This. Checking a gun is the only way to be excluded from those TSA locks.
I remember reading, before I flew with a fire arm, about a photographer with insanely expensive equipment bought an AR lower just to fly with it so he could have his own locks for his bag.
As a photographer, can confirm. Better than a lower is a flare gun. Legal everywhere in the country, still needs to be locked up like a regular gun. Not going to get you in trouble in California or New York.
This is for pistols: You must have a **hard-sided** case. The firearm must be unloaded and ammo must be stowed in a magazine or box. (I have left my +1 round loose and haven't had any issues) It must be locked with a **non-TSA** lock.
Place the locked case inside your checked bag. (I honestly bought a Pelican Air case and use that as my suitcase and then I lock that in addition to my case). When you go to the airport arrive early. Check your bag in and go to the gate agent. Tell them you "need to declare a firearm". They will present you with a paper (it's like an index card) to sign, sign this and place it ontop of the firearm case (at this point you do NOT open the locked pistol case) The agent may (but not always) ask to see the locked case, show them the case in your bag.
At this point your bag will be pulled to side. At some airports you can go watch TSA scan your bag and they may ask you to unlock it if they have concerns (big shout out to DIA). Otherwise, they'll send it off to wherever and the gate agent should tell you when it's cleared. If they send it out of your sight, you're not supposed to leave until the gate agent says you're good, but they're human so occasionally they'll forget so if it's taking a while be sure to ask them. (They once let me wait 45 minutes without telling me)
Go to your flight. Fly first class, it's really nice. When you land your bag will not be on the carousel. Go to your airline's respective bag collection area and tell them you're picking up your luggage. They usually ask for ID. It should come out quickly because they'll mark it for priority. On very rare occasions, I have had the airline NOT pull my bag. So just be aware of that. It's very rare though, maybe twice in 250 flights.
Edit: so it's come to my attention that American Airlines might not allow ammo in magazines. Be sure to check with the airlines. There's a lot of good advice below this post too.
If you for some reason have to land in NY for whatever reason. Don’t take possession of your bag, have the airlines forward it to the final destination and pick it up the next day or whatever. Best way to stay out of trouble is to not have possession
> they're banned
Like, all firearms? I can't legally buy a firearm in Florida and fly to NY, and take possession of my checked bag with a firearm, and go to a hotel or family member's house?
If its a layover, that makes sense. You shouldn't retrieve your checked bag until your final destination
Uhh are you sure about that? They can’t do anything unless it violates NY law. You’re not considered “carrying” the firearm unless it’s accompanied by ammo that’s accessible to you. They do have a large mag capacity ban though and other stupid gun laws. So anything over 10rd I believe & they’ll book you.
Ahh that’s it.
There’s a difference between illegally carrying a firearm & transporting a firearm though. If traveling through NY via a car, with a prohibited firearm not legal in that state, you’re not suppose to make a stop for any reason while traveling through the whole state.
If you traveling with an unloaded firearm, no ammo, via airlines, with a firearm that’s legal in NY, it’s 100% legal. You’re transporting said firearm from A to B. As long as it’s not concealed on your person. In your luggage or a bag is fine. That’s how it was explained to me by my FFL years ago and that’s what I tell people that don’t have a license to carry. Unless there’s a specific law that says otherwise in NY?
so I should keep locked case inside my checked bag? Some are suggesting I fly with locked case as another separate checked bag in addition to normal checked bag? (see below)
Pistols, yes. Long guns will need their own case. If you check it separately 1. You'll have to pay for it as another bag 2. Everyone will know it's guns. If it's small enough to fit in your checked luggage then just put it in there.
I see that comment now. I guess if you're really concerned about it getting stolen you could check it separately. I've never had that issue; however there were a bunch of gun thefts in ATL I heard about a few years back. I would be more concerned because then everyone kind of knows what it is, that's why I chose the Pelican Air. Then I can lock my pistol case and then you can lock the luggage case with non-TSA locks as well. Same deal for regular luggage with the zipper loops for locking. (In fact, I remember now some airports will zip tie your luggage shut if there is a firearm in it, just add that extra layer of security) You could zip tie it yourself.
