Flying with firearm

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Wbblazer90

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I am planning to fly with my gun when I go on vacation next month. Flying from Texas to Florida, so my handgun license has reciprocity there. I have read both the TSA rules and the rules of the carrier Southwest Airlines. A few questions though

1) I bought a metal handgun lock box from academy which I will put the handgun in. Once the TSA or counter person inspects it and I lock the gun in it, should I also lock the check in bag that I put it in? I shall keep the key for both on me.

2) I'll bring a box of defensive ammo. I should be able to put the box of ammo and unloaded magazines in the metal lock box right?

3) the Carry holster will be in the checked with the bag, they shouldn't have issue with that correct?

Yes, I'll call the carrier to clarify, but for something like this I'd like to hear others experiences with Southwest Airlines if possible. Also, the person I speak with may not even know their own rules.
 
Yes to all three, provided the bag lock is TSA model so they can open it, see the locked box, and see the Checked Firearm form. It's also nice to prep the gun so you can quickly show it's empty without manipulating it; a chamber flag or cable lock for instance.

I do this about once a year, and other than a few extra minutes @ check-in, it's easy. So long as you don't get diverted to Chicago, you should be boring.

Edit: bring a paper copy of the TSA rules just in case it comes up.
 
IIRC, the ammo must be in a separate container from the gun. YOU keep the key/combo for the gun case and do not use TSA locks for that. Regular TSA locks on the outer suitcase.
Go onto SWA's website, printout their directions/procedures for checking a firearm with you; allow extra time for the check-in process and you should be GTG.
Currently cloudy and 70 @11:30 AM here in FL.
 
My limited experience has been this:

1) They preferred the gun case to be inside other luggage so as not to draw the attention of baggage handlers. If that luggage is to be locked, it should be with a TSA lock.

2) Ammo should locked up, and all ammo must be in TSA approved contained. The original packaging is approved. As all ammo must be in TSA approved contained, it cannot be in the mags. But the empty mags can be locked gun case too. And they probably should be as they are part of the gun....sort of.

3) Holsters can be in your regular checked baggage with no issue. They are not part of the weapon, or considered in any way dangerous.

I too have a Florida trip planned and have been trying to remember the procedures. I'm interested in what others have to say.
 
George P said:
YOU keep the key/combo for the gun case and do not use TSA locks for that. Regular TSA locks on the outer suitcase.
Click to expand...

I had not heard that TSA locks should not be used on the gun case. It's been years since I last flew with a gun, but I really thought back then that using TSA locks on the gun case was required. I suppose I may have misunderstood at the time. Or maybe the rules changed between then and now.

Guess I need new locks.
 
When I read the TSA rules, they specifically said to NOT use a lock they have the master key for (TSA lock) - I think it is more to prevent their own folks from getting a little lighthanded. Same thing if they want to take your case to a side room - YOU go with them; YOU maintain control of the key or combination.
 
Doing some reading, many say that TSA locks on the gun box is not correct, but TSA locks on the checked bag containing the gun is recommended.

Indeed I am bringing the print out of the TSA and the airline rules.
 
Maybe I can take an extra step and put the gunlock cable that came with the gun, through the magwell and the action. I.e. Have the slide locked back with the gunlock in place.
 
Really interesting article on this very subject came out on TFB last week. He states to NOT use TSA locks. Those master keys can be 3D printed now and can be bought online. This is the firsts of a three part article- I'm looking forward to the other two articles.
 
Taking a printed copy of the TSA regs and a printed copy of the guidelines from the airline company you are flying with is important. I've flown with guns many times and you will sometimes run into a "behind the counter" person who is clueless. "I need to talk to a supervisor" and copies of the airline's policy will save a lot of trouble.
 
Thanks for the good read on TFB. It sounds like he almost recommends a Pelican case as the checked luggage bag.

I don't really want to spend $200 on a pelican case right now, but a hard shell luggage is recommended, correct?
 
Ammunition can indeed be in magazines. Magazines cannot be in the gun, but they must be in the same container in which the gun is, or a separate-but-similar locked container. Ammunition not in magazines must be in an approved container; as mentioned, the container it came in is sufficient.

I bought a metal locking box called a "Sentry Safe" from Wal-Mart for this purpose. Nothing fancy; it uses a key I hang on to.

