How to fly with a gun:

[Pharmacology]

So, basically, I've gotten the general idea of how to fly with a gun:

get a lockable hard case with non-TSA locks.

tell the check in counter I'm checking in a fire arm.

NO ammo in same case as gun.

ammo in original boxes.



So, Can anyone supply me with a succinct, but thorough list of what to do, and what not to do?


Also, how does one fly with ammo?


P.S. I'll be flying with one pistol, and am planning on taking about 200 rounds with me.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'm still trying to figure out how to fly unladen. I'll worry about cargo later

Seriously, though, just secure, lockable cases that go in checked luggage AFAIK

 

[Demitrios]

Honestly, you're best bet is to call the airport/airline you're flying out of. Legal or not they may have their own set of rules which can cause you all kinds of headaches. Get your answer either from a top source or two/three sources. In this case, with all the BS going these days you can never be too careful.

 

[janedoedad]

Calling ahead is not a bad idea.

Print and carry the TSA Firearm regulations, available here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm as well as your specific airlines requirements.

Ammo cannot be in magazines unless 'fully enclosed'. This is indicated in the above link. Ammo must be secured in box or case.

Airlines have different rules for firearms/ammo, most are based on the ammo weight.

You must present yourself to the airline ticket counter and inform them you are traveling with a firearm. Do NOT CARRY into the terminal, even if legal in your jurisdiction it is an invitation to some serious unwanted attention. Depending on (their) location, attitude and education this will be an easy or annoying experience. They will ask to open the case, see the gun and verify it is unloaded. Note: Cable or trigger locks are a good idea at this point. After this, they airline will do some paperwork, put a orange decal on the case and send you to the TSA where you will turn over your bag and hope it gets to your destination. And, just for fun, you may be subjected to extra scrutiny at the passenger checkpoint by TSA/Airline. Your empty holster is perfectly acceptable in a carry on or worn.

 

[Mike OTDP]

A few tips...

When you check in, request an "unloaded firearm card". It's orange, you sign it (declaring the gun unloaded) and put in in the case.

You may or may not have to schlep the case for TSA x-ray. This isn't a problem.

I don't recommend carrying a holster anywhere but in checked baggage. Just too many potential problems.

 

[Pharmacology]

Thanks for the info, guys.

I was under the mis-conception that ammo couldn't be in the hard case. Good to know.

 

[rha600]

The last time I flew with my rifle the ammo could not be in the same case as the gun. But this was a couple years ago and the govenment likes to keep changing the rules to make us believe they are actually doing work. HAHA.

I think you've got it pretty much covered though. and like others have said, make sure the gun is in it's proper place BEFORE even getting to the airport. don't be walking in with it in the holster and then putting it in the case at the counter. People at the airport are already jumpy as it is.

And call the airline ust to double check any last minute changed that might have happened to not only the TSA rules but also their own. they have to follwo the TSA rules but they can still make their own IN ADDITION to the TSA rules.

Oh, and it's up to you and depending on what you're brining, but I also removed the bolt from my gun and had it laying next to it in the case just to further smooth over the inspector. he was actually really cool.

 

[tank mechanic]

It usually is not too bad of a problem. The tsa usually checks to make sure it is unloaded and they have me walk with them to the xray machine to make sure it gets past. All you need to do is just get to the counter a few minutes earlier than planned to account for this.

They only bad instance I have had with flying with a gun is the luggage it was in was sent to another airport. When I got to my destination they tracked my luggage to another state. I was going to my parents house two hours away and the airline drove the bag up to me after it was flown in. I was ticked because I had over 1000 dollars worth of stuff in the lock box and didn't get my bag for about five hours after I got to my parents house. Other than that one problem it is usually pretty easy.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

get a lockable hard case with non-TSA locks.

I fly with handguns. I use hard pistol cases with TSA locks on the cases as well as the luggage bag I put them in. Sometimes TSA wants to inspect my guns sometimes they don't. Sometimes they open my luggage and gun cases in my presence, sometimes not. They'll cut your locks if they're non-TSA locks and they want inside to inspect. If TSA cuts your locks then your gun is vulnerable to anybody.

There have been times when TSA has opened my locks and not put the notification card inside my luggage. I only know they've been inside by the indicators on the locks. BTW, I've never had a gun stolen.

Good luck.

 

[ny32182]

Each time (many times) I've flown with a handgun, it has gone as follows. Know the fed law, and any added procedures from your specific airline.

Before you get to the airport, place the gun in a lockable hardside case, inside your checked bag. Ammo in original boxes (no more than 11lb worth) outside the locked case. Empty mags can be anywhere in your checked bag.

When you get to the counter, declare your firearm. If they ask if you are carrying it on, do not stare at them with a dumb look on your face for 10 seconds like I did... they mistook you for an air marshal. They will give you one of the little orange tags which you will fill out, and then proceed to the TSA office. Once there, TSA will watch you unlock the case; they will look at the gun; maybe ask you to show clear, then they will have you box it and lock it back, and put the orange tag on the outside of the hard case (NOT on the outside of the suitcase). This will let the screeners know what is in the case and why they can't get into it (you are the only one with a key) in the event that your bag gets selected for the normal search later.

