New (at least to me) airports...updated with correction...

[The Big D]

...and here are the ‘procedures’ for traveling with a gun in checked bag for both.

Flew to Chicago (ORD) via State College, PA, (SCE) Thursday. First time ever traveling from there. Will def do it again.

Advised the airline agent at the ticket counter I was traveling with a gun in my bag. She filled out the orange card, asked me to sign and place in the bag, and then directed me to TSA bag site just a few steps away. TSA agent was very nice and asked me to wait for a minute...no problems...on my way very soon thereafter. Literally five (5) minutes from drop off, to the agent, to TSA, through security, to the gate. Likely all time record for me.

Final destination was Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) near Cedar Rapids. Had built in extra time for my Chicago connection and did not book the first connecting flight. My bag apparently did; it was already at CID when I arrived. It was secured in a locked room. Cool.

Flying home today (now at ORD) and check in at CID was seamless. Advised agent I was traveling with a gun. No questions; he filled out the orange card, I signed, in the bag it went. Bag onto the conveyor. Done.

Cliff notes: Traveling with a gun in checked bag from State College, PA, and Eastern Iowa Airport via United Airlines is problem free and without an issue.

Be safe.

[ken158]

That is the way it is suppose to work but I have been in the same airport twice in a week and experienced totally different procedures.

[ISCS Yoda]

That is the way it is supposed to work. It is especially nice when the TSA check in is located close by the gate agent. When they are not you have to take a little bit of an accompanied walk. Still, it IS supposed to be that easy even when you factor in the extra walk at some large airports.

A little clarification will be good to have.

You wrote:

Advised gate agent I was traveling with a gun in my bag.

Tell us about the "bag". The rules require your handgun to be transported in a locked, hard sided case. The literal interpretation of that is what we normally call a "suitcase" or "luggage" that is SOLID and has locks. Alternatively, you can use a "case" designed for the purpose.

Examples:

https://www.ebags.com/hproduct/trave...8aAjcREALw_wcB

(c) eBags LLC USA 2018

https://www.americase.com/product/UL-507

(c) Americase 2018

Those two types of luggage are the classic types of suitcases used to transport handguns. The first is normal luggage that is hard sided and locks. The second is a handgun specific case that is hard sided and locks. I have used both.

However, and the reason I am asking, is that there is a third, alternative definition which has been approved that I think is a serious error but fits the statutory "definition" and that is this, or any variation of same:

Amazon.com : 10" #699 Black Pistol Case with Convoluted Foam : Hard Pistol Cases : Sports & Outdoors

 

Amazon.com : 10" #699 Black Pistol Case with Convoluted Foam : Hard Pistol Cases : Sports & Outdoors

(c) Amazon 2018

It has become somewhat routine for folks to take these small, hard sided, lockable handgun cases and place them inside soft sided "suitcases"/luggage. The airlines and TSA accept this as long as the little, hard case has a lock.

So, which way did you go?

[tlawler]

I did the same thing for the first time traveling from Tampa to Vegas and back a couple of months ago. Went without a hitch. Probably won’t always be like that. The only thing I questioned is that when I was back in Tampa, they put my case on the conveyor and no one was there to verify it was mine when I grabbed it. In Vegas, it went into a secure room and I had to show ID to pick it up. When I went to the baggage office in Tampa to let them know I was there to pick it up, the guy just told me to check the conveyer.

[The Big D]

Since TSA was created I have traveled frequently with a gun in my checked ‘bag.’

Without exception, this has been my protocol.

Gun is in a hard plastic Doskocil case secured with a TSA combo lock. Typically it has a trigger guard with a key lock and usually with handcuffs through the frame with the cylinder open. Most times it it a j-frame. Ammo is in an ‘original’ package.

That gun case has ALWAYS been in a hard sided suitcase...Samsonite...with TSA combo locks. Bags have had to be changed due to wear and tear.