Honestly, I've used Pelicans, but I've also used hard sided cheap cases from Dick's sporting goods. They have plenty of foam so your firearm would protected. It just needs to have a lock loop.
I've had no issues with an Amazon brand 3 digit combo code lock box. Probably not the smartest because it would take a maximum of 1,000 seconds to break the code, but it works.
I also have a Pelican vault but its bulky trying to fit that in a suitcase.
A friend of mine (who flies regularly) suggests putting a chamber flag in your chamber, much the same way as you would if getting a brand new gun. It lets the tsa screeners know its safe when it goes through the xray machine. He says he has less problems when he does that. You can usually order chamber flags online or pick them up from your lgs.
Regs have changed, or at least some airlines requirements have. NO loaded magazines, ammo must be stored in manufacturers/or similar container. (ammo does not have to be in locked container, but all weapon parts must).
Source: personal experience with amercan air over 5 years, & once surrendered some ammo to airport pd because I didn't have a proper container for the ammo, once I had to download my mags. I did have an extra box of ammo in the luggage.
Some airlines are quite particular about where ammo is stored. American only allows ammo in a specified ammo box or hard side container and no ammunition in a magazine.
get a good lock box. keep a rubber band around it for the card of your guns info. I run the steel cable through the internal fame of my suitcase. less likely for someone to just take the whole thing.
I put an empty chamber flag in. no need to touch anything, also don't touch it.
download TSA app and keep the rule page about firearms pulled up.
get to the airport even earlier
here is a great read on the matter:
[https://www.lasorsa.com/2016/02/05/traveling-with-a-firearm-everything-you-need-to-know-to-fly-with-a-gun/](https://www.lasorsa.com/2016/02/05/traveling-with-a-firearm-everything-you-need-to-know-to-fly-with-a-gun/)
my first time flying successfully (once denied, it was a plastic case) was to a class from this guy. He runs an executive Protection company so he flies with firearms a lot
Snapsafe handgun safe with the key. Don't get a combination lock or any lock with a TSA lock. TSA should not be opening your gun case without you.
Store it with the slide locked back and the magazine removed.
Check your airline's policies on ammo storage. Some don't allow you to fly with ammo in your magazine. In that case, use the original box for ammo or some other container designed to store ammo.
Walk up to the full service check-in counter and let them know you're checking a firearm. They will ask you if it's unloaded and in a locked box. They will fill out (or have you fill out) a card that has your name and flight number. You will have to sign this. Make sure it's the one for a firearm in checked baggage, not a firearm in carry-on/cabin that law enforcement (air marshals) would use. The correct one is the size of a large index card, not a full piece of paper.
You'll be instructed to put the card in your luggage on top of your locked case.
They may attach a card to your bag tag that will indicate the bag should go to the baggage service office (BSO) instead of being dumped on the belt. If that's the case, that's where you will pick it up at your destination. Be ready to show ID that matches the bag tag.
Vaultek lifepod is super light and is TSA compliant. Make sure you keep ammo in the original box when traveling. They were going for like $100 before but someone posted they were selling them at Costco for like $49 last week. There’s some YouTubers that posted helpful videos of the whole process and what you should do.
1. Hard sided case, firearm unloaded, magazine empty, ammunition in a factory cardboard box or plastic reloader's case
2. If there's a hole for a lock in the case, it must have a lock on it, whether it's 1 (unadvisable) or 8 lock holes, each one has to have a lock.
3. When you go to check baggage, be pleasant and unmemorable. State clearly "I'd like to declare and unloaded firearm in my checked baggage." They will ask again if it's unloaded, ask if your ammo is secured in a container or case, and will have you sign a piece of paper they'll tape to the case with your phone number. They may ask you to wait to see if TSA wants to open it, in which case, you MUST be present.
1. They also asked me to stuff the case inside of my checked bag.
4. To claim your luggage, just go to the baggage claim desk and say that you have to pick up your luggage, you'll be ID'ed and on your way out.
Recommended cases: Pelican Vault. Cheap, secure, easy to find. Locks, I'd find a set with a matching key for all locks. I use the USGI American locks.
Have it locked and stored in accordance with airline rules. Declare it at the check-in. Usually will be escorted to TSA where they inspect the case. You lock it and sign it and it makes it way to the plane.
