Checking guns on a commercial airline

[SKILCZ]

Who has done this, and what containers & locks do you use? I'm looking at a Pelican Storm, but the puny little "TSA-approved" locks don't instill much confidence in me. I don't want my firearm stolen.

What locks did/do you use? What case did/do you use? Experiences? Suggestions?

Anyone have a bad experience checking a firearm or have it stolen or detained at the airport rather than put on the plane with you?

Thanks!

 

[GunChick]

I flew with three firearms this past summer. No problems whatsoever. I used cases that had spots for two locks and used TSA approved locks. If you're flying with a semi-auto, I'd suggest leaving the action open, so it's very clear when they x-ray it.

If you're not familiar with how the whole thing goes, you declare your firearm when you check your baggage. They will ask you to open it and show them it's clear, then lock it up. You'll finish up with your check-in, then they'll take you to a specific TSA spot where they check the rest of your baggage. I don't believe firearms go through the normal security stuff, so there should be little chance of a firearm being stolen.

Good luck! And be prepared for an overweight fee on your checked baggage if you're taking more than one gun.

 

[Wolfeye]

I've checked in my revolvers several times. I used a sturdy plastic case that I picked up for cheap, and a regular padlock. I believe you're obliged to not use TSA-approved locks; they sometimes make you open the case at check-in, then after that the case stays closed: only you should be able to open it.

I've always used one of those flimsy cable locks that comes with the gun as well; on mine they loop through the revolver cylinder. They're a joke, but when else will they get used?

You also have to keep your ammo in its original packaging or in a case that holds the rounds secure - no loose ammo. I think different airlines have different rules about all this, too.

 

[SKILCZ]

Thanks for the replies.

Did you put your firearm case in a separate bag to conceal it (after showing the gun to TSA), or did you just check the gun case by itself?

 

[griff383]

Ive done it several times, very easy.

Let the airline agent know when you check in and they will walk you through the rest.

TSA will likely check to make sure they are unloaded, again very easy, you stand and watch them from a short distance. When done they return your keys to you.

I got a small case from Academy that holds 4 pistols and was around $30. It is a Gun Guard by Plano, and is about the size of a phone book. It will fit in a normal suitcase very well and has two locking latches.

What I did was put this in my check bag and then locked the check bag. Might not be a bad idea to put a tag or label on the firearm case with your contact info should it get separated.

Overall very easy and simple process, good luck.

 

[griff383]

Oh, BTW, if your already going to pay for the bag to be checked you may as well put it in a suitcase. This not only conceals the fact that it is a firearm but also allows you some more room for accessories, ammo, extra clothes, ect.

 

[billybob44]

Need to know??

Will you travel with a long gun, or hand gun-It makes a difference..

 

[SKILCZ]

Will you travel with a long gun, or hand gun-I makes a difference..

Handgun

 

[GunChick]

I would put the handgun in a suitcase. Or if you are checking it separate from your travel bag, put it in a bag with extra clothes. I would not send a handgun case by itself.

 

[SKILCZ]

Is Hardigg Storm the same as Pelican Storm? I know they were separate companies at some point. Is there a difference if I get a Hardigg Storm vs. Pelican Storm? Looking at the IM2100.

 

[billybob44]

My experence..

I have flown several times with hand guns. You should go to TSA/FIREARMS to get+print their regs. Also go to your airline carrier and get their regs. printed. This will be handy in case you encounter a "New Hire" with either.
I bought a $35.00 pistol hard case from Gander Mtn. and two brass pad locks(for luggage) at Ace Hardware. Also bought a TSA approved lock at Wally-World.
I placed unloaded-cable tied hand guns in the hard pistol case and locked with two brass pad locks(ONLY I have a key for). This is placed in my regular suitcase with the rest of my clothes that I am traveling with.
The suitcase is locked with the TSA approved lock. This is so TSA can open/inspect that my pistol case is locked+to inspect any loaded ammo, that may be in the suitcase. (You can bring up to 11lbs. of ammo) The ammo must be in original package, or hard plastic ammo boxes, that separate the loads.(MTM/Dillon boxes etc.)
On some carriers (Delta) you can have the ammo in the pistol hard case, and some (AirTran) do not allow ammo in the hard case.
It is imperative that you carry a printed copy of TSA rules and carrier rules because there"s a GOOD chance that you will have to show a "Worker" THEIR own rules!!
I have had to show the rules to several airline agents when I traveled!! Bill..
PS: A bright orange tag will be placed in your suitcase(NOT in pistol case!) by the airline agent with your signature on it, stating that it is unloaded.

 

[SKILCZ]

Should I get a small case that just holds the gun itself, or a larger case that holds the gun, unloaded mags, & accessories within the locked case? Either one will fit in my checked bag.

