arrivals IF you go no where near the 'secured areas'?
airport terminals
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Preacherman
Member
No. Once you enter the airport terminal, you're off-limits to carry a loaded firearm unless you're a LEO who's there on official business with an issue weapon, or a passenger with an unloaded weapon who's going to declare it at check-in.
Preacherman,
Is that a Federal Law? I ask, because here in CO, the entrance to the airports are marked with placards/signs that say,"The DISPLAY of firearms in this facililty is prohibited" - and, no other firearms signs are apparent.
Also, as far as I knew, the airport terminals - until you enter the sercurity zone- ,were under local control, not federal.
Please clarify for me, as I have carried concealed many times (with valid permit) when picking up arriving passengers. Ofcourse, I stay well clear of the security zone (which I am required to do anyway, armed or unarmed).
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
DD
Is that a Federal Law? I ask, because here in CO, the entrance to the airports are marked with placards/signs that say,"The DISPLAY of firearms in this facililty is prohibited" - and, no other firearms signs are apparent.
Also, as far as I knew, the airport terminals - until you enter the sercurity zone- ,were under local control, not federal.
Please clarify for me, as I have carried concealed many times (with valid permit) when picking up arriving passengers. Ofcourse, I stay well clear of the security zone (which I am required to do anyway, armed or unarmed).
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
DD
It varies from state to state.
Outside the secure zone you are technically legal in many states with CCW, but I can't imagine a worse place to accidentaly be made, or inadvertently allow concealment to slip, than an Airport.
I'd check www.packing.org
Preacherman did mention "terminal" which is by definition inside the secure zone, so perhaps he skimmed critter's post too fast.
Outside the secure zone you are technically legal in many states with CCW, but I can't imagine a worse place to accidentaly be made, or inadvertently allow concealment to slip, than an Airport.
I'd check www.packing.org
Preacherman did mention "terminal" which is by definition inside the secure zone, so perhaps he skimmed critter's post too fast.
BTW, I should also have mentioned that I believe the "no DISPLAY" of firearms posting is due to CO state laws that permit open carry in state and local buildings/properties, etc, unless posted, concealed carry with (a valid permit) cannot be prohibited (in public buildings/properties, etc) unless a security zone with scanners/detectors, etc., has been established.
Also, while I can't think of a more appropriate locale to carry than the airport (assuming that you are not going to break the secure zone), I agree with AW - it would be a very bad place to be made.
Also, while I can't think of a more appropriate locale to carry than the airport (assuming that you are not going to break the secure zone), I agree with AW - it would be a very bad place to be made.
I don't push my luck when I go to the airport. The distance from parking lot to arrival meeting area is not even 100 yards (Sacramento Intl). I leave my gun in my truck, greet the person and head out. I'm unarmed 15 minutes at most.
Just think of the hell you'd catch if (knock on wood) something were to happen. In my opinion, it's not worth it.
In all honesty, I do believe the airport would even frown on driving through the area with a gun. You know how those TSA guys get their panties in a bunch....
esheato...
Just think of the hell you'd catch if (knock on wood) something were to happen. In my opinion, it's not worth it.
In all honesty, I do believe the airport would even frown on driving through the area with a gun. You know how those TSA guys get their panties in a bunch....
esheato...
Zak Smith
Member
Deepdiver,
The last time I read that sign, which was only a few weeks ago, I thought it said, "It's a felony [...] to carry loaded firearms past this point."
That was confusing to me since it's contrary to CO state law re: CCW (no 24/7 screening at entry to baggage claim area) and I don't think there's an applicable federal law.
-z
The last time I read that sign, which was only a few weeks ago, I thought it said, "It's a felony [...] to carry loaded firearms past this point."
That was confusing to me since it's contrary to CO state law re: CCW (no 24/7 screening at entry to baggage claim area) and I don't think there's an applicable federal law.
-z
Zak, are you talking about DIA? I have never carried there (except in my vehicle - not on person). I will take a look in January when I make my next trip out of DIA.