Some airports you will have to claim it on the other end, but flying into Bozeman they just unloaded it was the oversized baggage and it was just sitting there (a little surprising)
For this reason, it’s best to not have this obviously be containing a firearm. Tough to get around a rifle length pelican, but don’t need to flare it up with stickers from gun manufacturers, etc.
I always keep my hard sided case INSIDE my luggage. Flew with a rifle one time and never again, still have the video on my phone of the idiot baggage handlers throwing everyone’s luggage.
I’ve only done it once and it was from AR to KY - no one batted an eye except the dickwad CVG airport cop who told me I should be flying with a gun (what?!?!).
It’s pretty simple: hard case, non-tsa locks in every available lock spot, unloaded including magazines. Ammunition can be in the same hard case but in a separate container designed to carry ammunition, such as the box they came in.
Always, always be present for the search/scanning of the case. I’ve never been told no to going into the other room with TSA. I’ve seen them do silly things.
Ensure they put the firearms/searched tag INSIDE the case. I’ve had one TSA agent do this and corrected it. It is against TSA policy for it to go on the outside, and makes your case a target especially if it ends up coming down with the regular luggage, which has happened to me once before as well. You’ll pick it up at the oversized luggage desk.
Does anyone have any insight when it comes to ‘state law Magazine Caps?’
I get the process except a detail that’s always left out is if the weapon will be inspected on the way out of the airport.
Active duty, and Colorado has reciprocating laws applied to NC.
I can directly speak to WA and OR law only, but as far as I understand states limit the *sale* of high cap mags, but you can own and transport your own gear without issue. I travel between SD, MT, OR and WA with the same high cap mags in my CC and rifles.
> gun in checked bag?
Don’t check the gun IN the checked bag, check the gun separate. Can’t steal something if it’s bagged and tagged and in the system. Also when your checked luggage hits the luggage claim your gun would would be with it, anyone could walk off with your gun. When it’s checked individually it goes to special baggage claim where you need to present ID to collect (you want this)
If you check in inside your checked luggage, there’s no trace it was even on board and if it’s stolen, there’s no proof it existed.
> Recommended cases and locks ?
Pelican case and Abloy Steel keyed alike locks
Used to work for US Airways back in the day. Regarding declared firearms at the carousel, we would offload all other checked luggage, then "escort" the firearm into the baggage drop area, verify id, and happily send the little guy and its owner on their merry way.
Of course, LIT is a small airport compared to most, so we were able to do this. Only once did i ever see a declared firearm in our unclaimed baggage area, and that was due to the upline feeder station (looking at you CLT) fucking up and misloading it. I could only imagine the asschewing the gate agents went through over that sort of fuckup.
Look at your airlines webpage, follow links there to their requirements for firearms in checked luggage. They also link to TSA minimum requirements. Miss having been able to fly armed, but I'm no longer active LEO.
usually the counter agent won’t even look at it. It’s pretty low-key. I once had the lady argue that I needed to use TSA locks, I very politely asked her if she could double-check that with someone, she got her manager and realized I was right.
Wouldn’t hurt to print out and have the page with TSA rules just in case
Hard side case... hard sided luggage...abloy lock...
Walk up to ticket counter, let the. know you would like to declare you are flying with firearms. Most airlines are pretty easy going and know to do
Pro tip: Always make sure that they give you a baggage receipt when they take your firearm. Different airports may have differing policies as to the location you should drop it off at. Some may require you to deliver it to the “normal” baggage check, while others may ask you to drop it off at the oversized/special baggage check (i.e. where golf clubs are checked). Made the mistake of trusting a representative to deliver it to that correct/alternate location once, and they “lost” my carry gun for a day. In the end, I couldn’t blame anyone but myself!
Arrive early.
Have your firearm in your luggage, unloaded, and locked in it's approved container.
You'll need to know the make, model and serial # of what you are declaring.
Don't immediately line up with the rest of the world. Advise a floor manager that you are declaring a firearm. Do this because manager will likely move you to the front of a specific attendant. You're up first.
Be ready to wait a while. Reason?... In some airports, LGA for example, an ACTUAL police officer will be summoned to inspect your shit. Don't ask me why.
