Traveling with a firearm

[30-30shooter]

Hello, I am currently planning a trip from MA to TX and wanted to know if its possible to legally transport a Glock 27 with two mags from MA to TX. I do have a valid MA LTC-A and understand if flying that I will need to store the gun and the ammunition separate in two locked cases but I assume theirs more to it then that as well. furthermore does the legality change if say I need to make a connecting flight to a less 2A friendly state? Is this something that's even worth the headache? Im unfamiliar with the process so Id appreciate an info.

 

[rabid wombat]

Check you airlines and TSA. Typically it is slightly more than a hassle, but not terrible. The key is know the rules. Another key, carry a copy of the rules, because those behind the counter may not always be familiar. Do not be loud, obnoxious, or any other attention grabbing personas. Most people you deal with will be professional, you be professional too. (Scroll for United rules on the link below). With a pistol, I make sure the required case fits in other checked luggage.

Confirm reciprocity on your LTC

Do not get trapped in non-friendly states / cities. Plan appropriately. Other will comment more meaningfully on this.

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/baggage/sports-equipment.html

 

[George P]

And do NOT use TSA locks on your cases; YOU open and lock the cases if they want to look inside.

 

[JohnKSa]

Don't make a connecting flight through a gun-rights-limited state. It really shouldn't be a problem if the luggage with the firearm is checked through to the destination, but let's say the connecting flight is delayed or cancelled for some reason and they want you to take possession of your luggage for an overnight stay. Now what do you do?

 

[TarDevil]

• Give yourself plenty of time before departure
• Don't be ambiguous with the airline agent; let them know you are checking an unloaded firearm.
• Fill out the declaration form.
• If the locked gun case travels inside another suitcase, the form goes on top of the gun case, not inside.
• If the locked gun case is being checked as a separate piece of luggage, the declaration form then goes inside.
• Hang around the baggage check-in area for a while in case there are any issues with your bags.
• Know the law at every destination.
• Have a nice flight!

 

[George P]

Don't make a connecting flight through a gun-rights-limited state. It really shouldn't be a problem if the luggage with the firearm is checked through to the destination, but let's say the connecting flight is delayed or cancelled for some reason and they want you to take possession of your luggage for an overnight stay. Now what do you do?

You leave it with them in their secure area for transport the next day

 

[30-30shooter]

• Give yourself plenty of time before departure
• Don't be ambiguous with the airline agent; let them know you are checking an unloaded firearm.
• Fill out the declaration form.
• If the locked gun case travels inside another suitcase, the form goes on top of the gun case, not inside.
• If the locked gun case is being checked as a separate piece of luggage, the declaration form then goes inside.
• Hang around the baggage check-in area for a while in case there are any issues with your bags.
• Know the law at every destination.
• Have a nice flight!

So if i have a locked container like this

I could place it in a suitcase right? Id just declare the whole suitcase when i checked in my bag? Could i store the unloaded mags and ammo in the same case or would I have to bring an additional one? What about holsters?

thanks

 

[TarDevil]

So if i have a locked container like this
View attachment 1012365
I could place it in a suitcase right? Id just declare the whole suitcase when i checked in my bag? Could i store the unloaded mags and ammo in the same case or would I have to bring an additional one? What about holsters?

thanks

You'll have to open your suitcase, you may be asked to open the locked box to show that the gun is unloaded. Once you do all that, lock the gun, let the agent lay the declaration form on top of your locked gun box and you are good to go.
As others have said, the gun box should not be TSA locks (TSA locks are fine for the suitcase itself). The ticket agents seldom understand that; if there is any misunderstanding, request a TSA person to come to the baggage check. They're pretty good at setting the airline agents straight.
You don't need another locked box for the ammo, just store the ammo the way you bought it. It just had to be separate from the gun.
Put your holsters anywhere you want.

 

[MutinousDoug]

When I travel by air with a pistol, I use a Pelican case large enough to hold all the gear I will need for the length of my trip, other than an overnight bag. The case carries two padlocks and only I hold the keys. Upon check-in I am directed to TSA where the firearm is verified to be unloaded, the case tagged and with the tag placed inside and locked, the case and I part company.
Any ammunition, my wife's jewelry, cash, papers, go in that case. My cell # is printed on the outside, if there is any need to open the case, TSA or the airline must contact me so that I am present when the case is opened and subsequently closed. The case is hopefully too large to conceal under any employee's jacket.
I carry TSA and the airline printed firearm requirements with me while the case is in their care. You may encounter ignorant employee delays but using this strategy I haven't missed any flights (so far).

