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Started By
Message
Air Travel With Weapons
Posted on 3/26/15 at 1:26 pm
Posted on 3/26/15 at 1:26 pm
We will be traveling to Florida in a few months and I have been looking into procedures for transporting weapons. Both Mrs. Couyon and I have concealed carry permits in La. which are recognized in Florida.
I have checked on our airline's procedure on transporting weapons and it states I can check in weapons in baggage in a hard case. Ammunition can also be packed in original package. My intent is to place at least one pistol, maybe 2 in a hard case and pack that in a suitcase. I must notify an agent at check-in that the weapons are in the baggage.
I know many on the OB have gone through this and I would like to ask if anyone has had any problems and did the agents go through your luggage to check out the weapons.
The trip is still a couple months away but I want to be prepared. Thanks in advance.
I have checked on our airline's procedure on transporting weapons and it states I can check in weapons in baggage in a hard case. Ammunition can also be packed in original package. My intent is to place at least one pistol, maybe 2 in a hard case and pack that in a suitcase. I must notify an agent at check-in that the weapons are in the baggage.
I know many on the OB have gone through this and I would like to ask if anyone has had any problems and did the agents go through your luggage to check out the weapons.
The trip is still a couple months away but I want to be prepared. Thanks in advance.
7
Posted on 3/26/15 at 1:40 pm to LSUCouyon
Sounds like you pretty much have it figured out. Just make sure the case is air travel approved and must be lockable.
You will have to declare the weapons at check in and fill out a small form. Double check your airline because not all will allow 2 guns in one case. Southwest does allow it.
You will have to declare the weapons at check in and fill out a small form. Double check your airline because not all will allow 2 guns in one case. Southwest does allow it.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 1:43 pm to TexasTiger
You are on the right track. There is a weight limit on ammunition that can be packed I know it works out to 4 boxes of shotgun shells but I can't remember what the weight is.
I haven't ever traveled with handguns so I am not sure on specifics I always had it in my mind that the weapons had to be checked separate in their own lockable case, however I have only transported long guns so they couldn't be placed in a suitcase anyway.
I haven't ever traveled with handguns so I am not sure on specifics I always had it in my mind that the weapons had to be checked separate in their own lockable case, however I have only transported long guns so they couldn't be placed in a suitcase anyway.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 1:52 pm to LSUCouyon
Where are you flying out of? Each airport has its idiosyncrasies. I would just check with that individual airport, get the policy in writing, follow it, you will be fine.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 1:56 pm to LSUCouyon
Yeah - I would double lock the weapons - lock on the hard case, lock on the bag, using the TSA approved locks.
Just for peace of mind. I traveled with a bunch of pistols (~30) one time in a hard aluminum container. They were all chained together, too.
Imagine my anxiety when the plane was overloaded and they off-loaded my pistol box... I didn't really relax until they arrived - the next day.
:whew:
Just for peace of mind. I traveled with a bunch of pistols (~30) one time in a hard aluminum container. They were all chained together, too.
Imagine my anxiety when the plane was overloaded and they off-loaded my pistol box... I didn't really relax until they arrived - the next day.
:whew:
Posted on 3/26/15 at 2:11 pm to LSUCouyon
It's pretty easy. I always remove the slide from the frame just for ease of inspection. They'll give you a firearms declaration to sign. Once you sign it, put it in the case, lock it, put it in your back and you're good to go. The check in person will probably get a little annoyed with you because it's an extra step they have to take, but it's their job so don't worry about it. I would definitely show up a little earlier than you normally would to avoid clogging up the line should a problem arise.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 2:51 pm to Da Hammer
5lbs of ammunition per caliber
Posted on 3/26/15 at 2:52 pm to Da Hammer
5lbs of ammunition per caliber
Posted on 3/26/15 at 3:24 pm to KingRanch
So if it's a 40 cal that's 200 pounds of ammunition right there.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 3:36 pm to JG77056
quote:
So if it's a 40 cal that's 200 pounds of ammunition right there.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 3:38 pm to Ace Midnight
FYI, do not use TSA approved locks when flying with guns. This is a misunderstood step. When flying with guns you and only you are supposed to maintain possession of the keys to unlock the weapons.
LINK
LINK
Posted on 3/26/15 at 3:54 pm to CoachChappy
American Airlines allows 11 lbs of ammunition per passenger and 3 rifles or 5 pistols per case. No limit on cases.
Do they inspect the cases in every instance? I do have gun locks, so I can use those, I suppose.
I don't want to be hassled over it. I'll probably check with both airports to be prepared.
Thanks to all that replied. Any horror stories?
Do they inspect the cases in every instance? I do have gun locks, so I can use those, I suppose.
I don't want to be hassled over it. I'll probably check with both airports to be prepared.
Thanks to all that replied. Any horror stories?
This post was edited on 3/26/15 at 3:55 pm
Posted on 3/26/15 at 3:57 pm to Shepherd88
quote:
FYI, do not use TSA approved locks when flying with guns. This is a misunderstood step. When flying with guns you and only you are supposed to maintain possession of the keys to unlock the weapons.