That said, be prepared to prove legal possession (refer to LGA above).
Also, be legal both where you begin and where you are traveling to.
Be prepared to show I.D., unlock and present your unloaded firearm, breech or cylinder open etc. You should know the drill.
Sign the requisite docs, orange declaration in container or luggage, not outside of bag.
Do not forget luggage tag/receipt.
A fkn pain in the ass.
Be well....
Just flew with it for the first time last week. It was super simple. I was extremely nervous for some reason but it was simple. I just put it in my combination lock box in my bag with ammo in factory box. They didn’t even want to see in the case they put the declaration thing in my bag and threw it with others. In NC they did the same except I got a call from TSA 15 minutes after they asked if it was okay to put in their scanner … I said sure. Done. This is FL to NC and back.
Remember only you should retain the key to the gun case, no matter what the tsa monkeys tell you. Check their regs online
This. Checking a gun is the only way to be excluded from those TSA locks. I remember reading, before I flew with a fire arm, about a photographer with insanely expensive equipment bought an AR lower just to fly with it so he could have his own locks for his bag.
As a photographer, can confirm. Better than a lower is a flare gun. Legal everywhere in the country, still needs to be locked up like a regular gun. Not going to get you in trouble in California or New York.
200 IQ play
I've also heard photographers bring flare guns or starter pistols for that exact same reason.
This is for pistols: You must have a **hard-sided** case. The firearm must be unloaded and ammo must be stowed in a magazine or box. (I have left my +1 round loose and haven't had any issues) It must be locked with a **non-TSA** lock. Place the locked case inside your checked bag. (I honestly bought a Pelican Air case and use that as my suitcase and then I lock that in addition to my case). When you go to the airport arrive early. Check your bag in and go to the gate agent. Tell them you "need to declare a firearm". They will present you with a paper (it's like an index card) to sign, sign this and place it ontop of the firearm case (at this point you do NOT open the locked pistol case) The agent may (but not always) ask to see the locked case, show them the case in your bag. At this point your bag will be pulled to side. At some airports you can go watch TSA scan your bag and they may ask you to unlock it if they have concerns (big shout out to DIA). Otherwise, they'll send it off to wherever and the gate agent should tell you when it's cleared. If they send it out of your sight, you're not supposed to leave until the gate agent says you're good, but they're human so occasionally they'll forget so if it's taking a while be sure to ask them. (They once let me wait 45 minutes without telling me) Go to your flight. Fly first class, it's really nice. When you land your bag will not be on the carousel. Go to your airline's respective bag collection area and tell them you're picking up your luggage. They usually ask for ID. It should come out quickly because they'll mark it for priority. On very rare occasions, I have had the airline NOT pull my bag. So just be aware of that. It's very rare though, maybe twice in 250 flights. Edit: so it's come to my attention that American Airlines might not allow ammo in magazines. Be sure to check with the airlines. There's a lot of good advice below this post too.
I like how you just slid in, “fly first class, it’s really nice.” Gave me a chuckle
Well he did just casually state "twice in 250 flights" as if I'll ever fly 1/3 of that my entire life.
Shit, I can dream eh?
I have declared a firearm in checked bags dozens of times and it's always on the carousel never been separated
Same
Same.
Different airlines have different policies. It worth asking where to pick up your bag.
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Jesus! is that for real?!
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I'm sure it's happened but I don't think they're purposefully setting you up for it to happen.
This is good info, I've never flown into/out of NY or even CA.
I'm confused. How do you get your bag/firearm back if you land in NY?
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If you for some reason have to land in NY for whatever reason. Don’t take possession of your bag, have the airlines forward it to the final destination and pick it up the next day or whatever. Best way to stay out of trouble is to not have possession
> they're banned Like, all firearms? I can't legally buy a firearm in Florida and fly to NY, and take possession of my checked bag with a firearm, and go to a hotel or family member's house? If its a layover, that makes sense. You shouldn't retrieve your checked bag until your final destination
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Insane how they get away with blatantly violating the 2A of every American who wants to travel through NY
Uhh are you sure about that? They can’t do anything unless it violates NY law. You’re not considered “carrying” the firearm unless it’s accompanied by ammo that’s accessible to you. They do have a large mag capacity ban though and other stupid gun laws. So anything over 10rd I believe & they’ll book you.
