Flying Out of or through Chicago O'Hare with Handgun?

[bhk]

Any experience? Some folks place this in the same catagory as flying through New York. True?

Can a non-Illinois resident check a handgun at O'Hare or is it impossible because O'Hare is within the city limits of Chicago. I am asking because I will soon be flying THROUGH O'Hare, but worry about the slight risk of a canceled connecting flight and having to claim my bags overnight.

 

[clamman]

I've done it. Just check with the airlines before you go and follow their rules. I take the extra step and do not pack any ammo.

 

[Hypnogator]

Should not be a problem as long as you don't take possession of your bags in Chicago. I would pack an overnight bag for carry-on, then if a connecting flight was cancelled, would not have to take possession of my checked luggage including firearm.

Chicago O'Hare always was a PITA. Back in the day, when I flew armed, hated going through there, because to change planes, would have to exit one terminal and enter another, which meant going through the whole "armed Federal officer" check-in thing all over again.

 

[Unistat]

I've done it. Just check with the airlines before you go and follow their rules. I take the extra step and do not pack any ammo.

In normal times that might be a good idea, but these days one cannot be confident in finding ammo for sale at the destination.

One solution is to ship out your own ammo ahead of time so it is waiting for you when you arrive.

 

[Sav .250]

AS noted ,the Airline your flying sets the policy. Get the facts!

 

[rodinal220]

Have not had any problems at ORD but CPD just pinched some lawful gun owners on BS charges,be careful and alert.

 

[Drail]

Airline policy will not stop the Chicago police from arresting you or impress the Judge. We're talking about Chicago here.

 

[bhk]

Done it at O'Hare and Midway over a dozen times. Just normal Airports gun wise. Relax. A piece of cake. Then drive away in the rental car with your gun separated from the ammo in the glove compartment.

Thank you, guys. My main concern was with the city of Chicago itself. I am quite sure that possession of any handgun there by a non resident is illegal, regardless of what the rules are in the rest of Illinois. Don't you have to drive through parts of Chicago to get to your destination and is that not against Chicago's ordinances, regarless of Illinois law?

It seems like you have no hassle checking your handgun at the counter at O'Hare. That is encouraging, should my flight get cancelled and I have to spend the night in a hotel there. So confusing.

 

[jim243]

is that not against Chicago's ordinances, regarless of Illinois law?

The question is what takes precedent, State Law or City Laws, in most cases State law. But for Chicago Residents it is city law. As long as your gun is locked up in your car and not being waved around you should be good to go. If you get stopped for a crime, all bets are off.

Jim