Guns and airlines

[Jbo]

Anyone recently flown with a firearm? I am taking a trip in a couple weeks and would like to take my pistol. I know that I have to check it but am looking for some advice on how to check my semiauto without the least amount of problem. Any advice ya'll have would be appreciated.

[greenLED]

There's quite a few recent threads on glocktalk.com that you may want to check for updated info.

[0dBm]

I have traveled via airline regularly.

As follows are some things that have allowed me to travel with a firearm in my checked-in luggage without unnecessary delays. Please DO NOT take this as advice.


Firearm is placed in a lockable container. I use a Pelican 1400-Series case and two TSA-approved locks.

I use a trigger lock.
If traveling with a semi-auto pistol, I remove the slide and place a key-type cable lock through the magazine well so that neither the slide nor the magazine can be inserted.
I purchase a fresh, UNopened box of ammunition made by a large, well-known manufacturer and seal it in a plastic bag (I have one of those machines that will seal the opening of the bag with heat) along with the purchase receipt from a local brick and mortar store.
I dismantle the magazines (2 each) and place a separate a key-type cable lock though them.
I place several of my business cards in the container.
I place a copy of the most current TSA regulations that I could find in the container.
I photograph the container and the entire contents and place a copy of the photo along with the complete description of this package (model and serial number of the container and yes, THAT Pelican case is serialized), firearm, magazines (yes, I have ALL of mine are engraved with the SN of the firearm), and lot number and date of the manufacturer of the ammunition IN the container.
I include a statement that this package is on record with the local authorities.
I retain possession of all the keys on my person and I send a duplicates to my trusted point of contact at my destination in the unhappy circumstance that I lose them or are confiscated.
I place a copy of the photograph and statement in my carry-on luggage and another copy to my point of contact at my destination.
I notify the airline attendant at the check-in counter by providing that person with a typed statement on a 3x5 index card that I am traveling with a locked container carrying a firearm with additional locks attached to it. This is particularly important in order to avoid alarming fellow passengers by VERBALLY informing the airline attendant or TSA agent that you are tranporting a firearm.


Many reading this will likely remark whether in private or on this thread that this seems to be an inordinately complex task-a lot of trouble. Others will balk at the redundancy of the trigger lock as superfluous; seeing the lockable container as adequate. Still others will scoff at the additional locks aside from that on the trigger. There have been occasions where local PD, airport PD, airport private security, and federal agents such as the Air Marshals and DHS have looked at this package and shook their heads in approval at the superb organization.

This setup is the culmination of some extensive research and has worked remarkably well. I have not had any issues whatsoever.

Fact is, traveling prior to 911 with a firearm was greatly scrutinized. After 911, it has been a sheer CHORE and travelers must be ever more fervently vigilant if choosing avail oneself of the benefits of having a firearm for personal safety during travel.

[saniterra]

I recently flew from North Carolina to Colorado and back with two automatic pistols (slides locked back) and nine loaded mags in my checked luggage. I had to declare the guns and the airline turned the bag over to TSA personnel who inspected it and placed an inspection tag in suitcase with the gun case. As I was using a soft-side suitcase, I had to purchase a hard-side plastic two gun case with two places for locks and put fairly large commonly keyed Masterlocks on the case. On both Southwest Airlines going out and Continental coming back, I had to fill out a short form when I checked the luggage. That and the inspection took ten minutes or less. I did, however, forget to remove my Scrapyard Knives Yardhook (a very large knife) from under the flap in my leather carry on/bug out bag when leaving Denver. Of course it was readily detected by the xray and caused a bit of a stir - I was nearly arrested or cited in some manner - and probably would have been if I'd been native to Colorado. The Denver police or airport officer (I didn't notice which) didn't cite me since I would have to travel back to Denver to take care of the court proceedings. The TSA officer warned that I would be hearing from the TSA about the incident I'm still waiting to hear from them some four weeks later. But they let me take the take the knife and mail it to myself, which I thought was very decent of them, considering my ****up.

