I will be flying and transporting two handguns for the first time. They will be in a plastic Pelican case with two locks. When the they are give to the airlines for check-in, do they open the case to confirm they are handguns and are unloaded? Can ammunition be transported in the same container with the handguns? Do the airlines record serial numbers? Isn't a lock gun case a dead giveaway that firearms are inside and ready target for theft? Appreciate any help. Thanks.
Transporting Handguns Questions
- Thread starter BigBoy99
- Start date
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It’s been a while since I flew with a handgun, but I suspect things haven’t changed much.
First off, make certain you’re not going through NJ.
You need to declare the guns at check-in and they will inspect them. You’ll need to fill out short form that’s placed in the gun case.
The gun needs to be unloaded and in a locked case and the ammo can’t be in the same case. They prefer TSA locks and may destroy your conventional locks checking it again.
Ammo needs to be in your checked baggage and in factory boxes or containers intended for ammunition storage.
When I took a pistol to Alaska, I had it in a locked case that was inside my checked baggage. The ammo was in the same checked baggage, but not in the pistol case. It wasn’t a problem.
This may help: Firearms | Transportation Security Administration
First off, make certain you’re not going through NJ.
You need to declare the guns at check-in and they will inspect them. You’ll need to fill out short form that’s placed in the gun case.
The gun needs to be unloaded and in a locked case and the ammo can’t be in the same case. They prefer TSA locks and may destroy your conventional locks checking it again.
Ammo needs to be in your checked baggage and in factory boxes or containers intended for ammunition storage.
When I took a pistol to Alaska, I had it in a locked case that was inside my checked baggage. The ammo was in the same checked baggage, but not in the pistol case. It wasn’t a problem.
This may help: Firearms | Transportation Security Administration
Concur with above, with exception of TSA locks. TSA says, below, either TSA-approved or other type is okay. (Have not flown w/ handgun since 2016 though. Best read TSA regs on this, AND the airline's rules.)
From the TSA site:
From the TSA site:
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sigp220.45
US Veteran
My cop son is here from New Orleans. I gave him a new Glock 26 (the only off duty gun NOPD authorizes) and he’s flying back with it tomorrow. (New guys work Christmas).
Locked hard case, two TSA locks, no ammo at all. He’ll put the case in a duffle bag and check it through. They do a quick inspection at check in, take it away, and he hopes for the best.
He did the same thing last time he visited and took some of his guns back with him, and it worked fine.
Locked hard case, two TSA locks, no ammo at all. He’ll put the case in a duffle bag and check it through. They do a quick inspection at check in, take it away, and he hopes for the best.
He did the same thing last time he visited and took some of his guns back with him, and it worked fine.
A word of caution on non-TSA locks. A good friend of mine flew on a hunting trip and used a hard rifle case with two padlocks. The gun was inspected when he checked the rifle case. When he got to his destination, the locks had been cut-off and the case cable-tied shut. Someone with the TSA decided the rifle needed to be inspected again. He had to stop and purchase new locks for the return flight.
