“New” airport procedures for travel with a gun in checked bag.

[The Big D]

Last week I flew on American Airlines (AA) from Reagan National (DCA) to Palm Beach International (PBI.) Had flown that route multiple times. This time procedures changed…both ways.

At DCA I was redirected from the usual bag check in location upstairs to the main level AA ticket counter and then directed to AA “Special Services” counter. There a very efficient agent completed the required form, I signed it, and WE walked with my bag to the baggage screening area nearby. I was told to wait til my bag was screened and given the okay to depart. No issues; took only a few minutes extra.

At PBI my bag was not on the carousel. My companions’ bags were. Waited a few minutes and headed to the AA baggage service office. There was my bag; agent asked for claim ticket and ID and off I went.

Day before return I tried to check in online as usual. Nope. Received notification I would have to check-in at PBI ticket counter because I had flown with a firearm. Did so and agent completed the form, I signed, and bag was placed on conveyor. Was told to step away and would receive notice when I was cleared to go. About 5 minutes later she told me I could leave. Easy!

At DCA my bag was in the AA office adjacent to the carousels. It was there before my companions’ bags were delivered. Presented ID. All good!

Note: TSA locks on my suitcase and gun case inside. To my knowledge neither was opened.

Have Clear and Pre. Clear is now via photo. Very much more efficient than past use of iris scanner and/or fingerprint.

Zero issues through TSA checkpoints.

All in all a POSITIVE experience.

Be safe.

PS: This post applies to AA travel at DCA and PBI, ONLY. As has been the case for many years, individual carrier and/or airport procedures vary.

 

[Norton 750]

I have flown many, many times with firearms in my previous job. Now that I am retired, I have vowed never to fly commercial again! I will only spend my tourist dollars in States that honor my Missouri CCW and will drive a day out of my way to avoid the States that don't. Hey, it is only time...and now I have all the time I need!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Except for this:

Day before return I tried to check in online as usual. Nope. Received notification I would have to check-in at PBI ticket counter because I had flown with a firearm.

I have experienced the described procedures at various airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Love Field in Dallas, Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Perhaps others that I cannot think of offhand. Flying with a firearm, especially handguns, since the passage of FOPA has always been easy and, please note, I have not flown with a handgun or a rifle for quite a few years. The sole difference in my experience was being asked to check-in at a specific counter. That I have not experienced. Once, though, I experienced the opposie - for some reason the Fort Lauderdale airport was checking luggage at a different location and they took my suitcase over my objection - "Don't worry about it". I'll never forget that incident! Decades ago, BTW.

 

[Claymore33]

I have checked guns on flights to and from lLOVE FIELD , DFW, DCA, and many more, Never a problem, never a delay.

 

[sceva]

I have flown to Florida from Ohio and back years (1980's) ago then more recently (post 9-11) from Chicago to Ohio ( Dayton and Cincinnati (actually KY) with no problems. I always politely informed one of the airline workers directing people and asked where to go and it was easy peasy. I will say thet the first thing I do after collecting the luggage is check it.

 

[usmcsgt]

Yep had the same experience picking up my checked gun on DFW-DCA flights on American. I used to fly this every month for work.

I was checking in for a flight from DWF one time on American, the nice lady asked me to open my suit case and the gun case so she could see the pistol and put the tag inside. I discreetly cracked the suit case open on the scale so the folks in line behind me could not see the pistol- well the gate agent says wow what kind of front sign is that- grabs the gun out of the case and looked at the front sight LOL- I’m sure the 6 people from California in line behind me fainted dead away. (It was a Xs Big dot sight)

 

[Neumann]

Florida destinations tightened up about 10 years ago, due to a shooting incident where the assailant retrieved his firearm from checked baggage. My luggage never reached the carousel, but were delivered to the luggage office. I had to ask before I found out that it was being held.

Once, on a return to Milwaukee, my luggage was missing. My Air Tag said it was in Seattle. The airline agent said they would investigate. I responded that there was a firearm inside, and I would need to report any loss to the FBI. 'Nuff said! My doorbell range at 7:30am the next morning, and a courier handed my suitcase to me.

Dozens of other times, there was no incident at either end.