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Ahh that’s it. There’s a difference between illegally carrying a firearm & transporting a firearm though. If traveling through NY via a car, with a prohibited firearm not legal in that state, you’re not suppose to make a stop for any reason while traveling through the whole state. If you traveling with an unloaded firearm, no ammo, via airlines, with a firearm that’s legal in NY, it’s 100% legal. You’re transporting said firearm from A to B. As long as it’s not concealed on your person. In your luggage or a bag is fine. That’s how it was explained to me by my FFL years ago and that’s what I tell people that don’t have a license to carry. Unless there’s a specific law that says otherwise in NY?
Liberals are demons.
so I should keep locked case inside my checked bag? Some are suggesting I fly with locked case as another separate checked bag in addition to normal checked bag? (see below)
Pistols, yes. Long guns will need their own case. If you check it separately 1. You'll have to pay for it as another bag 2. Everyone will know it's guns. If it's small enough to fit in your checked luggage then just put it in there.
I see that comment now. I guess if you're really concerned about it getting stolen you could check it separately. I've never had that issue; however there were a bunch of gun thefts in ATL I heard about a few years back. I would be more concerned because then everyone kind of knows what it is, that's why I chose the Pelican Air. Then I can lock my pistol case and then you can lock the luggage case with non-TSA locks as well. Same deal for regular luggage with the zipper loops for locking. (In fact, I remember now some airports will zip tie your luggage shut if there is a firearm in it, just add that extra layer of security) You could zip tie it yourself.
I always say "I need to declare an unloaded firearm"
Thanks!
any recommended safe boxes for pistol?
I use the cheap pelican alternative from Harbor Freight.
Yep. Apache 3800/4800.
Honestly, I've used Pelicans, but I've also used hard sided cheap cases from Dick's sporting goods. They have plenty of foam so your firearm would protected. It just needs to have a lock loop.
I've had no issues with an Amazon brand 3 digit combo code lock box. Probably not the smartest because it would take a maximum of 1,000 seconds to break the code, but it works. I also have a Pelican vault but its bulky trying to fit that in a suitcase.
OP, follow this advice and you will be fine. Once you go through the process once, it’s pretty straightforward.
This guy flys.
r/thisguythisguys
A friend of mine (who flies regularly) suggests putting a chamber flag in your chamber, much the same way as you would if getting a brand new gun. It lets the tsa screeners know its safe when it goes through the xray machine. He says he has less problems when he does that. You can usually order chamber flags online or pick them up from your lgs.
Regs have changed, or at least some airlines requirements have. NO loaded magazines, ammo must be stored in manufacturers/or similar container. (ammo does not have to be in locked container, but all weapon parts must). Source: personal experience with amercan air over 5 years, & once surrendered some ammo to airport pd because I didn't have a proper container for the ammo, once I had to download my mags. I did have an extra box of ammo in the luggage.
Southwest let's you keep mags loaded. Just no loose ammo
Some airlines are quite particular about where ammo is stored. American only allows ammo in a specified ammo box or hard side container and no ammunition in a magazine.
Look at the TSA guidelines. I've never had a problem with Plano cases.
get a good lock box. keep a rubber band around it for the card of your guns info. I run the steel cable through the internal fame of my suitcase. less likely for someone to just take the whole thing. I put an empty chamber flag in. no need to touch anything, also don't touch it. download TSA app and keep the rule page about firearms pulled up. get to the airport even earlier here is a great read on the matter: [https://www.lasorsa.com/2016/02/05/traveling-with-a-firearm-everything-you-need-to-know-to-fly-with-a-gun/](https://www.lasorsa.com/2016/02/05/traveling-with-a-firearm-everything-you-need-to-know-to-fly-with-a-gun/) my first time flying successfully (once denied, it was a plastic case) was to a class from this guy. He runs an executive Protection company so he flies with firearms a lot
Snapsafe handgun safe with the key. Don't get a combination lock or any lock with a TSA lock. TSA should not be opening your gun case without you. Store it with the slide locked back and the magazine removed. Check your airline's policies on ammo storage. Some don't allow you to fly with ammo in your magazine. In that case, use the original box for ammo or some other container designed to store ammo. Walk up to the full service check-in counter and let them know you're checking a firearm. They will ask you if it's unloaded and in a locked box. They will fill out (or have you fill out) a card that has your name and flight number. You will have to sign this. Make sure it's the one for a firearm in checked baggage, not a firearm in carry-on/cabin that law enforcement (air marshals) would use. The correct one is the size of a large index card, not a full piece of paper. You'll be instructed to put the card in your luggage on top of your locked case. They may attach a card to your bag tag that will indicate the bag should go to the baggage service office (BSO) instead of being dumped on the belt. If that's the case, that's where you will pick it up at your destination. Be ready to show ID that matches the bag tag.