When you find the airline you will be traveling, go to its website and look at its rules. It will specify the procedure for declaring and checking guns and ammunition. All in all, a pretty simple and painless process, but don't mess up as I did because that has the potential to become a serious problem.

[rescueguru]

I recently flew from Charlotte, NC to Orlando, FL via USAirways and transported a handgun in checked luggage without a problem and only minimal delay at the counter. In advance, I contacted the airline and verbally requested a summation of their rules and requirements for firearm transport. This was done after first reading the TSA and the airline web sites thoroughly. The weapon, a J frame Smith & Wesson revolver, was packed in the manufacturers original hard side case, unloaded and trigger locked. The case was locked and placed in a locked suitcase. The ammunition was in the original box, in a sealed palstic bag and dropped in the luggage.
Upon arrival at the counter, I had to declare the weapon, fill out a short form stating the weapon was unloaded, open the suitcase and the gun box and prove the weapon was unloaded. A tag was placed inside the gun box and inside the suitcase, the box and bag were relocked and checked. End of story, end to end it took less than 5 minutes. It seemed easier than getting my laptop and toiletries through the TSA checkpoint.
Go figure!!! :luck:

[0dBm]

... it took less than 5 minutes. It seemed easier than getting my laptop and toiletries through the TSA checkpoint.

This is the upside of it all. Regulations concerning firearm transport while traveling via aircraft has been quite well documented in the past 30 years and is nothing new; unlike recent developments such as the 911 event that have forced legislators to further define the rules. The fact that the singular item, a firearm, is itself regulated by a separate federal law enforcement agency makes it easier (comparatively) to control with the use of serial numbers; unlike the infamous, seemingly innocuous box cutter.

This is the one aspect of air travel that did not seem to have been impacted significantly since the September 11, 2001 event.

[Jbo]

Thank you to all who have provided input. It seems like if one goes to great lengths to secure the firearm and ammunition then there should not be any problem. OdBm...even though it seems repetative your system seems to leave no room for question in terms of a responsible gun owner trying to transport his firearm responsibly. It seems that all bases are covered. This is my first time of transporting a firearm and I am a little apprehensive. I plan on calling the airline this week to inquire about policy. I know everything will be fine but just want to cover all my bases.

[Circle of Owls]

Upon arrival at the counter, I had to declare the weapon, fill out a short form stating the weapon was unloaded, open the suitcase and the gun box and prove the weapon was unloaded. A tag was placed inside the gun box and inside the suitcase, the box and bag were relocked and checked. End of story, end to end it took less than 5 minutes. It seemed easier than getting my laptop and toiletries through the TSA checkpoint.


Exactly my experience, though I used a small handgun safe to transport it within the locked luggage.

I was REALLY nervous while displaying the handgun to prove that it was unloaded. I tried to be inconspicuous, but I was sure someone would scream and I'd be dog-piled by 35 armored SWAT guys. The baggage checker didn't even blink though, like I'd told her that I was transporting towels or something, and no one else seemed to notice.

You shouldn't have any trouble. 0dBm had excellent suggestions, though I'm not sure about the 3X5 with typed statement. If I saw that next to me, I'd think "Bomb threat". At least with a verbal statement, anyone who is watching/eavesdropping will have a clear understanding about what is going on.

[Brules]

I've traveled a couple of times with handguns and found it amazingly easy. The woman at the counter who checked my gun acted like she'd done it thousands of times, and it was no big deal. It literally took 5 minutes.
OdBm is giving you some very good advice. I to took pictures of the handguns and wrote down the serial numbers.
Once you do it once, you'll see how easy it is.

[greenLED]

OdBm, hat's off for your system!

I know from experience that it pays to be over-organized when dealing with airport authorities (especially when there's customs, USDA, etc. involved). I transported hundreds pounds of samples into the US. Of course I had all the right approvals, seals, paperworks, packaging, labeling, and professional demeanor while doing so... never had a glitch.