Thanks for the correction - I just assumed they would want to have the opportunity to inspect, but it would also encourage pilferage, I suppose.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 5:01 pm to LSUCouyon
The case will need to be locked when you go to check in.
You will tell them you have a firearm they will hand you a form to fell out.
You will unlock your case in front of them. Put the form inside the case and lock the case in front on the agent.
They will ask you to wait a few minutes before proceeding to security pat down in case they want you to open the case again after it goes thru the scanner.
Once you get the all clear you go thru security and you board your plane.
Once you land you go to baggage claim and retrieve you bags and case. Some airports keep gun cases in a different area then general luggage some do not.
You will tell them you have a firearm they will hand you a form to fell out.
You will unlock your case in front of them. Put the form inside the case and lock the case in front on the agent.
They will ask you to wait a few minutes before proceeding to security pat down in case they want you to open the case again after it goes thru the scanner.
Once you get the all clear you go thru security and you board your plane.
Once you land you go to baggage claim and retrieve you bags and case. Some airports keep gun cases in a different area then general luggage some do not.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 6:01 pm to LSUCouyon
Posted on 3/26/15 at 7:35 pm to kengel2
Thanks to all for the great info. So in summary, I need a separate case for the weapon. I can't put a locked pistol case within a larger suitcase, right?
I will be expected to show the weapon and the ammo. TSA may or may not get into the case, depending on where I fly out of, if Someone decides to do that. It sounds like ,as in most government procedures, individuals can do what they want. The last thing I want is any hassle on vacation so unless I make myself comfortable about what will happen, I may not take a weapon.
I will probably call both airports I will be flying out of to get it from the source.
I will be expected to show the weapon and the ammo. TSA may or may not get into the case, depending on where I fly out of, if Someone decides to do that. It sounds like ,as in most government procedures, individuals can do what they want. The last thing I want is any hassle on vacation so unless I make myself comfortable about what will happen, I may not take a weapon.
I will probably call both airports I will be flying out of to get it from the source.
Posted on 3/26/15 at 8:48 pm to LSUCouyon
TSA did not open my case at either departure point when I flew to AZ last year. Just swabbed down and checked for residue.
I packed 5 boxes of 20ga in with my shotgun. The desk workers didn't care how much was in there. Never took my shotgun out of its silicone sock when showing them inside the case.
ETA: Use a case with wheels! Can't stress this enough.
I packed 5 boxes of 20ga in with my shotgun. The desk workers didn't care how much was in there.
Never took my shotgun out of its silicone sock when showing them inside the case. ETA: Use a case with wheels! Can't stress this enough.
This post was edited on 3/26/15 at 8:49 pm
Posted on 3/26/15 at 9:03 pm to weagle99
Thanks. As I said it appears that you can't predict what the TSA is going to do.i just want to have at least one pistol, possibly 2, if wife wants hers. It seems like I should be able to put them in a pistol case and stow it in a larger suitcase with clothes etc. I would then have to get the case out and show the guns aren't cocked and ready to rock and roll.The way I understand folks here , I need to go buy a strong box-like case to carry them in and let it be transported as a separate piece of luggage. Or did I miss something?
Posted on 3/26/15 at 9:56 pm to LSUCouyon
quote:
As I said it appears that you can't predict what the TSA is going to do.
CORRECT! TSA is supposed to inspect your gun(s), but they may not. Be prepared for them to be inspected.
quote:
It seems like I should be able to put them in a pistol case and stow it in a larger suitcase with clothes etc. I would then have to get the case out and show the guns aren't cocked and ready to rock and roll.
Yes, you may put your gun(s) in a TSA approved case (Who knows what that is as it's not really defined anywhere. I've read of one gun writer who uses a slightly modified tool box carry his handgun(s) in when he flies.) and then store the locked case inside your luggage. A number of folks recommend doing it this way. Some folk recommend attaching the locked gun case to the inside of the luggage w/ a locked cable.
quote:
I need to go buy a strong box-like case to carry them in and let it be transported as a separate piece of luggage.
That's another way of doing it. Go whichever route you're most comfortable w/o having to pay extra $$ because you exceeded your luggage allotment.
Regarding ammo, each airline carrier has their own policies. When I last traveled w/ guns and ammo, American limited the ammo to a total of 11# per person w/ no consideration to caliber, but they never weighed the ammo. Policies also differ as to WHERE the ammo is to be packed. American required it to be separate from the guns, but some require it to be packed w/ the guns. Some policies require ammo to be in factory cases. Learn the policies for your air carrier inside out and keep a copy of the policies w/ you.
And yes, do NOT use the "TSA approved" locks. Compared to regular locks, they're cheap, flimsy and expensive. In addition, having a "TSA approved" lock gives TSA the capability of opening up your gun case w/o your presence.
Enjoy your trip!
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