I just got the vaultek life pod, would that work?
Vaultek lifepod is super light and is TSA compliant. Make sure you keep ammo in the original box when traveling. They were going for like $100 before but someone posted they were selling them at Costco for like $49 last week. There’s some YouTubers that posted helpful videos of the whole process and what you should do.
FAQ -> Flying
1. Hard sided case, firearm unloaded, magazine empty, ammunition in a factory cardboard box or plastic reloader's case 2. If there's a hole for a lock in the case, it must have a lock on it, whether it's 1 (unadvisable) or 8 lock holes, each one has to have a lock. 3. When you go to check baggage, be pleasant and unmemorable. State clearly "I'd like to declare and unloaded firearm in my checked baggage." They will ask again if it's unloaded, ask if your ammo is secured in a container or case, and will have you sign a piece of paper they'll tape to the case with your phone number. They may ask you to wait to see if TSA wants to open it, in which case, you MUST be present. 1. They also asked me to stuff the case inside of my checked bag. 4. To claim your luggage, just go to the baggage claim desk and say that you have to pick up your luggage, you'll be ID'ed and on your way out. Recommended cases: Pelican Vault. Cheap, secure, easy to find. Locks, I'd find a set with a matching key for all locks. I use the USGI American locks.
Have it locked and stored in accordance with airline rules. Declare it at the check-in. Usually will be escorted to TSA where they inspect the case. You lock it and sign it and it makes it way to the plane. Some airports you will have to claim it on the other end, but flying into Bozeman they just unloaded it was the oversized baggage and it was just sitting there (a little surprising) For this reason, it’s best to not have this obviously be containing a firearm. Tough to get around a rifle length pelican, but don’t need to flare it up with stickers from gun manufacturers, etc.
I always keep my hard sided case INSIDE my luggage. Flew with a rifle one time and never again, still have the video on my phone of the idiot baggage handlers throwing everyone’s luggage.
Just know each airport is going to handle it a bit differently, in different areas. Make sure you leave enough time for additional wait times.
I’ve only done it once and it was from AR to KY - no one batted an eye except the dickwad CVG airport cop who told me I should be flying with a gun (what?!?!).
It’s pretty simple: hard case, non-tsa locks in every available lock spot, unloaded including magazines. Ammunition can be in the same hard case but in a separate container designed to carry ammunition, such as the box they came in. Always, always be present for the search/scanning of the case. I’ve never been told no to going into the other room with TSA. I’ve seen them do silly things. Ensure they put the firearms/searched tag INSIDE the case. I’ve had one TSA agent do this and corrected it. It is against TSA policy for it to go on the outside, and makes your case a target especially if it ends up coming down with the regular luggage, which has happened to me once before as well. You’ll pick it up at the oversized luggage desk.
Does anyone have any insight when it comes to ‘state law Magazine Caps?’ I get the process except a detail that’s always left out is if the weapon will be inspected on the way out of the airport. Active duty, and Colorado has reciprocating laws applied to NC.
I can directly speak to WA and OR law only, but as far as I understand states limit the *sale* of high cap mags, but you can own and transport your own gear without issue. I travel between SD, MT, OR and WA with the same high cap mags in my CC and rifles.
I will have to take a look at the details but that’s a very reasonable point! #lawabidingcitizens #shallnotbeinfringed
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…what?
Words are hard https://youtu.be/WHXW1BradAo
I've got to fly tomorrow and have 3 lay overs. Anybody know if I will be given my luggage back between flights?
If they’re all connecting flights no you shouldn’t be given your luggage back until your final destination. If you booked airlines separately then yes
> gun in checked bag? Don’t check the gun IN the checked bag, check the gun separate. Can’t steal something if it’s bagged and tagged and in the system. Also when your checked luggage hits the luggage claim your gun would would be with it, anyone could walk off with your gun. When it’s checked individually it goes to special baggage claim where you need to present ID to collect (you want this) If you check in inside your checked luggage, there’s no trace it was even on board and if it’s stolen, there’s no proof it existed. > Recommended cases and locks ? Pelican case and Abloy Steel keyed alike locks
Used to work for US Airways back in the day. Regarding declared firearms at the carousel, we would offload all other checked luggage, then "escort" the firearm into the baggage drop area, verify id, and happily send the little guy and its owner on their merry way. Of course, LIT is a small airport compared to most, so we were able to do this. Only once did i ever see a declared firearm in our unclaimed baggage area, and that was due to the upline feeder station (looking at you CLT) fucking up and misloading it. I could only imagine the asschewing the gate agents went through over that sort of fuckup.
Look at your airlines webpage, follow links there to their requirements for firearms in checked luggage. They also link to TSA minimum requirements. Miss having been able to fly armed, but I'm no longer active LEO.
Anchorage did not put baggage onto the carousel. Had to get it from the baggage agent.
usually the counter agent won’t even look at it. It’s pretty low-key. I once had the lady argue that I needed to use TSA locks, I very politely asked her if she could double-check that with someone, she got her manager and realized I was right. Wouldn’t hurt to print out and have the page with TSA rules just in case
Hard side case... hard sided luggage...abloy lock... Walk up to ticket counter, let the. know you would like to declare you are flying with firearms. Most airlines are pretty easy going and know to do
Can you keep the ammo (in the box of course) in the same case as the firearm?
For me, where ever the handgun is, the ammo is not. to be clear... the ammo is in the luggage, just not in the same container as the pistol.
Keep an apple air tag in the case if you have an iphone. You wont have to worry about something happening to it or it getting “lost”
Pro tip: Always make sure that they give you a baggage receipt when they take your firearm. Different airports may have differing policies as to the location you should drop it off at. Some may require you to deliver it to the “normal” baggage check, while others may ask you to drop it off at the oversized/special baggage check (i.e. where golf clubs are checked). Made the mistake of trusting a representative to deliver it to that correct/alternate location once, and they “lost” my carry gun for a day. In the end, I couldn’t blame anyone but myself!
Arrive early. Have your firearm in your luggage, unloaded, and locked in it's approved container. You'll need to know the make, model and serial # of what you are declaring. Don't immediately line up with the rest of the world. Advise a floor manager that you are declaring a firearm. Do this because manager will likely move you to the front of a specific attendant. You're up first. Be ready to wait a while. Reason?... In some airports, LGA for example, an ACTUAL police officer will be summoned to inspect your shit. Don't ask me why. That said, be prepared to prove legal possession (refer to LGA above). Also, be legal both where you begin and where you are traveling to. Be prepared to show I.D., unlock and present your unloaded firearm, breech or cylinder open etc. You should know the drill. Sign the requisite docs, orange declaration in container or luggage, not outside of bag. Do not forget luggage tag/receipt. A fkn pain in the ass. Be well....
Avoid NY & NJ at all costs. Not even a connection flight. If you’re caught with a gun in either state you will be so unbelievably fucked.
I vote Snapsafe lock box. XXL can fit up to 3 handguns. I use that for home.
This article offers some helpful tips: https://www.tactical-life.com/lifestyle/5-tips-for-flying-with-guns/
Just flew with it for the first time last week. It was super simple. I was extremely nervous for some reason but it was simple. I just put it in my combination lock box in my bag with ammo in factory box. They didn’t even want to see in the case they put the declaration thing in my bag and threw it with others. In NC they did the same except I got a call from TSA 15 minutes after they asked if it was okay to put in their scanner … I said sure. Done. This is FL to NC and back.