Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) trip

[Rocketmedic40]

Going for a weekend next month from Texas to Philadelphia; will be flying. I saw PA has reciprocity with TX for resident CCW over 21; no issues there, but how is the logistics of flying in and out of PHI with a handgun (revolver most likely).

Another wrinkle: the flight back is through Chicago Midway. Only a 90-minute layover, but is it worth bringing a pistol to CCW? Itinerary is primarily daylight in tourist areas and probably Gettysburg; not looking for the 'hood.

Your thoughts?

 

[imashooter2]

Philly is turning into a hole, just like most large cities. I won't go into town without a gun. Much of the tourist area downtown is Federal Parkland. Many of the buildings Federal as well. Be aware of what buildings you go into.

18 U.S. Code § 930 - Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities

www.law.cornell.edu

I can't speak intelligently about the Chicago layover.

 

[80sSmithGuy722]

I would not be in ANY major city right now (post-2020 really) without a concealed carry. As a former travel agent, I highly recommend contacting your airline beforehand to double-check their particular rules (avoid surprises at the airport!) Here is AA as an example: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/firearms-and-ammunition.jsp#:~:text=and ticket changes-,Requirements,traveling with firearms and ammunition
In general, your firearm must be unloaded and, in a TSA approved, locked case. Ammo should be in a separate similarly approved and locked case. Your firearm will stay with your other checked baggage until you reach your destination (it will just briefly see the light of day in gun-free Chi-town as the baggage handler stows it in the next cargo hold). Then, you will most likely need to claim your "special baggage" at the customer service or "lost luggage" counter. It is a process and a bit of a pain, but if you have reciprocity then better to have it and not need it... In Philly unless you have to go into a secure area with metal detectors, carry wherever you legally can and/or just abide by the adage: "better to be judged by 12, than carried by 6!" Other than all that, enjoy some history and cheesesteaks!
P.s. If you are going with other adults, carry in a fanny pack. When you get to a secure area like Independence Hall where there will likely be metal detectors, take turns doing the tour/ being keeper of the CCW. As long as you just look as touristy as possible, no one will think anything of it.

 

[Jim PHL]

Where are you going when you come here? I've flown in and out of philly with a gun (pre-9/11). It's no more or less hassle than any other airport. I'd be more concerned with the lay over in Chicago on your return. Weighing your "need" to go through all that based on your itinerary.

 

[Cphobes]

During a trip two years ago, realized that you can go from decent area to hood in a matter of one or two blocks.

Always carry, watch for metal detectors as someone already mentioned.

I got my PA non-resident license, very easy to do.

 

[walkin' trails]

If it's just a lay-over in Chicago and the airline in in possession of your luggage, I don't see a problem. A buddy flew to Chicago a while back with a handgun in his luggage. He didn't spend the trip in an Illinois jail. Granted, he has LEOSA privileges, but still had to comply with the 10-round mag restrictions. But if Chicago is not your destination and you don't have physical possession, then I don't see a problem. Can't say what Chicago might think, however. Nevertheless, read up on 18USC926A, TSA, and airline requirements regarding carriage of handguns in check baggage. Or maybe as an attorney ahead of travel.

 

[zeke]

Going for a weekend next month from Texas to Philadelphia; will be flying. I saw PA has reciprocity with TX for resident CCW over 21; no issues there, but how is the logistics of flying in and out of PHI with a handgun (revolver most likely).

Another wrinkle: the flight back is through Chicago Midway. Only a 90-minute layover, but is it worth bringing a pistol to CCW? Itinerary is primarily daylight in tourist areas and probably Gettysburg; not looking for the 'hood.

Your thoughts?

Would be careful in Philly. It apparently has stricter provisions, including licensing and prohibited areas. While these may be in flux, it may indicate the local attitudes toward cc and self defense

 

[Neumann]

If it's just a lay-over in Chicago and the airline in in possession of your luggage, I don't see a problem. A buddy flew to Chicago a while back with a handgun in his luggage. He didn't spend the trip in an Illinois jail. Granted, he has LEOSA privileges, but still had to comply with the 10-round mag restrictions. But if Chicago is not your destination and you don't have physical possession, then I don't see a problem. Can't say what Chicago might think, however. Nevertheless, read up on 18USC926A, TSA, and airline requirements regarding carriage of handguns in check baggage. Or maybe as an attorney ahead of travel.

Illinois does not have any reciprocity. If you are licensed out of state, you can carry in a personal vehicle, but not outside of the vehicle. Magazine limits are 15 (state), 12 (Chicago) and 10 (Cook County). Unloaded and encased (totally enclosed), you're good to go.

Expect to be taxed on any oxygen you breath

 

[paplinker]

During the day you will be fine if in tourist areas of the city. At night situational awareness is recommended.

Your going to love Gettysburg. Bring drinks and some sandwiches in a cooler. Many places to pull over and enjoy a picnic.

Also keep in mind many of Phillys historic attractions are closed on Monday and some require you book a time online in advance to be able to tour. Try the zoo on a weekday if possible.

 

[heeter3]

Rocketmedic40 I believe that if you have it and dont need it is infinitely better than needing it and not having it.Now jurisdictional B.S.may unfortunately negatively influence my thought.