Have traveled on hundreds of flights post 9/11. (Was crime fighting for lotsa those years.) Never a bag or contents lost or items stolen. On just one occasion a bag was delayed past my arrival. That was in Boise, ID, and it was delivered about 12 hours late. There was no explanation re: the cause of the delay.

Hope this is useful and responsive.

Be safe.

PS: I will post pix of my bag and the gun case/gun when I get home.

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

That is the way it is supposed to work. It is especially nice when the TSA check in is located close by the gate agent. When they are not you have to take a little bit of an accompanied walk. Still, it IS supposed to be that easy even when you factor in the extra walk at some large airports.

A little clarification will be good to have.

You wrote:



Tell us about the "bag". The rules require your handgun to be transported in a locked, hard sided case. The literal interpretation of that is what we normally call a "suitcase" or "luggage" that is SOLID and has locks. Alternatively, you can use a "case" designed for the purpose.

Examples:

Travelers Club Luggage Chicago 3PC Exp. Hardside Luggage Set - eBags.com

(c) eBags LLC USA 2018

Americase

(c) Americase 2018

Those two types of luggage are the classic types of suitcases used to transport handguns. The first is normal luggage that is hard sided and locks. The second is a handgun specific case that is hard sided and locks. I have used both.

However, and the reason I am asking, is that there is a third, alternative definition which has been approved that I think is a serious error but fits the statutory "definition" and that is this, or any variation of same:

Amazon.com : 10" #699 Black Pistol Case with Convoluted Foam : Hard Pistol Cases : Sports & Outdoors

(c) Amazon 2018

It has become somewhat routine for folks to take these small, hard sided, lockable handgun cases and place them inside soft sided "suitcases"/luggage. The airlines and TSA accept this as long as the little, hard case has a lock.

So, which way did you go?

[The Big D]

Per the request of ISCS Yoda, here are pix of the set up I use when traveling via commercial airlines with a gun in my checked bag.

The Doskocil case has been in use since immediately post-9/11. Ditto the cable lock and trigger lock. The ‘bag’ has been replaced a couple times due to wear and tear incurred in baggage handling. That said, no matter how many times the bags were handled ‘roughly’ the external locks have never been compromised.

Be safe.

[Chazman1946]

I have flew all around the U.S. taking an unloaded pistol with me in my check on luggage, always in a hard carrying case with a TSA lock on it.

Only problem I had was flying out of Phoenix (Sky-Harbor), checked in with the Counter clerk, filled out the tag, was escorted over to the TSA check site and the moron working there that day tried prying the box open instead of just asking me for the key or using his own TSA key.

He literally broke the box and had to have some other dude come up and put a second lock on the box (had two lock holes on it) just to keep it shut. When I got to my destination I had to pry open the box since the morons didn't have the combination to the lock they put on it.

Whenever I travel I intentionally try not to show my retired police I.D. to TSA, since most of these clowns are envious Police Wannabe's who couldn't pass the test to come on the job and are bitter and envious of those that did. One time the idiot at the X-Ray scan saw my retired I.D. and star coming through and flagged me, took me to one side and did everything short of a body cavity search on me. He then took my star and I.D. and said he had to check it for explosives, and I waited 15 minutes until he came back, almost missing my flight!

[squidsix]

I very frequently fly with a gun in my luggage and the ONE time I had a problem my FOUR padlocks were cut and all my ammo was gone from my suitcase. This was a Southwest Airlines flight back in 2003 or 2004. The airline gave me a check for $100 for new padlocks and ammo, along with a huge apology, chalking the event up to an errant jack wagon of an employee.
I have since traveled hundreds of times without incident. I do ALWAYS bring a laminated copy of the federal regs regarding air travel with firearms so that a TSA agent gets to read the laws when they give me grief (only happened in New Jersey and Mass).

[LoboGunLeather]

(Deep sigh): This is why I insist on flying by private charter. Of course, I can't afford to do that so I stay home a lot.

