I have need to take a firearm with me on a trip next month and it will be my first time checking a firearm on a plane. On paper, the process seems fairly straight-forward, but my assumption is the practical reality of it will be less so. Any advice from those of you who have done this?
Checking a firearm on a plane
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Last: 18 days ago by O.G.
Check the specific airline rules as well as TSA's. Follow them. I've only checked a firearm a couple times, but it was generally painless.
Process can vary depending on airport, airline, airline employee you talk to or day of the week. I've gone to IAH 2 weeks apart, United both times and had to do two completely different things because the employee I got was a moron.
Generally you have your gun unloaded in a locked hardside case, non TSA locks, (although I've had discussions at the airport about that before). Go to the full service desk (although that can also vary), let them know you have a firearm to declare. They'll get an orange card, maybe they'll fill it out for you, maybe they'll let you fill it out and sign. Put that inside the case, close it up and lock it.
At Houston airports IAH and HOU they just throw it on the belt and will call you over the intercom to open it if TSA wants to inspect it. Other airports they might walk you over to the TSA area and x-ray it in front of you, others always make you open it to inspect it, some others make you stand in a spot until they give you the ok to go on. It varies a lot.
When you go to pick up your luggage sometimes it goes to the airlines baggage claim office (keep your tag), or oversize baggage if it's a big case, and sometimes it just comes out on the belt.
My best advice is know the laws, airline rules, but if an airline agent or TSA agent is sure they're right, and it doesn't hurt anything just let them do what they want. More than once I've had an employee tell me my bag wasn't going on the plane unless I did what they wanted to do.
Generally you have your gun unloaded in a locked hardside case, non TSA locks, (although I've had discussions at the airport about that before). Go to the full service desk (although that can also vary), let them know you have a firearm to declare. They'll get an orange card, maybe they'll fill it out for you, maybe they'll let you fill it out and sign. Put that inside the case, close it up and lock it.
At Houston airports IAH and HOU they just throw it on the belt and will call you over the intercom to open it if TSA wants to inspect it. Other airports they might walk you over to the TSA area and x-ray it in front of you, others always make you open it to inspect it, some others make you stand in a spot until they give you the ok to go on. It varies a lot.
When you go to pick up your luggage sometimes it goes to the airlines baggage claim office (keep your tag), or oversize baggage if it's a big case, and sometimes it just comes out on the belt.
My best advice is know the laws, airline rules, but if an airline agent or TSA agent is sure they're right, and it doesn't hurt anything just let them do what they want. More than once I've had an employee tell me my bag wasn't going on the plane unless I did what they wanted to do.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time. Have experienced slow agents and almost missed flight when checking a firearm.
Some of the guidance on ammunition is unclear, so is there anything I should do to this setup to avoid any problems? Magazines or "clips" are allowed, but some guidance makes it sound like they should be inside a container inside the hard case. Other guidance makes it sound like the magazine itself is sufficient. The .357 speed loader might not be compliant since it doesn't have an outer shell, but the ammo in it would not be considered "loose rounds."
Travelled once with a shotgun about 20 years ago. Flew out of STL. The ticketing agent asked me to take it out of the case and demonstrate that it was unloaded.
Nothing like pumping a shotgun in front of a line of people in the middle of an airport! I'd assume the process is different now.
Nothing like pumping a shotgun in front of a line of people in the middle of an airport! I'd assume the process is different now.
AggieT said:
Travelled once with a shotgun about 20 years ago. Flew out of STL. The ticketing agent asked me to take it out of the case and demonstrate that it was unloaded.
Nothing like pumping a shotgun in front of a line of people in the middle of an airport! I'd assume the process is different now.
Damn thats funny!! this visual today!!
Dealing with this now. Coming back from a hunting trip in Greenland. (Got a caribou and Muskox)
I flew through Germany and Iceland on the way here and brought my suppressor as well.
But the agency booked my return flight through Canada, which doesn't allow suppressors.
Glad I realized it or I would have been in a world of **** in Canada. They are the worst, especially to American hunters. My outfitter is going to ship my suppressor back to me.
I can echo the advice to show up early and do your due diligence especially if you're flying internationally.
I flew through Germany and Iceland on the way here and brought my suppressor as well.
But the agency booked my return flight through Canada, which doesn't allow suppressors.
Glad I realized it or I would have been in a world of **** in Canada. They are the worst, especially to American hunters. My outfitter is going to ship my suppressor back to me.