You will leave your bag there and proceed to the gate like normal. No one at the security checkpoint knows or cares that you checked a pistol.

Lot of horror stories out there, but I've done it plenty of times at several airports, and it has gone smoothly each time, with very minimal overall delay... just make sure everything is packaged correctly before you get there.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

When you get to the counter, declare your firearm.

I just say: "I'm a private citizen and I have a firearm to declare." The ticket agent knows what to do after I tell him/her that.

 

[MrBigStuff]

I would also check with the state / local jurisdiction laws in addition to the airline and TSA guidelines as mentioned above. I am pretty sure you cannot check in a firearm in New Jersey airports ( at least not Newark ) and also LaGuardia and JFK airports in Queens ( New York City ) to the best of my knowledge . I am not sure if Massachuttes follws suit but heard it does . I don't know if any of this has changed . If so would like to know .

 

[cleardiddion]

Actually as far as I know it's fine to keep ammo with the gun in any sealed container. I've heard of people getting away with having them loaded in magazines.

Haven't done that yet but I have put the ammo in the same case as my rifles last I flew witih them.

 

[oldgoat46]

Ship the ammo via UPS before you travel or buy it when you arrive.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i've flown several times a year to teach shooting classes. i usually just buy ammo when i get to my destination or my host will buy it for me beforehand.

if i needed a lot of rounds to take a class (1k+), i'd ship it to myself at my hotel or the range

 

[PowerG]

I fly with a handgun 3-4 times a year...post #10 above mirrors my experience, except that I always lock the ammo (just one box) in the case with the gun. Probably 1/3 of the time they never even open the case, especially in the smaller regional airports.

I did have (cause) a minor panic in the Jacksonville airport once when they didn't have room on the counter to open and inspect, so we did it right on the floor in front of the counter. There were several older women in line behind me who got pretty agitated when they found out there was a gun on their flight.

 

[GHF]

How to Go About It

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

1. Review http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm to understand TSA policies and procedures. Have a copy with you when you reach the airport.
2. Put the unloaded weapon(s) in a lockable hard-sided case with locks only you have the keys/combination to open. TSA locks are not allowed.
3. Steps that will make it easier to show that the weapon is unloaded - especially when x-rayed.
   • If the weapon is a:
     • semi-automatic
       • lock the slide open
       • put a cable tie through the barrel and out the breach to show that the chamber is empty
     • revolver, flip the cylinder out
   • Do not put the magazines in this locked case with the gun(s):
     • it invites questions about them being loaded
     • if the gun case is "liberated" from the checked bag by a Criminal Entrepreneur, the lack of magazines frustrates the "Liberator", since the weapon is now initially a single shot one
4. Check the airline(s) you are flying on:
   • To determine if the ammo
     • MUST be in boxes (plastic reload boxes work)
     • can fly in loaded magazines
   • If loaded magazines are permitted, make sure the pouches fully cover the magazine top where the cartridges are visable.
   • The round(s) from the chamber(s)/cylinder(s) must be in a box, not loose
5. Secure and protect magazines (separately from the weapon) and ammunition boxes from possible damage.
6. 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.
   • If possible, develop a way to attach - in a lockable way - the hard-sided case to the piece of luggage it has been placed into.
   • The labeling should be limited to:
     • Your Name
     • Your Cell Phone - if you have one, or your home phone if you do not
     • Your personal email address - if you have one
     • NO ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE INDICATED
7. Other stuff - like shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc, could be in this checked bag also.
8. Have the rules for the airline in hand when you check this non-descript bag at the airport.
9. Make sure you have the keys/combinations to the lockable hard-sided case with you and you alone (Per Federal Regulations 49CFR § 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 (a signed form/tag indicating that will go in with the weapon(s))
   • if the TSA wants to see
10. Have the serial number(s) and descriptions of your weapons on you, so if they "disappear" you can report the loss/theft immediately to the:
    • airline
    • FAA Regional Office
    • ATF Regional Office

Other things to consider:

1. Check www.handgunlaw.us and/or http://apps.carryconcealed.net/packngo/index.php to determine:
   • If you can possess the weapon at all your stops
   • Where and how you can carry at all your stops
   • What are the deadly force rules in each state you are visiting
2. Have a copy of the Don Young Transportation Letter on hand - http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/us letter.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.

 

[Bhamrichard]

Here's a link to some very helpful info about flying with firearms, it even includes a video (kinda long) of someone giving instruction on how to fly with firearms. Presents some very good, detailed info. Included info on which airlines are more friendly, proper techniques to secure your firearms, etc etc.

http://deviating.net/firearms/packing/

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Steps that will make it easier to show that the weapon is unloaded - especially when x-rayed.

If the weapon is a: semi-automatic lock the slide open put a cable tie through the barrel and out the breach to show that the chamber is empty

I just remove the slide from the frame.

 

[WC145]

This article has all the info you'll need: http://www.8541tactical.com/flyingfirearms.php

 

[Guillermo]

not wanting to hijack but can you UPS a gun to yourself (as in not transferring)?

 

[Bhamrichard]

Yes, you can UPS, or FEDEX a gun to yourself if it's a handgun. In the case of long guns, you can also use the postal service.