BDL: Checking firearm at Bradley (CT)

[Sean Cloherty]

Has anyone flown Delta out of Bradely lately and checked a firearm?

I am flying from there soon and would like some information regarding the logistics. I will be with my wife and two young sons and I don't want to have to abandon them for too long for TSA inspections.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sean Cloherty]

To clarify:

1. Will I be able to check pistol at main counter or be led to bowels of building?

2. Will it take a long time?

3. Can I take my 4 year old with me, or who will watch him?

 

[cameroneod]

It should just be a form you fill out at the counter that says your firearm is unloaded and locked. Iv never flown out of there, but its almost standard now in most of the airports Iv been to.

 

[Fly320s]

Sean,

There really isn't much to it. Go to the ticket counter to check in for your flight and to check your bag. Tell the agent that you would like to check/declare your firearm. The agent may ask if the gun is unloaded, but probably not. You will fill-out a small card that goes in the suitcase with the gun. You may be asked to accompany the TSA to a discreet area (behind the wall) to have your bag inspected, but it is no big deal.

Some considerations:

1. The gun must be in a lockable, hard-sided suitcase. A purpose-built case for carrying guns is acceptable, such as a rifle case.

2. Ammo must go in a seperate bag. The ammo must be transported in the original conainter or in those little plastic boxes that reloaders use. Basically, no bulk or loose ammo rolling around.

That's it. If you want specific info on Delta ops at BDL call Delta.

 

[Sean Cloherty]

I was going to use a Pelican case for the pistol and put it into a locked suitcase. Does the suitcase need to be hardsided as well?

 

[Preacherman]

Yes. The gun must be in a locked hard container, which is then put into a locked hard-sided suitcase.

An important point: TSA reserves the right to break open luggage for inspection, if it's locked and they don't have a key or combination. For this reason, I always ask to speak with a TSA inspector at the check-in point, and have him/them inspect the case in my presence. I then lock it, and they put a tape across the lock indicating that it's been searched and/or cleared for security. That way, I don't have to worry about some doofus noticing that my case has been broken open, and rifling through it to steal my gun and/or other valuables.

 

[Sean Cloherty]

Been poring over the various regs posted in other posts and can't find anything about hard-sided baggage. Seems that only the container must be hard-sided.

If anyone can cite such a requirement please have at it as I have to get packing in the next day of two!

Thanks.

FROM JeffOTMG's post on the subject:


f) Firearms in checked baggage. No aircraft operator may knowingly
permit any person to transport in checked baggage:
(1) Any loaded firearm(s).
(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless--
(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally
or in writing before checking the baggage that any firearm carried in
the baggage is unloaded;
(ii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container;
(iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the
individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination; and
(iv) The checked baggage containing the firearm is carried in an
area that is inaccessible to passengers, and is not carried in the
flightcrew compartment,.

 

[Fly320s]

Sean,

AFAIK, only one case must be hard-sided. I put my Kimber in the plastic case that comes with the gun then put it all in a soft-sided roll-aboard type suitcase. I locked both cases and there was never any complaint from the ticket agent.*

I did that about two years ago, before the TSA became king of the jungle. I don't think you will have a problem if the gun case is hard-sided but the suitcase is soft-sided.

Better call the airline first. It sure beats the hassle at the airport.


*professional passenger on a closed course. Your results may vary.