 

[billybob44]

Should I get a small case that just holds the gun itself, or a larger case that holds the gun, unloaded mags, & accessories within the locked case? Either one will fit in my checked bag.

Each to his own on that one. When I last flew from Indianapolis to Fort Myers FL., I had a CZ-75-P0-1 and a S&W Model 60 in the hard case with 2-16rd. mags. and 1 speed loader. My ammo was in separate boxes inside of the suitcase. The TSA people "fingered" my ammo, in the boxes, because I placed them in one way, and when I got to Ft.My. they were in a different way.
Two important things: TWO locks, that ONLY YOU have the key/combo for, on the hard pistol case-AND-a TSA approved lock (that TSA can access with their special key) on your suitcase.
It takes longer to describe the process than it takes to do it!! HA HA..
Again--be SURE to have on you a printed copy of the TSA rules, AND the carrier rules. This will help if you are working with a NOOB, with any of them!!! Hope this helps..Bill.
If the locks are not this way they probably will NOT let you check them in with you!!
Another thing: get there plenty early, so you can declare the firearms at the airline counter, and have them inspect.
Inspection as follows: "Sir/Mam, I have a firearm in my luggage that I would like to declare." You will have to open your suitcase, and open the LOCKED hard case, with your key/combo-open the action of the weapon(s) to show unloaded, to their satisfaction-re-install weapon(s)+LOCK with lock that ONLY you have a key/combo for. Place hard case back into your suitcase, they will have you sign a bright orange card that the weapon(s)are unloaded, and place the orange card on top of/next to your hard pistol case, and then install the TSA approved lock on your suitcase, after your hard case has been placed in it.

 

[dsb1829]

Here is a good source of information and experience... Link
He also has links to specific airline rules and TSA on that site.

TSA and your specific airline will lay the rules that you must obide by. Generally the case needs to be hard sided and rigid enough not to be pried open (even with the latches open). It needs to be locked with a Non-TSA lock. Other than that it is up to you how you go about it.

I recently flew with 5 handguns, a shotgun, and a 30-06 rifle. I used Plano cases, but would probably recommend something more durable in the future. Pelican are the gold standard. I would recommend a form factor that cannot be easily hidden by a sticky-fingered baggage handler. Many reports of individual pistol cases winding up missing over the years.

 

[9mmepiphany]

For the past 3 years I've been flying across the country teaching handgun classes. Flying with guns in not a big deal at all.

I usually put the handgun in the plastic case it came in when I bought it. I put a Master lock that I bought at Target...I usually travel with Sigs in foam filled cases...through holes in the handle..

Since you'll have to check the bag anyway, you don't have to worry about size. I travel with a rolling duffle, with a bottom compartment divided into three sections. I put the gun cases in the middle and my equipment (mags, belts, holster, muffs) on one side and my boots on the other. I buy ammo when I arrive and either shoot it all or leave it for my hosts/friends.

The only thing that really changes is that you can't check your luggage at the curb, you have to fill out a form at the ticket counter and you have to wait for TSA to clear your bag before boarding...in case they want to see inside the bag

Most of my flying has been with Southwest or Continental

 

[SKILCZ]

Thanks for all the advice. Ordered a Pelican/Hardigg Storm case. Will have to go pick up some locks.

 

[[email protected]]

You are supposed to use non TSA locks on the pistol/gun case.... but with that said, if you think the TSA won't or can't open it your are delusional... they can and will open anything they want to.... for your protection... they have with me several times... also, the TSA locks that have a flag that shows they've been opened in transit... they can reset those if they want to.

I don't fly that much... probably never will again... have only flown twice with a firearm but every time I have flown in the last 10 years.. TSA has left me a note that my luggage was searched.... the time I flew with a firearm they even unlocked my pistol case to check it out again...

 

[Guns and more]

I love the Storm/ Hardigg cases over the Pelican due to the superior latches.
But, I'd never use a TSA lock on anything.
First, the lock must be one that only you have the key for.
As far as locking you suitcase with a TSA lock, I have seen them cut/broken off (???)
or worse, the lock tabs on the suitcase broken off.
Besides, locking a suitcase is like shouting "valuables inside" to the baggage handlers.
Lock the storm case, put it in your suitcase and attach it with a cable lock, and adios.

 

[MaterDei]

It's very easy. I highly recommend you go to the web site of the airline you're using. Read and print their instructions. Bring them with you in the event one of the ticketing agents isn't aware of the rules.

Good Luck

 

[NavyLCDR]

Exactly like billybob44 said is the law, anything else is a Federal felony, INCLUDING giving the keys/combo to the locks on your gun case to anyone, including TSA agents.

Non-TSA locks go on the gun case. TSA locks MAY go on the suitcase containing the gun case, if you desire. A hardsided suitcase can act as the gun case and, in that case, would get locked with non-TSA locks.