[Loyaljeeper]

When you approach the counter say that you have a firearm to declare. Resist the urge to say gun in the airport.

[Tom Kent]

Fly out of Bangor, Maine with a handgun, in a locked hard case. There will be a problem each and every time. I no longer fly in or out of Bangor.

[DADoser]

I've flown with handguns 3 times in my life (so far).

First time in 2010 - Evansville, IN to Phoenix, AZ. My father had passed - bringing 3 guns of his back to AZ. 3 separate locked hard cases - no issues.

Phoenix, AZ to St Louis - 2016? - bringing a revolver that belonged to my grandfather to my cousin for him to hand down to his son. No ammo. - No issues.

Sept 2018 - EDC w/ammo. Case I had only locked on one side (S&W blue plastic case - pic 1 and 2). Bad choice - as case cannot be pried open - even if the gun cannot be removed. Airline had an issue with it, but AA counter person and TSA had my back, altered the case and put an additional lock on it so it would get through. Bought the MTM case (pic 3 except with magazines unloaded) for the return trip - no issues.

As long as you follow the guidelines, my limited experience flying with firearms has been relatively easy and good. Each airline may have some slightly different rules - but look at their website, follow their guidelines, and one should be good.

Also have read that experiences can be very different depending on the individual one is dealing with at the check-in counter and/or TSA.

[DADoser]

....so I wanted a sturdy secure case I could fly with multiple handguns (insure getting thru TSA) when flying to TX to shoot with some family members who are just now getting into shooting/self-defense.

Did a lot of internet research to see what options are out there. Decided to look at Craigslist/OfferUp, etc to see if I could save any money.

Found a guy who had a Nanuk 923 (cubed foam) case for $50 -new with tags never used. (Cost is $182.13 on Amazon.) Finally got around to customizing the foam and setting it up recently. Original thought was to set it up for a G19, single stack EDC, and a Ruger SP101 3" .357. After giving it some thought - decided it was best for me to only drag one caliber across state lines - so thought "What are the basics I need to take?"

I set it up and cut the foam for the following: Glock 19; Sig P365; Walther PPS or Glock 43; 4 - Glock 19 magazines, 4 Walther PPS or Glock 43 magazines, 3 - 12 round Sig P365 magazines; Ear protection; 20 round box of self-defense/carry ammo. Room to add an additional single stack magazine later - but may be unnecessary. (Eye protection and holster can go is regular luggage.)

Case will travel within another piece of normal looking checked luggage.

Not too bad for $50 and a little thought/time -

[Chazman1946]

Originally Posted by DADoser

....so I wanted a sturdy secure case I could fly with multiple handguns (insure getting thru TSA) when flying to TX to shoot with some family members who are just now getting into shooting/self-defense.

Did a lot of internet research to see what options are out there. Decided to look at Craigslist/OfferUp, etc to see if I could save any money.

Found a guy who had a Nanuk 923 (cubed foam) case for $50 -new with tags never used. (Cost is $182.13 on Amazon.) Finally got around to customizing the foam and setting it up recently. Original thought was to set it up for a G19, single stack EDC, and a Ruger SP101 3" .357. After giving it some thought - decided it was best for me to only drag one caliber across state lines - so thought "What are the basics I need to take?"

I set it up and cut the foam for the following: Glock 19; Sig P365; Walther PPS or Glock 43; 4 - Glock 19 magazines, 4 Walther PPS or Glock 43 magazines, 3 - 12 round Sig P365 magazines; Ear protection; 20 round box of self-defense/carry ammo. Room to add an additional single stack magazine later - but may be unnecessary. (Eye protection and holster can go is regular luggage.)

Case will travel within another piece of checked luggage.

Not too bad for $50 and a little thought/time -

TSA let you in with the ammo in the same case as the weapon??

[ISCS Yoda]

TSA let you in with the ammo in the same case as the weapon??

Sure. I have done that quite a few times.

When you approach the counter say that you have a firearm to declare. Resist the urge to say gun in the airport.