My comment related to the Colorado Springs airport (I should have been specific) - and the last time that I was there was Thanksgiving.
Maybe DIA is different (it is certainly a different city and county).
I guess it shows that we have to pay attention to the different facilities and and not assume things will be the same state-wide regardless of state laws. Also, maybe there is a Fed over-ride regulation of some kind.
Thanks for the follow up note!
My comment related to the Colorado Springs airport (I should have been specific) - and the last time that I was there was Thanksgiving.
Maybe DIA is different (it is certainly a different city and county).
I guess it shows that we have to pay attention to the different facilities and and not assume things will be the same state-wide regardless of state laws. Also, maybe there is a Fed over-ride regulation of some kind.
Thanks for the follow up note!
Zak Smith
Member
Yeah, I was talking about DIA, sorry for the confusion.
My thought is that the signs are in error, but I haven't inquired yet.
-z
My thought is that the signs are in error, but I haven't inquired yet.
-z
Porter Rockwell
Member
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- Dec 30, 2002
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Good Morning!
Folks, all USA airports have been Federalized since 911.
Simply put, carrying undeclared firearms is the same as walking into your local FBI/ATFE/IRS/etc government office...FELONY!
PS,
since the war of Northern Aggression fed laws trump state laws everytime.
Folks, all USA airports have been Federalized since 911.
Simply put, carrying undeclared firearms is the same as walking into your local FBI/ATFE/IRS/etc government office...FELONY!
PS,
since the war of Northern Aggression fed laws trump state laws everytime.
I don`t know myself as I avoid airports like the plague. However, if it goes according to local law you got a problem. What goes here may not go there and vice versa. If it`s illegal to carry in a bar in your state, you`re supposed to know the law, correct? IOW it`s not posted as a rule.
Zak Smith
Member
Porter,
You are saying it is a felony to walk in, but OK once you get to the baggage check and declare it? That makes no sense. For example, how would you even get in the door with the pistols you are checking and declaring in your luggage?
Can you provide a Cite to the Federal Law which states what you claim?
If you are claiming airports are federal facilities per 18 USC 930, then why doesn't the "other lawful purpose" exception apply?
-z
You are saying it is a felony to walk in, but OK once you get to the baggage check and declare it? That makes no sense. For example, how would you even get in the door with the pistols you are checking and declaring in your luggage?
Can you provide a Cite to the Federal Law which states what you claim?
If you are claiming airports are federal facilities per 18 USC 930, then why doesn't the "other lawful purpose" exception apply?
-z
Andrew Rothman
Member
Nope.
Barring any state or local law to the contrary, it is legal to carry a gun into the airport, but NOT into the secure area.
[source: page 132, Everything You Need To Know About (Legally) Carrying a Handgun in Minnesota by Joel Rosenberg, known here as joelr]
(Okay, Joel, the book was worth the $25. But why no index?
)Al Norris
Member
Interesting thread, as I have to pick up my son down at SLC tomorrow evening. He's fyling in from Camp LeJune, NC.
What with the "condition orange" and all, I decided to call the Utah BCI to find out for sure where I was allowed to carry, under their laws.
Normally, Utah, like Idaho allows carry into airports, except within the secure areas. I was told by a nice guy in the firearms division of the Ut BCI that it might be better to disarm in the parking lot, as they are doing random searches throughout the terminal complex. While I shouldn't be arrested or anything, it might "upset the pointy heads doing the searches" (his words, not mine!).
All in all, it was a pleasent experience chatting with these people. Gonna send a nice email to their boss.
What with the "condition orange" and all, I decided to call the Utah BCI to find out for sure where I was allowed to carry, under their laws.
Normally, Utah, like Idaho allows carry into airports, except within the secure areas. I was told by a nice guy in the firearms division of the Ut BCI that it might be better to disarm in the parking lot, as they are doing random searches throughout the terminal complex. While I shouldn't be arrested or anything, it might "upset the pointy heads doing the searches" (his words, not mine!).
