Traveling with my handgun ... update!

[fotog54]

OK, I am taking a trip to Louisiana in a few weeks and am wanting to take one of my guns. Can someone give me the quick rundown on what to expect at the airport and any thing to make sure I don't forget.

Thanks.

[ttousi]

check with the airline you are flying........they all have their own procedures in addition to the TSA rules

[Pezhead]

Allow extra time I've heard.

[Pezhead]

I forgot print out the regulations both TSA and the airlines and have them with you.

[photogpat]

I've done this a few times...YMMV

At MSP - go to the ticket counter for your airline. Inform the agent that you have an unloaded firearm to declare in your checked luggage. The individual airline agent at the counter will ask you the standard question, "Is it unloaded?", and then will want to visually verify that the firearm is unloaded. They will then hand you the orange federal card that you have to sign stating that the firearm is unloaded. You'll then secure your firearm in its lockable hard-sided container separately from any ammunition you're bringing along. Ammo can go in a box, factory or plastic, in your checked luggage. The orange tag will be affixed to said hard-sided container -- and you'll walk with an agent down to the TSA Xray machine in the center of the concourse. They'll have you stand to the side while they verify it's unloaded via Xray -- and then you're free to proceed through security.

Other airports will be some variant of this. Some more, some less...strangely enough, the least hassle I've EVER had was returning from California and flying out of LAX. The key is to have your lockable container (and the orange tag) "inside" another checked bag. Less obvious to would be luggage thieves, and mis-informed members of the public.

[fotog54]

Thanks for the quick replies. I had already read the airline's website and had a good idea of what was expected of me, I was just curious if airlines actually followed what they say they will do!

1. Make sure I have gun inside a hard pistol case with external lock.
2. Declare at check in.
3. Show as unloaded and then secure in case and lock.
4. Attach firearms declaration from airline.
5. Place locked case inside luggage to be checked.
6. Get escorted to TSA baggage screening area.
7. Get OK from TSA to continue to security line.

That sound about right?

I will make sure I have a print out of the Airlines and TSA rules with me.

Thanks.

[Pezhead]

Might have missed it TSA lock and extra key.

[selurcspi]

Might have missed it TSA lock and extra key.

The external Suitcase is supposed to have a TSA lock, but the locked hard guncase should NOT have a TSA lock. They are not entiteled to open the gun case. They can see the gun in the scan, it has been checked as unloaded and has the scannable tag to prove it.

[Don L]

+1 on the lock. TSA lock on the outside of the bag, YOUR lock on the gun case. The TSA agent will ask for the key. See that it gets locked up again. In addition, I usually wait until I see the bag put on the belt and go on it's way.

[1911fan]

Almost all of the airlines are accustomed to this now, and its very rare that anything surprising happens on their part,

[JoeH]

+1 on the lock. TSA lock on the outside of the bag, YOUR lock on the gun case. The TSA agent will ask for the key. See that it gets locked up again. In addition, I usually wait until I see the bag put on the belt and go on it's way.

+1 million

Do not use a TSA lock on the gun case. You have the gun case key. DO NOT give that key to anyone. Even if a TSA agent asks for the key. Only you should unlock the gun case and you should lock it before it leaves your control.

[solidgun]

TSA lock for your suit case.....Non-TSA lock for your gun case. I personally prefer combination locks as I am already carrying too many keys.

If you can, put 2 locks on if there are two holes for locks (I have seen this issue once where TSA said there is another locking area that was not covered and made someone get a lock) This was at JFK.

Hard case (unless your factory case is somewhat theft proof, some TSA will hassle you. They do say hard case that isn't easily accessible which excludes many factory cases. I personally have various Pelican Cases for travel.)

Be sure to watch the weight as I have had to pay the over the limit fee on my return trips several times. The firearm and accessories do get heavy.

I have flown 20+ times with firearms. I do take early or late flights to avoid delays and maybe this is the reason why, but I have never been delayed (other than waiting by the scanner). But I still do get there a little earlier because you never know.

Also, I leave my expensive 1911s at home for any flights. Any carry gun on trips will be of same type, but I always make sure they are under $1000 in value to match the lost bag policy. But also to save some weight, I might carry some cheap Glocks.

[tman]

Make sure, if you're traveling with some else - say, a spouse - that your bags don't look exactly alike...

It would be terrible to have you looking for your firearm in the wrong bag while it's already been sent down the luggage express....

(not that it's ever happened to me, mind you...umm...err.....ahhh...)

[Jackpine Savage]

Check out the "Gun Case Tether" on this site:
http://www.parmarng.org/freeidaho/AlSkDjFhG/index.html

It gives you the ability to cable your gun case to the inside of your suitcase.

[RobD]

Check out the "Gun Case Tether" on this site:
http://www.parmarng.org/freeidaho/AlSkDjFhG/index.html

It gives you the ability to cable your gun case to the inside of your suitcase.

Did you mean this?
http://www.parmarng.org/freeidaho/AlSkD ... ether.html