Quite correct. Even better, politely and in your indoor voice tell the counter agent that you have an UNLOADED firearm to declare.

(Deep sigh): This is why I insist on flying by private charter. Of course, I can't afford to do that so I stay home a lot.

Very funny! Good plan, too, because the gates for private charters have metal detectors as far as I know. But maybe no TSA people checking luggage.

Big D's set up is the FINEST way to comply with the rules. Thanks for showing that! Even when I used a Doskocil gun case inside another hard case I didn't lock the Doskocil, just the external hard case. TSA was good with that.

I am going to dig up some pictures of hard cases that I have flown with without a significant problem.

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by Chazman1946

TSA let you in with the ammo in the same case as the weapon??

Yes. They also told me that it did not have to be in the same case as the firearm. Ammo was limited to 11 lbs. and had to be in original box or designed ammo container (not sure what that means) - American airlines said magazines cannot be loaded.

[ISCS Yoda]

I'll post some URLs - it's easier, and the pictures pop right up:

Rifle case like this the very first time I flew with firearms, a zillion years ago:

Gun Guard All Wthr 42" Tactical | Bear Mountain Inc

(c) Bear Mountain, Inc.

This steel two-gun pistol case is a tank; it takes serious padlocks, too! I loved it.

Gun Cases from Bear Country Containers - custom sizes, durable airline approved gun cases

(c) Bear Country Containers

This Americase is easy to travel with and even if you think it says "gun" it says it in a very low voice - never had a problem!

Americase

(c) Americase

I had this bright yellow Delsey suitcase, purchased in 1990, the kids called it my yellow submarine; it locked like the one shown does. I just tossed the guns inside the flimsy pocket in the case. No problem. Well, no problem when TSA saw it; I did have issues with a counter agent once who did not understand the rules. TSA disabused her of her problem.

I also had a small, blue Samsonite carry on sized case, probably a woman's make up case or for a child, and it had the VERY simple lock as shown on the picture of the blue case below. It looked just like that one except much smaller. That's the one I put the Doskocil case inside of but only locked that cheap, little case lock. I also filled it with Styrofoam (I think that's the name) like you see in professional gun cases and I tied a bungee cord around it to keep everything from rattling. It was so easy to use and it screamed "I AM JUST A KID'S JUNKY CASE".

All of these burned up in my fire so I'll have to replace one of them eventually.

As for receipt of the case at the terminal, I have ALWAYS received them on the conveyor just like regular luggage, never isolated,

I had to download these two photos to my computer; the website I found them on was eBay and I didn't want to upload the whole auction.

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by ken158

That is the way it is suppose to work but I have been in the same airport twice in a week and experienced totally different procedures.

Just go with the flow. I fly with guns all the time. Always remember you’re not in charge, and waving around a copy of the policy rarely works. Do what they say quickly and politely and be ready for change . . .

[fredj338]

I fly 4-5x a year with handguns. Every airport is diff, every airline is diff. So be flexible, just when you think you have it figured out, someone will change it. The non flexible items: pad locked hardcase, unloaded onbviously. Pack your ammo in suitable boxes, factory or MTM type are fine, I tape mine shut. Declare the gun always at check in, this means you have to go to the counter to get the declaration form & sign it. Be nice, it goes a long way when airline folks do not know the rules.

[CB3]

Clarification for those who have not done this before: You do NOT deal with a gate agent. You must declare your unloaded firearm at the check-in counter with your luggage containing the locked case with the firearm in it.

Many check-in agents are at least unfamiliar with firearms. They only need to verify visually the gun is unloaded and then put the declaration card in with the gun. If the gun is partially disassembled and non-functional, this is quicker and easier. Make sure you retain your luggage claim check.

The TSA will next X-ray your bag with the gun it. Most times they just pass it on; other times they will open all locks and inspect the actual firearm. It is their discretion.