 

[The Big D]

I would not be in ANY major city right now (post-2020 really) without a concealed carry. As a former travel agent, I highly recommend contacting your airline beforehand to double-check their particular rules (avoid surprises at the airport!) Here is AA as an example: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/firearms-and-ammunition.jsp#:~:text=and ticket changes-,Requirements,traveling with firearms and ammunition
In general, your firearm must be unloaded and, in a TSA approved, locked case. Ammo should be in a separate similarly approved and locked case. Your firearm will stay with your other checked baggage until you reach your destination (it will just briefly see the light of day in gun-free Chi-town as the baggage handler stows it in the next cargo hold). Then, you will most likely need to claim your "special baggage" at the customer service or "lost luggage" counter. It is a process and a bit of a pain, but if you have reciprocity then better to have it and not need it... In Philly unless you have to go into a secure area with metal detectors, carry wherever you legally can and/or just abide by the adage: "better to be judged by 12, than carried by 6!" Other than all that, enjoy some history and cheesesteaks!
P.s. If you are going with other adults, carry in a fanny pack. When you get to a secure area like Independence Hall where there will likely be metal detectors, take turns doing the tour/ being keeper of the CCW. As long as you just look as touristy as possible, no one will think anything of it.

Ammunition does NOT have to be in a separate locked case.

Be safe.

 

['79 Magnum GT]

Going for a weekend next month from Texas to Philadelphia; will be flying. I saw PA has reciprocity with TX for resident CCW over 21; no issues there, but how is the logistics of flying in and out of PHI with a handgun (revolver most likely).

Another wrinkle: the flight back is through Chicago Midway. Only a 90-minute layover, but is it worth bringing a pistol to CCW? Itinerary is primarily daylight in tourist areas and probably Gettysburg; not looking for the 'hood.

Your thoughts?

Hope you have a nice trip!


Rick

 

[Rocketmedic40]

Sounds like I need to pick up a little J-frame size Pelican case.

 

[WR Moore]

12 or so years ago was shooting in a TPC match and a cop from Texas was trying to find a (any) factory ammunition box so he could fly his unused ammo home. I gave him one. You might want to be sure what type of ammo container is acceptable to the carrier. IIRC, the ammo must be separate from the firearm, but I'm not sure of that.

Philly has been known as Killadelphia for decades. Once out of the secure area, I'd find a rest room and load up. There's an ancient Viking saying about you shouldn't get too far away from your spear, you never know when you're going to need it. Probably sounds very impressive in archaic Norse.

 

[David Sinko]

Over the years I have flown with handguns out of Newark International Airport, NJ, Lehigh Valley International Airport, PA and I think Philadelphia International Airport. The only time I ever had any drama was at LVIA where a female told me I needed to have a magic TSA lock on the case. That's not true and somebody eventually set her straight. Newark was surprisingly the most straightforward and trouble free. Back in those days they put a large fluorescent orange tag on the luggage that screamed "GUN INSIDE!" to everybody who looked in its direction. I have heard that they don't do that anymore but I'm not sure. Nowadays I hate traveling. Recently my family was given a tour of Philadelphia by a young guy who started his police career at Philadelphia P.D. He said that if you're unlucky enough to get shot the responding patrol officers will just scoop you up, throw you in the back of the patrol car and take you to the nearest hospital without waiting for an ambulance. They call it the "Philly shuffle" or something like that and are well practiced. I remember driving through a part of Philadelphia years ago and numerous city blocks looked like they had been firebombed. It's hard to believe a city in this country can look like that.

 

[Thirsty Traveler]

Going for a weekend next month from Texas to Philadelphia; will be flying. I saw PA has reciprocity with TX for resident CCW over 21; no issues there, but how is the logistics of flying in and out of PHI with a handgun (revolver most likely).

Another wrinkle: the flight back is through Chicago Midway. Only a 90-minute layover, but is it worth bringing a pistol to CCW? Itinerary is primarily daylight in tourist areas and probably Gettysburg; not looking for the 'hood.

Your thoughts?

Funny story about PA reciprocity, I'm a florida resident, I've owned a home in PA for 15 years. I was at the range in pa talking to another shooter, who happened to be a retired police officer. ( as I am a former P.O. with only 8 yrs of service), I told him I was from Florida. He asked me if I had a PA CCW permit I told him I don't need one because there's reciprocity between Florida and PA. He said no you still need one. So I called the PA license division and asked, they weren't even sure! Meanwhile, I clearly see on my CCW app that there is reciprocity. PA's license division told me to come down and they give me a CCW for $20. So I figured for $20 and the eagerness of the license division to quickly give me a permit I had nothing to lose. So I went down and picked up my PA CCW permit. Took me about 15 minutes! Now I have two CCW permits!

PS. On my way into the PA license division office I asked the deputy doing the security screening, the same question and he wasn't even sure!

 

[Doug M.]

I am glad that since I have had my kidney transplant, airlines are a hard "no" for me. The smart answer is to search for and print the federal rules and airlines rules, and use them as your bible.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

Got the case, a robust pelican-type hard lockable plastic one, and two good Masterlocks (non-TSA locks, with 2 keys). Wife is bringing her Bersa .380; I'm thinking either my Beretta 84 or a revolver (J or K?)

I got a genuine (and pricy) Beretta holster for IWB carry and it fits extremely well; the Cheetah is comfy. Only thing that gives me pause on it is the chance of it getting lost in transit; the 442 is easily replaced if stolen. Could also take a Bersa Thunder; the Bersa shares mags with my wife's but I'd need a second holster for it.

Decisions, decisions…