I'm taking one of my pistols and some ammo on a Southwest flight next week. I'm familiar with the general rules (hard-sided case in check-in luggage), but any other recommendations and helpful hints for flying with firearms?

TIA.

search through the airline rules. some require double locks

If I remember correctly, southwest doesn't allow ammo. Could be mistaken.

SWA is pretty good...but print the SWA rules and TSA rules and bring them with you. It has happened to me more than once that you run into multiple layers of folks who don't know the rules.

While you can transport ammo in mags, if you put it in a factory box and then put the box in a zip lock and then duct tape that closed it eliminates a lot of digging and discussion about the ammo and how it's packaged.

Be polite, dress like a professional (at least shave and look neat) and you will grease the skids. Also, aim for a guy or an older woman. The issues I have had have always involved a young/new gate agent.

Rjamizon, you can check 11 pounds of ammo.

Recently I had a young lady in Houston ask me to show her clear on the four ARs I had in a case...even with the experienced agent next to her telling her "you only have to ask if they are unloaded." Which is true.

I asked her if she was sure, and she looked at me and very sternly told me "that's how I was trained"....OK...I told the guys I was traveling with to enjoy watching the crowd if it came to this...I held each one up over my head and leaned in so she could see the chamber. Had to so I didn't cover anyone with a muzzle you see...

By the third one I had to ask her to please look up to check the chamber. The guy that told her what the rule really was just chuckled the entire time...

Thanks Puryear, that's exactly the sort of stuff I'm looking for.

Be careful if you get rerouted to a less gun friendly state

Don't use TSA "approved" locks.

Don't let the TSA open your cases without you present.

Don't let the TSA handle your firearm. They can run an explosives swab over it, but it's against their regulations to handle the gun.

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Rjamizon, you can check 11 pounds of ammo.

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Good to know. I'm companion level with SW, and the last time I saw someone try to fly with ammo the counter attendant was telling him no ammo allowed. Glad to know its kosher.

All good recco's here. I travel with my CCW pistol often and have come to realize that saying "I would like to declare an UNLOADED firearm" gets the best results.

Next time take the train.

Just walk up to the ticket counter and shout "I HAVE A GUN!"

Seriously, the proper phrase is, "i'd like to dclare a firearm". Read and understand the airline policy on their website and have the proper locks,carrying cases, etc.

Just walk up to the ticket counter and shout "I HAVE A GUN!"

Seriously, the proper phrase is, "i'd like to dclare a firearm". Read and understand the airline policy on their website and have the proper locks,carrying cases, etc.

Just walk up to the ticket counter and shout "I HAVE A GUN!"

Seriously, the proper phrase is, "i'd like to dclare a firearm". Read and understand the airline policy on their website and have the proper locks,carrying cases, etc.

Worth the triple post

Just recently checked a firearm through Southwest. Very simple process. You will declare your firearm with a Southwest agent at the check in booth. The agent will then direct you to the TSA agent in charge of checking firearms. That agent will ask you if the weapon is unloaded. They will check your hard case to make sure it's locked, and can't be forcefully bent apart. Recommend getting a solid case. They then swab for explosives and take the firearm when all is through. Extremely easy process. Was actually very impressed with TSA in Austin and Portland.

Are there any additional costs associated with checking a firearm in comparison to normal luggage of similar weight/size?

No extra cost unless it overweight. 50 pounds and up gets extra charge with SWA.

I fly with my CCW all of the time with Southwest. I just say that "I have an unloaded firearm to declare". Usually don't even bat an eye and just direct me to the TSA agent who asks me to open my bag. Takes 5 extra minutes. No big deal; unless you're nervous about having a TSA agent see your undies.