All in all, it was a pleasent experience chatting with these people. Gonna send a nice email to their boss.
tiberius
Member
I carry when I go to pick someone up at DFW. It's perfectly legal here AFAIK.
Those of you who think its illegal, would you please provide a link? I can't find anything on the TSA site. Thanks
Those of you who think its illegal, would you please provide a link? I can't find anything on the TSA site. Thanks
nemesis
Member
Preacherman wrote...
Preach.........I agree with most of what you have to say but I beg to differ on this one.
To the best of my knowledge, in the Great State of Texas, it is legal to carry a gun in the common areas but not in the secure areas. I commonly carry my gun when at the airport but make a point of staying on the soft side of the security screen.
Preach.........I agree with most of what you have to say but I beg to differ on this one.
To the best of my knowledge, in the Great State of Texas, it is legal to carry a gun in the common areas but not in the secure areas. I commonly carry my gun when at the airport but make a point of staying on the soft side of the security screen.
Zak Smith
Member
motorep,
Since both SB24 and SB25 passed this year, the ONLY exception to statewide CCW besides the Federal Law exceptions and schools are those public buildings in which every entrace is always staffed with security personnel with electronic screening devices who will "check" your gun at the door.
SB25 does allow localities to pass local ordinances preventing open carry of firearms in specific areas, but those areas must be posted.
Under the new Colorado laws, if the DIA signs are a result of local Denver laws, then it cannot apply to CCW because they lack the requisite scanning, security, and "checking" specified by the CCW law; it could only refer to open carry.
-z
Since both SB24 and SB25 passed this year, the ONLY exception to statewide CCW besides the Federal Law exceptions and schools are those public buildings in which every entrace is always staffed with security personnel with electronic screening devices who will "check" your gun at the door.
SB25 does allow localities to pass local ordinances preventing open carry of firearms in specific areas, but those areas must be posted.
Under the new Colorado laws, if the DIA signs are a result of local Denver laws, then it cannot apply to CCW because they lack the requisite scanning, security, and "checking" specified by the CCW law; it could only refer to open carry.
-z
I am flying out of DIA on Jan 5th, so I will take a close look at the signs then. I never noticed them before, but then again, I only go to DIA to fly (hence I am not carrying at that time).
I will post what info I notice on the signs.
I will post what info I notice on the signs.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
Last week I was in the common terminal area of Love Field in Dallas, legally carrying concealed. While getting a cup of coffee a couple of Dallas' Finest even struck up a conversation with me. We discussed current department issue and the local decision to convert some cruisers to LPG. We even discussed favorite loads of .357SIG and CHL's. Whether or not I was carrying was *not* discussed <G>.
Oh, and I always carry at DFW too.
Yes, until you cross into the Neverland of the Place Beyond the TSA you may have your CCW/CHL and carry it too. Just don't look into the light.
Regards,
Rabbit.
Oh, and I always carry at DFW too.
Yes, until you cross into the Neverland of the Place Beyond the TSA you may have your CCW/CHL and carry it too. Just don't look into the light.
Regards,
Rabbit.
For once, it's really pretty straightforward. Absent a law forbidding you to do it, you can do it. Federal law prohibits you from carrying inside the security zone; unless your state law prohibits you carrying outside the security zone (mine doesn't), you can do it.
The real risk -- and something we spend a bit of time on in my carry courses -- is forgetting that you are carrying, in some form or another, in bringing the gun in through the metal detector. This happened in Minnesota, just the other day -- a legislator forgot the derringer in his briefcase.
(And, yup, I think there should be an index. For the next version of the book, I'm strongly suggesting to AACFI that they shell out for a good, professional indexing.)
The real risk -- and something we spend a bit of time on in my carry courses -- is forgetting that you are carrying, in some form or another, in bringing the gun in through the metal detector. This happened in Minnesota, just the other day -- a legislator forgot the derringer in his briefcase.
(And, yup, I think there should be an index. For the next version of the book, I'm strongly suggesting to AACFI that they shell out for a good, professional indexing.)
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