First time flying with firearms. Questions

[crew590]

Hey all,

I will be flying home later this month and was wanting to take a couple of firearms with me. I will be flying US Airways and have checked their (and THR's) website for information, but I am still confused about what type of hard sided case is required. Does the case have to have TSA approved locks built into it or can I fasten one on the handle (or something)?

Also does anyone have any recommendations for a case. My budget is about $50 - $75. Would one from say Walmart work?

Maybe I'm just thing too much into this, but I want to make sure I get it right the first time.

Thanks,

Jay

 

[CarpeInferi]

Insure the gun if its not already insured and make a record of the serial number. Seen too many reports of guns being checked in with TSA, then not showing up on the other end of the flight.

AFAIK the lock does not have to be built into the case, so long as it is TSA approved.

 

[sierrabravo45]

Rule #1:

SPEND THE MONEY ON A GOOD GUN CASE!!!

Rule #2:

SPEND THE MONEY ON A GOOD GUN CASE!!!

That being said, SURE, you can buy one from Wal-mart. I work at a SW part time and I just sold a new Leupold to a guy for his gun and a new gun case. He flew out to ID to hunt and the airlines decided his scope was better on the outside of his POS plastic case then on the inside. So it cost him a bunch more, because he skimped on a gun case.

I use ICC cases. They are out of Rathdrum Idaho, and IMHO make the best case out there. I do have a Tuffpack but its too big and bulky for me. I have taken the ICC case to Africa, NWT around the USA and NEVER ONCE had a problem. They have a stainless rod that goes through the locks, and you can put a TSA lock on it which makes it easy to transport stuff. The cases Cabelas and SW sells are actually ICC. http://www.icc-case.com/

The airlines are HARD ON GUN CASES, and I have seen major problems when I have went on hunting trips when guys did not have a good case. Pelican and SKB make good cases too, but I personally have just used a Tuffpack and ICC Cases.

You only can transport so many guns with you also, so check there regs from the airline you are flying.

 

[Gator]

You could also ship them to yourself. Long guns can be mailed, handguns have to go UPS or FedEx. If you have to take them on a plane do as SB45 said and get a good case.

 

[tank mechanic]

I flew to phoenix from colorado springs last weekend and they sent my bag with my gun to palm springs. I was royally ticked off. My word of advice would be to check the tag when they put it on your bag.

I bought a forty dollar lock box from walmart for the gun and a fifteen dollar hardsided case for the ammo. They almost never check my gun physically whenever I fly(just the xray machine), but they always check the ammo. If you travel with loaded mags they need to not be able to move around in the case. They suggest cutting out holes in the foam to form fit loaded mags. If you bring the ammo in the original box it just needs to be secured in the hardsided container.

The lock box I got from walmart works perfectly, although a tad heavy, and the hard sided case for the ammo was a plastic lock box from a gunshow.

You can also bring a lock to lock your luggage now. I highly recommend locking up your luggage after the inspection.

 

[crew590]

Insure the gun if its not already insured and make a record of the serial number.

I have that already covered

You only can transport so many guns with you also, so check there regs from the airline you are flying.

I will be taking 1 or 2 with me. This is under the maximum for US Airlines. I also took a look at the ICC cases you mentioned, but did not see any prices listed. Is this the same type of case from Cabelas?

Jay

 

[sierrabravo45]

Jay,

I don't know if its a ICC case, it could be a Kalispell (Or something like that)

I have handled the case you posted the link to at cabelas though, and it seems like its a great case, and I would have NO worries sending my guns in something like that.

Make sure at the airline counter DECLARE your guns, a small pistol case might look like a briefcase and could be overlooked.

I normally say something like, "I will be checking in a couple of firearms" Or "I have a gun case that needs to be checked"

I haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Floppy_D]

I had a bag lost that contained a firearm, and when I pointed this out to the kind folks at lost luggage, they dropped what they were doing to start the process. When they asked me if they could do anything to help, I reminded them that the firearm was in their custody last, so if someone found it and went crazy, it was on them, not me.

The bag was hand delivered to my house (30 mins away) within 5 hours, and that's the only hangup I've ever had.

 

[MT GUNNY]

could a person put say two loaded mags in with the firearm in a ICC case?
Or in ammo box inside with the firearm?

Where does your bagage show up, Normal claim sight or That special hole next to regular claim sight?

Is it wise to use the restroom to remove firearm and holster it for carry?
(Permit permitting ofcourse) Or wait till taxi ride?

 

[VARifleman]

DO NOT use TSA locks on firearms cases. Use regular padlocks.

Here's how it goes...