 

[herrwalther]

First thing is to check to make sure your permit works in Texas. According to USCCA, it does. So you are good there.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/ma-gun-laws/

Then, look up online the TSA and your airline policies on firearms. Here is TSA's. Typically airlines don't have more stringent policies than TSA does, but it never hurts to check.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

Get yourself a good locking case that will go inside your checked bag. You retain the key, combo etc and do not give it to anyone. Not even TSA. If they want it open, they have to ask you. If the case is big enough you can store the firearm and ammo inside the same case. Keep ammo in the factory box. DO NOT load it in the magazines.

More tips to make the trip easier on you:

• Bring a printed copy of the TSA and airline regs about firearms with you. I like to carry it next to my boarding pass and ID. You might get some TSA or airline employee that doesn't know the rules. And you can show them, in black and white, what they are if they give you trouble.
  
• Get there early. Check in with a firearm may take longer than normal check in because of issue above. You cannot use the self check kiosk, you have to see an agent for your airline. Follow whatever procedure they have for check in.
• Be polite and discreet. Don't shout you have a gun or anything of the sort at the desk. Calmly say you have a firearm to declare. You don't want to bring attention to yourself or your bag. Firearms are easy targets to steal at airports.
• Get yourself one of those cable gun locks. Run it through the barrel and action of the firearm and put it that way inside the case. That way even a blind idiot can see you have it unloaded, even if they Xray it instead of hand check it at the counter.
• If you do land in a non friendly 2A state, do not take possession of your bags unless absolutely necessary. Pack necessary items in your carry on so you wont need your bag if you get a layover.

 

[Craig_AR]

As I recall, the original TSA rules specifically prohibited use of TSA locks on the gun container. I was surprised to see that now, however, such locks are allowed. That said, the many experienced folks above who said DO NOT use a TSA lock seem to give the right advice. There are just too darn many folks holding the universal TSA key.

 

[RickD427]

As I recall, the original TSA rules specifically prohibited use of TSA locks on the gun container. I was surprised to see that now, however, such locks are allowed. That said, the many experienced folks above who said DO NOT use a TSA lock seem to give the right advice. There are just too darn many folks holding the universal TSA key.

The Code of Federal Regulations still require the use of non-TSA locks on firearm containers. There has been no change in the regulations. Please refer to 49 CFR 1544.203(f)(2)(iii) and note the requirement to use a lock where only the traveler has the key or combination.

I have seen some TSA-published reference materials that suggest a TSA lock may be used on such containers. I'm not sure if the TSA is attempting to "morph" the requirements of the CFR to suit themselves. They have done so in several airports where their procedures require the traveler to temporarily surrender their key to permit inspection. But it is clear that the requirements of Federal Regulation are superior to any conflicting agency training materials.

 

[herrwalther]

I have seen some TSA-published reference materials that suggest a TSA lock may be used on such containers. I'm not sure if the TSA is attempting to "morph" the requirements of the CFR to suit themselves. They have done so in several airports where their procedures require the traveler to temporarily surrender their key to permit inspection. But it is clear that the requirements of Federal Regulation are superior to any conflicting agency training materials.

Probably. Government agencies like to see how far they can go. As TSA-recognized locks are available to the public, most people who do not know the regulations will get them out of convenience and ignorance. The irony is many places that sell "TSA locks" also sell the master keys to open up the locks.

 

[CapnMac]

to make a connecting flight to a less 2A friendly state?

Ok, the notion of a less-friendly State than MA boggled me a bit.

Having MA permits will make it easier to get to Logan.
See above on the "how" to pack. Note, individual airlines differ on whether ammo/magazines have to be locked up (most require being separate from the firearm)--check on that in advance.

Once you arrive in TX, be sure you are off the airport reservation, and then you will generally be good to go. Until 1SEP21 you are to conceal firearms while in a motor vehicle, licensed or not. Loaded versus unloaded is not a strict issue in vehicles. Places with a "30.06" sign (these are required to be very obvious) prohibit concealed carry (as criminal trespass).
The big cities will likely have more restricted places for carry, and the small towns and country side will have the least need (and are more likely to have open carry of one sort or another).

If you are not in Dallas, Austin, or some parts of Houston, you will find Texas has a much more relaxed attitude about firearms.

Enjoy your visit. Remember to hydrate, it's the height of summer down here. We get all happy when it's only 94ºF outside.

 

[Craig_AR]

The Code of Federal Regulations still require the use of non-TSA locks on firearm containers. There has been no change in the regulations. Please refer to 49 CFR 1544.203(f)(2)(iii) and note the requirement to use a lock where only the traveler has the key or combination.

I have seen some TSA-published reference materials that suggest a TSA lock may be used on such containers.

From the above-link page,
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
we see:
"Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks." [emphasis added]

Yes, indeed the TSA page does say TSA-locks are ok, bless their little ole hearts.

And, sure enough, checking at
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/1544.203
we can, indeed read,
(iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination;