Take empty holster onto airplane?

[wrangler5]

Will be flying to visit grandkids and plan to take a 442 and ammo in checked luggage - I have a CCW permit for the destination, so why not? The flight is on Southwest - I've checked guns with them before with no hassles, so don't expect any this time.

But I'm wondering if anyone has experience taking a holster and (empty) ammo pouch onto the plane, either on the belt or in carry on luggage? I wouldn't think this would be a problem, but I ask because I was refused admittance to the Bush Presidential Library in Dallas as I went through the very TSA-like screening line with an empty holster on my belt. The (again, TSA-like) signs with the list of no-nos said nothing about holsters, but the guy at the door with the gun said I wasn't getting in with the holster.

I don't see anything about holsters on the TSA or Southwest web sites, but I sort of assume TSA guys can do the same thing as the library guard did - "it may not be on the list, but I'll make sure you miss your flight if you want to make an issue out of it."

I know I can just put the holster and ammo pouch in checked luggage, along with the gun, but the holster in particular would take a while to replace if it gets "lost", so I'd rather keep it with me if it's allowed.

So - anybody have any experience with this detail?

 

[arjay]

I would guess the easiest way to get through security is to not bring attention to yourself

 

[Doug M.]

While a quality holster is not an option, I can't see the value of taking the holster in carry-on as worth the almost certain hassle of increased scrutiny. That's putting aside that the chemical sniffers and wipes they use will react to the holster and ammo pouch.

As arjay said - being gray and unremarkable is important, and often the most important thing you can do for yourself in almost all circumstances.

 

[NYlakesider]

Will be flying to visit grandkids and plan to take a 442 and ammo in checked luggage - I have a CCW permit for the destination, so why not? The flight is on Southwest - I've checked guns with them before with no hassles, so don't expect any this time.

But I'm wondering if anyone has experience taking a holster and (empty) ammo pouch onto the plane, either on the belt or in carry on luggage? I wouldn't think this would be a problem, but I ask because I was refused admittance to the Bush Presidential Library in Dallas as I went through the very TSA-like screening line with an empty holster on my belt. The (again, TSA-like) signs with the list of no-nos said nothing about holsters, but the guy at the door with the gun said I wasn't getting in with the holster.

I don't see anything about holsters on the TSA or Southwest web sites, but I sort of assume TSA guys can do the same thing as the library guard did - "it may not be on the list, but I'll make sure you miss your flight if you want to make an issue out of it."

I know I can just put the holster and ammo pouch in checked luggage, along with the gun, but the holster in particular would take a while to replace if it gets "lost", so I'd rather keep it with me if it's allowed.

So - anybody have any experience with this detail?

I think a lot depends on who the screener you get and quite possibly that persons boss.

My wife picked up a new holster down south a couple years ago and put it in her carry on. Something else in there alerted the screener to check out and the holster also got taken out of her bag. The screener smiled said no gun RIGHT and put it back in. The holster was in its plastic bag that it hung in at the gun shop! That was real early in the day and not too much going on in that airport so all was easy going.

 

[4011]

My snubbyfan weak side cross draw went right thru at Delta Atlanta. No gun no ammo. In the suit case. I'd see no reason to wear an empty holster. Like wearing your uniform out and no Sam Browm.

 

[df06]

I forgot I had a rifle magazine in my carry on. An AR15 mag that was still in the original sealed wrapper.
I got invited into a special back room and was asked a lot of questions. And they kept the mag.
They said something like “gun part” can not be taken on the plane.
I would not try a holster.

 

[Simson-Suhl]

I cannot remember the time frame, probably years ago, the TSA confiscated an NRA Charleston Heston Silver Bullet from a passenger. This is a solid aluminum cartridge with a hole drilled in the base complete with key chain. Their statement was it appeared to be to close to the real item.
Therefore if the holster were mine, I would pack it with the firearm. What would you do if they would not let you board with it? P.S. The NRA sent a replacement Charleston Heston Cartridge to the passenger.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Not your best idea . . .

 

[keith44spl]

I know I can just put the holster and ammo pouch in checked luggage, along with the gun, but the holster in particular would take a while to replace if it gets "lost", so I'd rather keep it with me if it's allowed.

Get a holster that you can spare, if lost.......Put it in your checked luggage.

It's not worth the hassle of trying to have it in your carry-on. IMO


.

 

[kwselke]

I'd pack the firearm accessories with the firearm. Why risk a hassle?

 

[The Big D]

Truly a dumb idea...

...to wear it. That said, sometimes a holster has gone in my carry on BUT IT USUALLY GOES WITH MY GUN IN LOCKED HARD SIDED SUITCASE. With gun in another locked hard sided case therein.

Be safe.

 

[CH4]

I’ve worn or carried empty holsters in my carry-on more than once. Never an issue. They’re not restricted.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Another vote for 'going grey'.

 

[Clarke Hammer]

It's definitely a way to guarantee that you'll be pulled aside and asked some questions. I recently flew San Jose to Portland, OR and one of those airports had signs near the security checkpoint that said, "No firearm parts allowed in carry-on luggage." Depending on one's interpretation, firearm "parts" might include any firearm accessories.

 

[Rpg]

Unless you’re interested in finding out what it’s like to be strip searched and getting questioned by TSA I’d leave the holster in the checked bag.

Remember, the TSA folks have a fairly dull job.

You’d be a ‘live one’: the most interesting thing to come through all day so would be likely to get lots of attention.

 

[billwill]

Mail it tomorrow. No sense watching your flight takeoff, while you're trying to talk it out with a TSA person.

 

[Absalom]

Joining the chorus here:

Whether or not the holster is technically legal here is not relevant. Put the holster with the gun for your travels. You won’t need it until you get the gun back anyways

Unless you enjoy lengthy conversations at inconvenient times with humorless folks you haven’t met before and who won’t offer you a beer.

Because if I were a conscientious TSA employee (and yes, most of them actually are), at the very least I would want to make darned sure that gun is where you claim it is if you came through my checkpoint with an empty holster.

People do REALLY dumb things. Even people who own guns. Remember that Einstein who hid his gun in his wife’s bag when she wasn’t looking, hoping she wouldn’t be searched?

 

[jeffsmith]

When dealing with Anything that can Ruin your Day
the Path of Least Resistance is Usually Optimal

 

[madmikeb]

I fly to Arizona every year and have for about fifteen years. Every year I throw my Kramer belt scabbard in my carry on bag on the flight out and back. It has never been questioned, and never been an issue. Some years I throw both that and my IWB #2 Kramer holster in my carry on. Seeing as these holster run about $150 each I tend to keep an eye on them.

 

[Rastoff]

The OP has been answered many times over.

However, I have to ask, why is this even a thought?