Check in at counter...
Here's my DL, I'm going here, I'm declaring a firearm in checked bag.
Fill out firearm(s) unloaded ticket and place in container with gun(s).
Get boarding pass
Take firearms bag and any bag with ammo (packaged in a box that's meant to hold it) to TSA checked bag screening area.
Give them the case, let their machine screen it, if they need to open it (they most likely will), give them the key and watch them inspect it. Get key back.
Board plane after security screening.

To answer your last question, as long as the firearm itself is unloaded you can have ammo in it as long as it's enclosed in a box meant to hold it or it's in mags that are sitting in mag pouches so that the ammo isn't "exposed".

As for carrying, check the carry laws of the state. Some that would be fine in, others, not legal.

 

[crew590]

Thank you all for your replies. If your have any more ideas/advice keep 'em coming.

... a small pistol case might look like a briefcase ...

That's what I'm looking for. Something inconspicuous. I will make sure to declare the firearms though.

As for carrying, check the carry laws of the state.

Since it was brought up I do have my concealed carry license in WV. It's also honored in VA and NC for the return trip (driving back).

DO NOT use TSA locks on firearms cases. Use regular padlocks.

Mind if I ask why? I'm not trying to be a smart, just curious.

Jay

 

[sierrabravo45]

I have heard the TSA lock thing go both ways.

I normally just put on a Master Lock and send it on the way. I have had a guy tell me I needed a TSA lock and so for the flight home I had one on the case.

Guns made it fine.

I always feel better when I ONLY have the key and not someone from TSA that can grab anything.

With the metal briefcase, you probably could go to the Mens Room and put the gun on UNLESS it was a No Weapon Zone or something.

Make Sure you always check the local regs.

better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Ed Ames]

I've always put a standard padlock on the case. In fact with handguns I've usually padlocked a small gun case and then padlocked the suitcase that case was in. Not TSA locks. I've never had the TSA want to open any of those cases.

BTW: From what I've heard (and this may be dated) you are not supposed to give the keys to the TSA. If they want inside the case you unlock it for them. Not sure I'd care but that's the "proper" advice.

 

[VARifleman]

The whole reason that you don't use a TSA approved lock is that they don't have access to it when you're not there. You will be there when they inspect the case, negating the need for the TSA lock which is used to open the lock for inspection when you're not there (as is the case for regular bags). It also assures that the firearms are locked in a case which is a federal requirement.

As for the airport, check state law, some states are fine with carry in the main terminal outside of the secure area, others are not. I'm sure handgunlaw.us has it.

 

[Nitrogen]

Does your suitcase have one of those extendable handles?

If it does, lock a cable around the interior, where those handles go. That makes it very hard to steal the firearm out of the case. It's what I do.

 

[GHF]

Flying

Having traveled a number of times, here's how I go at it:

1. Put the unloaded weapon(s) in a lockable hard-sided case with locks only you have the keys to open. TSA locks are not allowed.

2. Check the airline(s) you are flying on:

o Determine if the ammo MUST be in boxes OR can fly in loaded magazines.
o If loaded magazines are permitted, make sure the pouches fully cover the magazines.
o The round from the pipe(s) must be in a box, not loose.

3. Secure and protect magazines and ammunition boxes from possible damage.

4. Put the lockable hard-sided case with the weapon and the ammo/magazines into a cheap, non-descript bag - with clear labeling outside and inside - for checking in. The labeling should be limited to:

o Your Name
o Your Cell Phone - if you have one, or your home phone if you do not
o Your personal email address - if you have one
o NO ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE INDICATED

5. Other stuff - like shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc, could be in this checked bag also.

6. Check this non-descript bag at the airport. Have the rules for the airline in hand.

7. Make sure you have the keys to the lockable hard-sided case with you and you alone (Per Federal Regulations § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals - http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=49:9.1.3.5.9.2.10.6&idno=49) at all times. You will have to open the lockable hard-side case to demonstrate to the airline that the weapon(s) are not loaded at check in, and if the TSA wants to see.

8. Have the serial number(s) and descriptions of your weapons on you, so if they "disappear" you can report the loss/theft to the airline, local police and the ATF (National Firearms Theft Hotline - 888-930-9275) immediately.
.
Other points to ponder:

1. Can you possess the weapon at all your stops.

2. Where can you carry and how at all your stops. Check www.handgunlaw.us.

3. What are the deadly force rules in each state you are visiting. Check www.handgunlaw.us.

4. Have a copy of the Don Young Transportation Letter on hand - http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/us letter.pdf. This covers changing methods of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.

 

[crew590]

Hey,

Sorry to bring this back up, but I just needed to see if this case would be Airline Approved. I think so because "Highly secure locking bar connects all the latches together", but I can't find any pics or other indication that it is.

Thanks again,

Jay