CAPTAIN MIKE
Member
I just came back from a trip to Florida, flying US Air/Air West both ways. First time on this particular airline, but not the first time checking my sidearm in with an airline.
A couple of days before departure I went online and to the website for the airlines. Ended up in an online live chat with one of their reps who said he'd link me to their regs. He failed to do that and I assumed it was an sign of being an unwelcome 2A type. I then downloaded the info available from packing.org.
I showed up at the counter a bit earlier than usual, declared my "unloaded sidearm" (I never call them 'guns' or 'firearms' to anybody who might wet their pants). As usual, my 1911 was locked inside its LifeJacket with the empty magazine out and the LifeJacket was locked (with a TSA lock) inside my hard-sided luggage.
Bottom Line: I found the US Air / AirWest counter people to be friendly, professional and matter-of-fact in following the airline regulations, and the TSA guy who checked my luggage was very professional and friendly. No problems at all, and I wanted to pass along a Bravo Zulu ('atta boy') for the professional way these folks handled themselves.
I know different THR members have had various experiences. Thought I'd share this one and see if any other members know of specific airlines that have handled their firearms in a professional and courteous manner.
A couple of days before departure I went online and to the website for the airlines. Ended up in an online live chat with one of their reps who said he'd link me to their regs. He failed to do that and I assumed it was an sign of being an unwelcome 2A type. I then downloaded the info available from packing.org.
I showed up at the counter a bit earlier than usual, declared my "unloaded sidearm" (I never call them 'guns' or 'firearms' to anybody who might wet their pants). As usual, my 1911 was locked inside its LifeJacket with the empty magazine out and the LifeJacket was locked (with a TSA lock) inside my hard-sided luggage.
Bottom Line: I found the US Air / AirWest counter people to be friendly, professional and matter-of-fact in following the airline regulations, and the TSA guy who checked my luggage was very professional and friendly. No problems at all, and I wanted to pass along a Bravo Zulu ('atta boy') for the professional way these folks handled themselves.
I know different THR members have had various experiences. Thought I'd share this one and see if any other members know of specific airlines that have handled their firearms in a professional and courteous manner.