Flying with pistol

bean93x · Nov 25, 2015

Has anyone here ever flown to another part of the country and brought a handgun with them? Looking for the do's and don'ts of doing so..

As I understand, it has to be unloaded inside of a TSA approved case and declared at check in.. Is there any restriction on the amount of ammo inside of the same case? How I plan on doing it is a G43 with cable lock, 4 mags, 200rd in boxes inside of a TSA approved case. Would there be any issue in that?

Most importantly, can any of you recommend a TSA approved pistol case that could fit one full size handgun, mags, and ammo with out eating up luggage space?

Crab Bait · Nov 25, 2015

There are threads about this. I used them for a few ideas, but ultimately I relied on information from the airline's website.

redeemed.man · Nov 25, 2015

bean93x said:
Has anyone here ever flown to another part of the country and brought a handgun with them? Looking for the do's and don'ts of doing so..

As I understand, it has to be unloaded inside of a TSA approved case and declared at check in.. Is there any restriction on the amount of ammo inside of the same case? How I plan on doing it is a G43 with cable lock, 4 mags, 200rd in boxes inside of a TSA approved case. Would there be any issue in that?

Most importantly, can any of you recommend a TSA approved pistol case that could fit one full size handgun, mags, and ammo with out eating up luggage space?

The thread stated by mpdc4511 has by far the most information. Search will get you there.

Crab Bait said:
There are threads about this. I used them for a few ideas, but ultimately I relied on information from the airline's website.

Airline website is vital also.

Mdeng · Nov 25, 2015

Go to TSA website and your airlines website and get the official answers. Print them and have them with you.

swinokur · Nov 25, 2015

There is no such thing as a TSA approved case. A lockable hard sided case meets the requirement. Most airlines have an ammo limit of 11 lbs, but not all. Check the airline web site and look at the TSA webs site as well.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

StantonCree · Nov 25, 2015

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=67639&highlight=tips+flying

Lockable container, no loaded mags, ammo in ORIGINAL Container and, leave about 15 mins earlier. It's a really easy process.

traveller · Nov 25, 2015

When you go to the counter dont say 'I have a gun'. Ask for a 'firearms declaration card' and the agent will know what to do. A hard-sided pistol case with a lock or a peli box inside of a regular piece of luggage is fine. I always have them give me two cards. One I stick inside of the pistol case, the other I take to the outside of the case but inside of the luggage. It is a good idea to wait wherever TSA x-rays the luggage in case they want you to open it. Do not under any circumstances whatsoever give the key to your case to a TSA or airline employee. Insist on opening it for them. Their 'policy' doesn't over-ride federal law. Do not use a 'TSA lock' but a regular keyed or combination padlock.

Crab Bait · Nov 25, 2015

This is what I used. I put small holes in the lining of the suitcase and ran the cable lock around the sleeve that the collapsible handle slides inside - that way the box couldn't be removed from the suitcase (not easily anyway). The other two locks were required according to what I had read. I locked the slide back on the pistol and had ammo in the original packaging inside the box. The box was like ten bucks, the locks were like ten bucks (although you could use cheaper I guess), and the cable lock was from my collection of cable locks. I had to open it when I checked in.

Saw above and thought to add that the magazine was unloaded and also inside the box, but not in the pistol.

Boss94 · Nov 25, 2015

I flew to FL in the early 90s it was way easy to do compared to today.

BeoBill · Nov 25, 2015

Boss94 said:
I flew to FL in the early 90s it was way easy to do compared to today.

In the 90s everything was easier to do than today...

Question: Are the procedures the same for a cap and ball pistol?

StantonCree · Nov 25, 2015

BeoBill said:
In the 90s everything was easier to do than today...

Question: Are the procedures the same for a cap and ball pistol?

My guess is probably because you applying federal law and AIRLINE procedure!!!

Also how much easier could it have been in the 90's??

You check you bag and say I have a pistol, they open your case to ensure you don't have loaded mags and the ammo is in the original container, you quickly fill out the 4 line form, drop it in the safe, relock the safe, and then go buy a $7.00 water and a $12.00 magazine from the stupid stand.

outrider58 · Nov 25, 2015

bean93x said:
Has anyone here ever flown to another part of the country and brought a handgun with them? Looking for the do's and don'ts of doing so..

As I understand, it has to be unloaded inside of a TSA approved case and declared at check in.. Is there any restriction on the amount of ammo inside of the same case? How I plan on doing it is a G43 with cable lock, 4 mags, 200rd in boxes inside of a TSA approved case. Would there be any issue in that?

Most importantly, can any of you recommend a TSA approved pistol case that could fit one full size handgun, mags, and ammo with out eating up luggage space?

Call your particular airline and ask their preferred procedure. As everyone else said, tons of threads on this but, things are always changing. Check with your airline.

Mdeng · Nov 25, 2015

I flew on Southwest airlines a few weeks ago. It rs ally is a simple process as long as you follow the rules. Remember that the firearm must be legal at your destination. If you are somehow rerouted to NJ or almost any Northeastern state know the law before you take possession of the firearm. Several people have spent time in jail after they try to check it back in to continue their delayed flight.

CypherPunk · Nov 26, 2015

BeoBill said:
In the 90s everything was easier to do than today...

Question: Are the procedures the same for a cap and ball pistol?

Modern firearms, c&r, antiques, starter pistols, siminution, air soft, air guns, movie props...

All the same rules apply.

http://youtu.be/0hJOOwFqYig

aquashooter · Nov 26, 2015

Two years ago I had a slight hassle from an uninformed SW clerk at BWI, flying to Las Vegas. She insisted that I have a separate locking container for the ammo. I gave my ammo to a MdTA officer that I knew and immediately bought new Critical Defense after I landed.

Bikebreath · Nov 26, 2015

swinokur · Nov 26, 2015

Actually the newest TSA guidelines allow loaded magazines. But your airline may not. Call or check the web site.
.

Mdeng · Nov 26, 2015

aquashooter said:
Two years ago I had a slight hassle from an uninformed SW clerk at BWI, flying to Las Vegas. She insisted that I have a separate locking container for the ammo. I gave my ammo to a MdTA officer that I knew and immediately bought new Critical Defense after I landed.

This is why I print out the rules from the TSA and airlines websites. I have run into mis/uninformed people several times and having the rules in hand fixed the problem.

swinokur · Nov 26, 2015

If you encounter an employee who doesn't know the procedure or has incorrect info, just politely ask for a supervisor.

redeemed.man · Nov 26, 2015

swinokur said:
Actually the newest TSA guidelines allow loaded magazines. But your airline may not. Call or check the web site.
.

That's good news.

Flying with pistol

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