My last couple of times went like this:

Show up with suitcase containing Sentry Safe (itself containing firearm and magazine, and locked.) Declare firearm to gate agent. She has me retrieve firearm and demonstrate an empty action, which is certainly easier with a small CC-type pistol than with a rifle. She watches me re-package firearm and lock the Sentry Safe and place it back in the suitcase. She inserts a bright orange card stating "Unloaded Firearm(s)" into the suitcase. This is to advise any TSA officer opening the bag that the firearm has already been checked and cleared. The suitcase is then closed. A TSA lock can be used on the bag, but the Sentry Safe is only accessible to me.

Some posters have said they were asked to "follow the bag" until it was cleared through TSA. I never was, but I was asked to provide a phone number at which I could be reached while still in the terminal. I never had any issues.
 
Last edited:
Wbblazer90 said:
I am planning to fly with my gun when I go on vacation next month. Flying from Texas to Florida, so my handgun license has reciprocity there. I have read both the TSA rules and the rules of the carrier Southwest Airlines. A few questions though

1) I bought a metal handgun lock box from academy which I will put the handgun in. Once the TSA or counter person inspects it and I lock the gun in it, should I also lock the check in bag that I put it in? I shall keep the key for both on me.

2) I'll bring a box of defensive ammo. I should be able to put the box of ammo and unloaded magazines in the metal lock box right?

3) the Carry holster will be in the checked with the bag, they shouldn't have issue with that correct?

Yes, I'll call the carrier to clarify, but for something like this I'd like to hear others experiences with Southwest Airlines if possible. Also, the person I speak with may not even know their own rules.
Click to expand...

1- you don't need to lock the bag that the locked case goes in.
2- Last I checked, they want the ammo in its original container. I tape the flaps on the box w/ scotch tape, and place it in the case with the gun.
3- The holster will be fine by itself in the bag. Don't put it in your carry-on. Some moron may decide its a gun part, even though its not.
Also, I put one of those cable locks on my gun(s). Carry a hard copy printed of the TSA rules, airline rules, and anything else that may apply. In Raleigh Durham, I had to produce this to assist the geniuses with the process, on my way to Maine for a bear hunt. Funny thing was, on my return flight from Bangor, they saw me in line with a pelican case and had me come to the front. They had me checked in and boarding pass printed in nothing flat. Also, if your bag is delayed, you will likely be required to return to the airport yourself to retrieve it. My bag was delayed once, and they refused to deliver it to my home cause there was a pistol in it.
 
edwardware said:
Yes to all three, provided the bag lock is TSA model so they can open it, see the locked box, and see the Checked Firearm form. It's also nice to prep the gun so you can quickly show it's empty without manipulating it; a chamber flag or cable lock for instance.
Click to expand...

This is incorrect, and commonly so. TSA does not make nor endorse any particular kind of lock. "TSA approved locks" is a sales pitch and misnomer at best, deliberate lie at worst.

The more security you stick on your gun, the better. The last time I flew I put cable locks through all the actions that had separate keys. And then they were locked inside a hard sided case. Some TSA/airline agents will open the case to check the weapon, others will just pass it through Xray. There is no general rule here. Arrive with the case locked, just in case they do not want it opened.

Absolutely print out the airline AND TSA policy on flying with firearms. You may very well run into someone who doesn't know, or doesn't like firearms, and try to roadblock you. A copy of the rules is a good assurance against a headache. No employee is going to argue against the rules when they are printed and right in front of them. Highlighting adds emphasis but not required.

Make your packing non descript. Don't have any stickers on the case that say "Magpul" "NRA" or anything like that. While you can check a firearm case separately, it is more wise to put it inside a checked luggage bag. A locked luggage bag if possible.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
 
15157214558552069713708.jpg I just returned from Florida Sunday. I didn't bring my ccw because illinois has no reciprocity. (Unfortunately)
I did however, bring some fishing tackle in a long Plano hard rod case. TSA searched the rod case at both Louisville, Ky and at Tampa. I dont blame them, it looked like it could hold a bazooka. I thought everyone would be staring at my case, but nobody gave it a second look.
My good friend flies with his guns all the time. He says it's not a big deal if you do your homework.
imagejpeg_0.jpg 20180106_172422.jpg 20171231_101327.jpg
Gratuitous Florida fishing pictures.
 
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