The TSA must have access to your luggage (TSA accessible locks) but NOT your locked gun case, according to Reg’s. When you lock up your gun, no one else is supposed to be able to get access to it other than you.

I have a cable from my gun case attached to the inside of my suitcase. This would make it harder to steal.

If you have key pad locks on the gun case, you can lend the key to the TSA temporarily. If you have a combination lock, which is legal, they could retain the combination if you give it to them, so you should open the case since you cannot give them the combo. Common sense. The Reg’s provide for this. You can use TSA locks according to the Reg’s, but then that would give them unfettered access to your gun, which is exactly the opposite of their intended protection for you.

There is to be no external marking on your luggage that it contains a gun. That would be a “Steal Me!” sign. Don’t allow it! This is why after the TSA clears your luggage it travels with all regular luggage, including arriving with all other baggage at baggage claim. It won’t be xrayed again as long as it stays in secure areas.

Make sure your suitcase does not look like someone else’s so they don’t grab your’s thinking it’s their’s. Use stickers, or a piece of yarn on the handle, etc. Get to the baggage claim as fast as you can, and if your suitcase doesn’t show up, raise hell right away with your claim check.

The bathrooms in the luggage claim area are outside of the secured area. You can gun up there before traveling off the airport.

EXCEPT if you are in a jurisdiction with anti-gun laws. Check before you go.

Fly the friendly skies.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

[The Big D]

CB3 is, of course, correct in clarifying with whom you deal when declaring a firearm in your checked bag. Brain fade on my part in the OP; it has been corrected.

Also, TSA locks CAN be used on the gun case. The most recent reg update clarified that TSA locks are okay to use. In fact, I have been using them with nary an issue since the regs were initially published in 2001 or thereabouts.

Please note that airport procedures do vary. e.g. in some airports you personally transport your bag to the TSA inspection area. In other airports, the bag goes on a conveyor directly from the point you declare it. In that circumstance, some airlines will ask you to stand by for a time before proceeding to the TSA passenger checkpoint.

As some of you have noted, just be patient and go with the flow.

Be safe.

Originally Posted by CB3

Clarification for those who have not done this before: You do NOT deal with a gate agent. You must declare your unloaded firearm at the check-in counter with your luggage containing the locked case with the firearm in it.

Many check-in agents are at least unfamiliar with firearms. They only need to verify visually the gun is unloaded and then put the declaration card in with the gun. If the gun is partially disassembled and non-functional, this is quicker and easier. Make sure you retain your luggage claim check.

The TSA will next X-ray your bag with the gun it. Most times they just pass it on; other times they will open all locks and inspect the actual firearm. It is their discretion.

The TSA must have access to your luggage (TSA accessible locks) but NOT your locked gun case, according to Reg’s. When you lock up your gun, no one else is supposed to be able to get access to it other than you.

I have a cable from my gun case attached to the inside of my suitcase. This would make it harder to steal.

If you have key pad locks on the gun case, you can lend the key to the TSA temporarily. If you have a combination lock, which is legal, they could retain the combination if you give it to them, so you should open the case since you cannot give them the combo. Common sense. The Reg’s provide for this. You can use TSA locks according to the Reg’s, but then that would give them unfettered access to your gun, which is exactly the opposite of their intended protection for you.

There is to be no external marking on your luggage that it contains a gun. That would be a “Steal Me!” sign. Don’t allow it! This is why after the TSA clears your luggage it travels with all regular luggage, including arriving with all other baggage at baggage claim. It won’t be xrayed again as long as it stays in secure areas.

Make sure your suitcase does not look like someone else’s so they don’t grab your’s thinking it’s their’s. Use stickers, or a piece of yarn on the handle, etc. Get to the baggage claim as fast as you can, and if your suitcase doesn’t show up, raise hell right away with your claim check.

The bathrooms in the luggage claim area are outside of the secured area. You can gun up there before traveling off the airport.

EXCEPT if you are in a jurisdiction with anti-gun laws. Check before you go.

Fly the friendly skies.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration