Flying with Firearms

[MT dreaming]

This is my first time flying with my rifle. I recently purchased an airline approved hardcase. Am I required to lock the case with TSA approved locks or can I leave the case unlocked. I have seen conflicting information. Also do I have to separate the ammo in another duffle bag/pack or does it need to go in the case with my rifle. Thanks for any ideas or suggestions.

 

[newguy220]

You will want to lock the case. Last I knew you had to have your ammo separate from the firearm. The other thing I remember is if they want to check anything with your luggage, you have to be present.

newguy220

 

[vince]

Flying with firearms, you can't use the curbside check in.
Just a tip I learned the hard way.

 

[buzz mc]

Long shank Masterlocks. Do not use TSA locks. You will have to open the case at check-in and they will inspect it there. The intent is that once checked in it cannot be accessed by anyone inside a secured area, therefore no TSA locks. I fly with a rifle occasionally and find it real easy to do once you do it once. Have a lock on every spot that holds one on the case.

You can now have either 7 or 11 pounds of ammo in ammo boxes in your gun case. Print your airlines policy on firearms and keep it with you. Sometimes the employees don't know their own policies and you have to show it to them.

 

[ssliger]

I'm flying out a week from tomorrow. From what I've researched and what my outfitter sent. The ammo has to be in your other bag. You should put a good lock for the gun case, they can only look thru it with you present.

 

[buzz mc]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

Link to TSA regs. You need to cross-reference them to your airline's policy

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Long shank Masterlocks. Do not use TSA locks. You will have to open the case at check-in and they will inspect it there. The intent is that once checked in it cannot be accessed by anyone inside a secured area, therefore no TSA locks. I fly with a rifle occasionally and find it real easy to do once you do it once. Have a lock on every spot that holds one on the case.

You can now have either 7 or 11 pounds of ammo in ammo boxes in your gun case. Print your airlines policy on firearms and keep it with you. Sometimes the employees don't know their own policies and you have to show it to them.

X2 lock with your own locks but be prepared for them to have a look inside. I've gone with no search with no problems and searched before still with no problems.

 

[sheephunter]

Keep a roll of duct tape in your carry on bag. After TSA does their thing put a wrap of duct tape around the case at all the latch points. Even on a good case I don't trust the piano style hinge to hold up under the treatment the airline might inflict on it; the tape is a little added strength to the case. In addition to whatever ID tags might go on the case, I got a set of stencils and spray painted my last name on my case.

 

[gonhunting247]

I've always traveled with bullets in one checked bag(declare them) and gun separate in a gun case. Last time I traveled, which was in 2012 to AK, they made me buy 2 TSA approved locks and take mine off(not sure if that was required). My mistake would be that I didn't have the printed rules, so I just did as told and everything went fine. They also told me I had to have at least 2 locks. I'm not sure why I was required to have the new locks, because once you sign the slip in the presence of the attendant and lock it, that should be sufficient. As stated, it all went well though!

 

[Team Kabob]

Print the regs from your airline. No TSA locks. Ammo in original box or reloading box. Declare and have fun. Also don't watch the baggage handlers take it off the plane, you will cringe when they bounce it off the concrete!

 

[Sawfish]

I have flown many times with firearms and no TSA locks, usually with ammunition in the case. Both are permitted by TSA regulations. TSA sets the rules, but certain airlines like to tweak them, which is why it is best to have a print out of both rules. However, TSA locks on gun cases are not permitted. Despite TSA's claim of a universal policy for firearms treatment, there are certain changes from airline to airline, and airport to airport. If it is against TSA regulations, show them the regs., and challenge any requirement that you change to TSA locks. Those locks are a joke in my opinion. I have had them left unlocked, broken, and lost by TSA agents.

Some other points to ponder. Ship your guns in a quality, heavy duty case, with a good integral locking system. My favorites are Americase, Ziegel, and Bear Track. Pelican also makes a good hard plastic gun case. If you want to travel incognito, put your guns in soft cases, and pack them in a golf bag hard case, using clothing as padding. You will still have to declare your guns. No matter what you use. At one time some of the airlines offered gun cases for rent.

The decision to pack ammunition in your duffel, or gun case is up to you, with the exception of certain airlines. Ask yourself what would happen, if your ammunition was lost. Can you find ammunition for your wildcat .338 Super Whiz Bang in South Texas, Namibia, or the Canadian bush? When traveling, it makes a lot of sense to carry firearms in standard chamberings. A few years back, I went on a handgun hunt in the Texas Hill Country. I brought one gun chambered for a wildcat, but also brought a Savage Striker in .308 Win., and an S & W 629 DL in .44 Magnum. I shipped my ammunition by Fed Ex to arrive before the hunt, but it never arrived. It was finally located at the Fed Ex terminal in San Antonio, and was picked up on the last day of the hunt. Because of the standard chamberings, I was able to scrounge a box each of .308 and .44 Magnum. The wildcat never made it out of the case.

For what it is worth, I have found United, Southwest, Air France, and Delta to be the most gun friendly, with American and BC Air being the least gun friendly. If traveling out of the country, be sure to get proof of ownership from U.S. Customs before you leave.

 

[hoshour]

I always put the ammo boxes in the gun case, also some other equipment like cleaning rods. Make sure you re-sight in your rifle after you land.

 

[OregonJim]

Print out the TSA specific REGS.

I haven't flown in a while but last time I did you did not have to use TSA locks.
Get the best lock you can get through the fittings on the case.
You have to open at check in but you don't have to provide combo or keys after that.
Mark the case clearly with contact information.
Double check all baggage tags and documents and it doesn't hurt to record serial numbers and photograph all firearms prior (insurance purposes). Check the policy on ammo. I think I packed it in a locked pelican case inside the same larger case.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

 

[Adam P]

When I flew my gun going to North Dakota, TSA in Virginia was fine with 2 regular locks on each end of my case. Going from North Dakota back the TSA in North Dakota had me lock it on both ends, then they attempted to pry it open and because they could open the case about 1/2" they made me get another lock which was a major chore/scramble in a 2 terminal airport in North Dakota at 4 am.

 

[az.mountain runner]

My experience has been everything changes from airport to airport and tsa to tsa no one has the same rule book, the last time I had my own locks on .the locks were thrown in the case and my stuff and went from point a to point b unlocked, so the last time I flew I used tsa locks and had no issues.