The real regulation is 49 CFR 1540.111:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...8&view=text&node=49:9.1.3.5.10.2.10.6&idno=49

(c) In checked baggage. A passenger may not transport or offer for transport in checked baggage or in baggage carried in an inaccessible cargo hold under §1562.23 of this chapter:

(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 the passenger has a firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded;

(ii) The firearm is unloaded;

(iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and

(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

(3) Any unauthorized explosive or incendiary.

(d) Ammunition. This section does not prohibit the carriage of ammunition in checked baggage or in the same container as a firearm. Title 49 CFR part 175 provides additional requirements governing carriage of ammunition on aircraft.

 

[xsquidgator]

The only equipment item I'd add to this thread for your consideration (for handguns) is the center-of-mass handgun safe. It's really just a thin steel lockbox for holding the gun. It's only about $35 off of the internet, and what it offers in addition to being a lockbox is a steel tether cable that you can to attach to anything, without tools, in seconds. Basically a cable with a loop on both ends. Wrap the cable around something solid like a car seat support, hotel sink drain pipe, etc, pass one loop through the other, and then put the other loop over a post inside the lockable box.

This lets me secure the gun in the hotel room where I'm staying or in my rental car, if I need to. It also lets me tether the lockbox to part of the inside of the suitcase, just in case the suitcase got opened and someone wants to snag the lockbox. I also use a TSA lock on the suitcase just to have another sort-of lock, but the real security for the gun is the lockbox itself to which only I have the key.

 

[swinokur]

It is also against Federal Regulations for ANYONE to place any kind of tag or marker on the outside of your suitcase which would indicate it contains a firearm

§ 478.31 Delivery by common or contract carrier.

(a) No person shall knowingly deliver or cause to be delivered to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, any package or other container in which there is any firearm or ammunition without written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped: Provided, That any passenger who owns or legally possesses a firearm or ammunition being transported aboard any common or contract carrier for movement with the passenger in interstate or foreign commerce may deliver said firearm or ammunition into the custody of the pilot, captain, conductor or operator of such common or contract carrier for the duration of that trip without violating any provision of this part.
(b) No common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container indicating that such package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm.
(c) No common or contract carrier shall transport or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the shipment, transportation, or receipt thereof would be in violation of any provision of this part: Provided, however, That the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in respect to the transportation of firearms or ammunition in in-bond shipment under Customs laws and regulations.
(d) No common or contract carrier shall knowingly deliver in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm without obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt from the recipient of the package or other container in which there is a firearm: Provided, That this paragraph shall not apply with respect to the return of a firearm to a passenger who places firearms in the carrier's custody for the duration of the trip.
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16385, Apr. 15, 1975, and amended by T.D. ATF–354, 59 FR 7112, Feb. 14, 1994; T.D. ATF–361, 60 FR 10786, Feb. 27, 1995]

 

[swinokur]

Also find a way to secure your handgun case inside your suitcase. I use a small security cable and wrap it around the telescoping handle frame. No way it's walking away from my suitcase.

There is an excellent sticky thread over on Glocktalk by Macg22 which answers everything. good reading.

 

[MedWheeler]

Flying with guns is actually pretty easy. I just got back from a trip to ABQ (from where I live in Florida) to bury my father. He left behind two guns, both handguns, which I brought back with me. I also brought one with me for the trip, as NM recognizes both OC and Florida's CC license. The first check-in, in Florida for the trip out, had the US-Air gate attendant have me open the locked case and show her the empty chamber of my PF-9. Two loaded magazines were fully enclosed in pouches, and placed in the same hard-sided locked case as the pistol. This is acceptable per TSA requirements, and the airlines usually just go by them. The lock on the case must be accessible to you only; no "TSA locks." It can be either a keyed lock, or a combination lock. On the back trip, I was not asked to open the cases (Continental Airlines, now a US-Air affiliate.) I simply declared them; the PF-9, with its magazines, was in the same small locked cash box it went out in, and the two revolvers picked up from the estate were in a locked briefcase. Also in the briefcase was a box of ammunition for the revolvers. Once declared, the piece of luggage containing these two containers was moved to first-in-line for x-ray, and everything was fine.
I used a metal cash box with a keyed lock for the Kel-Tec on each trip. It could not hold the two additional guns I was bringing back, so I used a hard-sided briefcase I found on my dad's property for them on the back-trip (it has a combination lock.)

 

[ShaiVong]

I few a couple of years ago with 3 guns, and it was a nightmare. I flew with a locked pelican case and it got lost. When it popped back up about three days after I flew, it was outside security.

I used combination locks, so I had to give the combination to somebody over the phone so it could be re-opened and re-checked. I was sure I'd never see it again.

It finally showed up a couple of days later, like a day or two before I had to re-check it and fly home