Traveling by Air w/Handguns

jimmers1817 · #1 03-12-2009, 05:13 PM

Wondering if anyone has any ideas to make traveling by air with a handgun a hassle free process. I know you can't carry on the plane but you can pack it in your luggage.

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Night Crawler · #2 03-12-2009, 05:39 PM

Your handguns must unloaded and locked in a case (plastic case that most manufacturers supply are okay) with locks. I use keyed Master Locks on my gun cases.

Ammunition (there is a limit on how much you can carry) must be stored in separate luggage.

Your bags/luggage have to be equipped with TSA approved locks (ones they can open). You can get these locks at Brookstone or other stores; just look for the TSA approved symbol. Like THESE.

When you’re checking in your bags/luggage, inform the agent that you have a firearm or firearms to declare. They will summons a TSA agent. You will unlock the cases and they will verify that the firearms are indeed unloaded. Then, they’ll lock the cases and then lock your bag/luggage with the TSA approved lock. They will then put a tag on the luggage signifying that there is a firearm inside and they’ve checked it and put it on the conveyor.

Nothing to it really. Go to This TSA Website for more detailed information.

One last thing: Be sure to check the airline’s website for their requirements too. Airlines have different allowances on the amount of ammunition you can transport. Be sure to check on this before you arrive or you'll have to leave some of that high-dollar ammo behind!

10ring · #3 03-12-2009, 05:47 PM

Call the airline. Get a copy of the federal regulations governing transport. HAVE THIS COPY WITH YOU at the check-in counter. It will be usefull when you encounter someone like Emil at American Airlines, who will tell you "Hey! You can't take no gun on a plane! What'r'ya..some kind of moron?!" (and he's asking me). "Say....whats that piece of paper ya got there? I'm'o have to get my boss (of course) to read this."
Story will end with Emil averting his eyes as his supervisor enjoins you to have a nice day as they accept your handgun for transport.

Wecroft · #4 03-12-2009, 06:53 PM

Ahhhh,,brings back memories of the good ole days. When returning home from Germany in 1972 I informed the ticket clerk at Charleston SC that I had a Walther 9mm Pistol and ammo in my bag headed for Baltimore, what would you like me to do with it? Her reply, "You're in uniform, keep it with you". And so I did.

Trock · #5 03-12-2009, 08:50 PM

Nightcrawler may be right about the TSA locks but I've never used them. They ask you to unlock the bag and show them the gun in the locked box. They then have you lock it back and mark it checked. One time they had me leave the lock unlocked and a couple other times they have said lock it up. So you might check if the TSA locks are mandatory

street_glider · #6 03-12-2009, 08:52 PM

Hey - Welcome - you must be coming to Detroit!

jjlefty51 · #7 03-12-2009, 08:54 PM

When I travel with firearms I put them in a unmarked locking case. The case draws enough attention that I dont like the idea of plastering the name all over it. You can find specifics for each airlines on their website.

jimmers1817 · #8 03-12-2009, 10:58 PM

So it's a pretty hassle free process, that's good to hear. Thanks for all the tips.

Just don't wanna hear someone scream "he's got a gun!!!"

Anyone remember the Sam Kinison joke about that happening to him. Apparently his wife played a joke on him by packing his gun in his suitcase w/o telling him.

mudder · #9 03-13-2009, 01:34 PM

nightcrawler pretty much summed it up
learn the rules, you might be the only one there that knows 'em,
being knowledgable will help

Captain Itch · #10 03-13-2009, 09:02 PM

Nightcrawler is correct I have flown many times with out a hassle..only thing I do not care for is when they put the "STEAL ME" TAG ON THE LUGGAGE