I can echo the advice to show up early and do your due diligence especially if you're flying internationally.
Mags cannot have ammo in them. Ammo can be packed in original factory container, or in a plastic case specifically designed for ammo.
Ammo can be in your checked bag, doesn't have to be locked up. I use these: https://a.co/d/0dntJJDe
Each place that the case has a hole for a lock, needs to have a lock on it. Do NOT use TSA locks on the gun case itself. I DO put TSA locks on the luggage bag itself. They're really chincy, so it's more of a pacifier than anything.
I use a cable lock to run thru the frame of my bag and loop thru the case lock so someone couldn't grab the small case and disappear with it.
Ammo can be in your checked bag, doesn't have to be locked up. I use these: https://a.co/d/0dntJJDe
Each place that the case has a hole for a lock, needs to have a lock on it. Do NOT use TSA locks on the gun case itself. I DO put TSA locks on the luggage bag itself. They're really chincy, so it's more of a pacifier than anything.
I use a cable lock to run thru the frame of my bag and loop thru the case lock so someone couldn't grab the small case and disappear with it.
Max06 - What do you use on the gun case itself? I flew to Mexico a couple years ago and I feel like I did use TSA locks. Got a Canadian deer hunt booked for later this year. Am I supposed to use a standard keyed padlock? I am travelling with a seasoned hunter so I have some guidance on the upcoming trip.
Empty gun in a locked case, inside a locked piece of luggage. (The TSA locks at Target are fine)
Ammo in an "original" box, (its good to keep a factory ammo box laying around for that reason. I do not know how they would react to reloaded ammo in an after market box) Also, they aren't going to know if you have Hornady ammo in a Winchester box, for instance.
Make sure that the locked case inside the luggage is relatively easy to get to for yourself and for TSA.
Walk up to the full service counter and tell them confidently but calmly that you need to declare a firearm. I have only done it with Southwest Airlines, but I have never had a problem.. they make you fill out this little orange card and they tape it to your gun case and a TSA agent will come take your luggage.
Luckily, I've also never had a problem with TSA agents so it's never been that big of a deal.
Morons who haven't flown since 09/11 & are suddenly aware that airport security exists, are a bigger pain in the butt than declaring the firearm is
Ammo in an "original" box, (its good to keep a factory ammo box laying around for that reason. I do not know how they would react to reloaded ammo in an after market box) Also, they aren't going to know if you have Hornady ammo in a Winchester box, for instance.
Make sure that the locked case inside the luggage is relatively easy to get to for yourself and for TSA.
Walk up to the full service counter and tell them confidently but calmly that you need to declare a firearm. I have only done it with Southwest Airlines, but I have never had a problem.. they make you fill out this little orange card and they tape it to your gun case and a TSA agent will come take your luggage.
Luckily, I've also never had a problem with TSA agents so it's never been that big of a deal.
Morons who haven't flown since 09/11 & are suddenly aware that airport security exists, are a bigger pain in the butt than declaring the firearm is
I use Master brand keyed locks on the gun case. Keyed alike.
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I do not use tsa locks, but apparently you can. But why would you, allowing tsa to get into the case that they are supposed to stay out of unless you are present. I would print out this page https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition and carry it with me
For Canada when I went 10 years ago you had to find a cbp office ahead of time (I think all airports have them but check the hours, you may not be able to do it the day of your flight) and have your gun and any other touchy items (rangefinder) cataloged on a Certificate of Registration Form 4457. Canada doesn't care about it but it can prevent you from having issues bringing your gun back into the US
For Canada when I went 10 years ago you had to find a cbp office ahead of time (I think all airports have them but check the hours, you may not be able to do it the day of your flight) and have your gun and any other touchy items (rangefinder) cataloged on a Certificate of Registration Form 4457. Canada doesn't care about it but it can prevent you from having issues bringing your gun back into the US
I would also wear your hunting boots on the trip and keep one set of hunting clothes packed in your carryon.
I went to Canada last year and my bags and gun didn't make the trip up there for several days and it took over a week to get my gear bag back on the way back. So they were misplaced twice.
One of my moose meat coolers was also "lost" never to be found. The outfitter said a lot of his American hunters were having tons of issues with their luggage.
Basically, said they were doing it on purpose. Just a fair warning.
I went to Canada last year and my bags and gun didn't make the trip up there for several days and it took over a week to get my gear bag back on the way back. So they were misplaced twice.
