Flying and taking firearms

[PHPistols]

I'm looking at the prospect of flying and taking my pistol(s) where I go when I fly.

There are two options: mail to self or hard case (check bag (hard case) for flight).

As to hard cases what cases do you suggest. I heard SKGCases are good, any particular manufacturer and model? Specifics with links is best. If any experience in durability, please state. Thanks.

 

[Moonman]

PHPistols,

You CANNOT USE THE MAIL for handguns unless you are a FFL dealer.

Handguns need to shipped OVERNIGHT AIR (EXPENSIVE) by UPS or FedX, not actually the law,

CORPORATE EDICT, probably to help reduce THEFT.

GunCruzer makes nice cases, they are Upgraded Pelican Cases.

Pelican makes good cases.

Check Federal Regulations and EACH INDIVIDUAL airline because airlines have some differences in procedures.

Use the Search feature here, many members fly with firearms.

Have a good flight.

 

[PHPistols]

I thought it was possible to mail something by private carrier (UPS, FedEx) to yourself in another place (e.g. hotel or what have you)? How expensive?

 

[arjay]

Overnighting a handgun runs about $80

 

[PHPistols]

Yikes. That's a lot.

 

[Doug M.]

Pull up the TSA rules and the regs of the airline you will be using. Print and carry them in your carry on in case someone gets dumb. Make sure you are compliant with both. It's not all that hard if you research and plan. In fact, it is just about the easier part of flying, which I generally hate with passion that burns like a million suns.

General answer: Get a decent hard case with a couple of good padlocks, lock the pistol in it with the mags empty and out. Put that in your locked suitcase. When I get to the check in line, I say something amorphous such as "I have something that will need to be inspected ...". I do not say anything that sounds like "I have a gun." It is indiscrete and will cause others to be aware of you, and the ticket folks may have an odd reaction to that specific phrase; the amorphous one will alert them without causing them to bunch up their Huggies.

Of course, make sure you know what your legal issues will be at your ending point, and maybe at any intervening point if you got held over. In some states you will be good to go to carry if you have either the appropriate collection of non-resident carry licenses (if you don't have at least Utah you need to slap yourself; I have that, Florida, and several more) and/or reciprocity. Some states like California, Illinois, NY/NJ you are going to be SOL and you probably need to reconsider going to them unless you are covered by 18USC 926(b) or (c).

 

[RevTracy]

Moonman is correct...mailing weapons can only be done through a FFL dealer. As for taking them with you on the plane, that is not difficult at all.

You will need a lockable gun case, such as a GunVault 100 or 100. Place your unloaded weapon in the case, along with the ammo in the original box (or plastic ammo box), and lock the case. What I do is loop the locking cable around the frame inside the suitcase. Make certain you use a TSA approved lock on the outside.

Check ahead of time with your particular airline for their requirements. Usually all you have to do is go to the counter for check-in and inform the agent you have a weapon in your checked bag. You will fill out a declaration and depending on the airline you will tape it to the outside of the gun case or place it inside the case and lock it again. When you take your bag to the TSA luggage screening agent inform him/her and follow their instructions.

I've traveled with my weapon on two occasions with no problem. In fact, I plan to fly on a business trip in April, so I'll be doing this again. The key is knowing the airline's rules. I recommend going to the airline's website and print out their requirements and take it with you to the airport. Good luck!

 

[spacedye70]

I used the case that my M&P came in with a padlock on it and put it in a hard shell suitcase. The suitcase did not have a lock. I told the attendant at check in that I had a weapon in the suitcase, filled out a form, took it to the TSA agent for inspection. Pretty simple. Of course, remember to have it unloaded with the magazine out. I believe the ammo has to be in full manufacturer's boxes.

 

[PHPistols]

I have heard a few different things from people who have travelled. 1) Ammo in a separate case altogether. 2) It was okay for ammo to be in the mags (maybe that is if it is in a different case). These people had flown this way previously.

 

[crofoot629]

I've flown with a handgun several times.
Good locking case as suggested, with TSA locks.
Just declare your firearm at check in.
It's easy.

I've always flown with a 10 round Glock 26.
(You know why you fly with a Glock? Because if they lose it you don't care. Yuk, yuk, yuk).
I put my two loaded mags in a secure snapping duty magazine pouch right in with my unloaded gun. Last time I flew, which was less than a year ago, that procedure followed FAA firearms rules.

However the small Airline I use to get in and out of Medford only allows one firearm. You mentioned gun(s).

The last 3 times I've flown with a handgun it's been to Maui.
Hawaii presents obstacles. 10 round mag, register your firearm with the local police to name two. Even though I'm an honorably retired LEO and HR218 Qualed, I still have to follow Hawaii rules. Now I suppose if I were going to New York I'd be limited to 7 round mags.

And I too always have both the airlines and FAA printed rules with me.

Emory

 

[GerSan69]

My assignment is at an airport and I work most shifts as the LEO at screening.
"Declare" your firearm however you feel comfortable about disclosing it, but make sure the agent understands what you're telling them! We've had cases where the customer was ambiguous enough about a firearm that the tagging procedure wasn't done, and the customer got blamed for it. Some airlines have you put the tag inside the gun case, some tape it to the outside, and some will just have you put it in the suitcase loose. Don't let them tell you to put it on the outside of the suitcase, though.

Use a Gun Vault or equivalent. Most gun thefts from luggage are a crime of opportunity and the metal case with cable, locked to the interior frame of your luggage, is about as foolproof as it gets. Keep your key out when you check in because they'll have you open the gun case at the ticket counter. Wheeled suitcases with the metal extending handle usually have a portion of that handle mechanism inside the bag somewhere... good anchor point.

NEVER leave ammo in the gun or even in a magazine. Use the original box or one of those plastic ammo boxes. NEVER leave a loaded mag in a gun with the chamber empty. To TSA, that's a loaded weapon.
If you have an ammo box that will fit inside your gun case, it's OK to put it in there. Otherwise, you can pack the box loose in the suitcase. I suggest taping it shut so the bullets have no chance of coming out.

Oh, an important point: Do not pack ANY firearm part in your carry-on luggage, no matter what anyone tells you! At the least, you'll be heading back to the ticket counter to add a bag to your check-ins; at worst, you'll give up the part to be destroyed. For example, I had a case recently where a guy told me that he was advised "by the airline" to put the bolt from his rifle in his carry-on, because the "parts had to be separate." Wrong!

Do it this way and you won't go wrong. I've been doing this assignment for 15 years and these tips are all proven.