One of my moose meat coolers was also "lost" never to be found. The outfitter said a lot of his American hunters were having tons of issues with their luggage.
Basically, said they were doing it on purpose. Just a fair warning.
The last two times I checked a gun it did not arrive with my flight. United Airlines both times and domestic flights.
And two weeks ago same thing checking golf clubs on a United flight. They did deliver the next day to my address all 3 times- no wonder the airlines lose money.
And two weeks ago same thing checking golf clubs on a United flight. They did deliver the next day to my address all 3 times- no wonder the airlines lose money.
I've only flown with shotguns to Canada and its never been an issue, but at IAH, I went straight to the priority late (I was priority at that time) told them I was checking a firearm and to go get a supervisor to help.
They did and it was never an issue.
In Canada, they inspected the shotguns and the paperwork, which was already filled out and printed with easy to read serial numbers, paid my fee and done. Easy.
I think I'd hide an airtag or two in the gun cases these days just for some added insurance.
They did and it was never an issue.
In Canada, they inspected the shotguns and the paperwork, which was already filled out and printed with easy to read serial numbers, paid my fee and done. Easy.
I think I'd hide an airtag or two in the gun cases these days just for some added insurance.
I got $3k from Air Canada for the lost moose meat cooler. They were trying to screw me around and offered a couple hundred bucks.
I found a website out of Norway that sold exotic Moose meat for $1000 per lb. So my damages were $45k. Also said they could just replace my 45 lbs of moose if they could find it somewhere else cheaper.
They freaked out and gave the me max damages at $3k. At least my other cooler with the back straps and tenderloin made it back.
I found a website out of Norway that sold exotic Moose meat for $1000 per lb. So my damages were $45k. Also said they could just replace my 45 lbs of moose if they could find it somewhere else cheaper.
They freaked out and gave the me max damages at $3k. At least my other cooler with the back straps and tenderloin made it back.
My experiences flying with guns have pretty much all varied, likely due to (lack of) experience from airline/TSA staff. I had one at IAH ask to demonstrate my Glock was unloaded at the check in desk (no thanks), I've had my guns get kicked out on the carousel with all the other baggage several times, had to walk all the way across Denver and back with a TSA guy so he could take my pistol to a special scanning machine and almost miss my flight, etc. I think my favorite though was a return flight out of Gunnison and the ladies at the desk were so excited when I told them my name because they'd "been practicing for me all day". I guess I was flagged and they were studying up on how to handle a firearm. I figured that was a common occurrence in Gunnison, but I guess not.
1. Get a good case (I use Pelican) with non-TSA locks. I've seen a buddy's pistol get rejected because he had a harbor freight case that the agent could pull apart without removing the lock.
2. Ammo in container designed to carry it. Magazines seem like a gray area, so I've always erred on the side of caution and carry my pistol ammo in Plano boxes specifically designed for it that keep the rounds separated.
I've never really had any issues, just always thought it bizarre how inconsistently it is handled.
1. Get a good case (I use Pelican) with non-TSA locks. I've seen a buddy's pistol get rejected because he had a harbor freight case that the agent could pull apart without removing the lock.
2. Ammo in container designed to carry it. Magazines seem like a gray area, so I've always erred on the side of caution and carry my pistol ammo in Plano boxes specifically designed for it that keep the rounds separated.
I've never really had any issues, just always thought it bizarre how inconsistently it is handled.
I need that deets on that hunt!
Here's the setup-
Duplicate locks- 1's go on case, 2's are extra in case TSA cuts 1's off, they break, whatever. Also carry a 2nd TSA lock for exterior of the bag.
I've since upgraded the locks, but you'll get the gist. If you have a rifle case with 4 holes for locks, you'll need 4 locks.
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#nIT1FGT
Cable lock goes around frame of bag, looped into lock.
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#z3Hu5RG
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#SODCQX3
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#YqMoDsC
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#MHI9KHi
Duplicate locks- 1's go on case, 2's are extra in case TSA cuts 1's off, they break, whatever. Also carry a 2nd TSA lock for exterior of the bag.
I've since upgraded the locks, but you'll get the gist. If you have a rifle case with 4 holes for locks, you'll need 4 locks.
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#nIT1FGT
Cable lock goes around frame of bag, looped into lock.
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#z3Hu5RG
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#SODCQX3
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#YqMoDsC
https://imgur.com/a/4T58Ule#MHI9KHi
Which one Greenland or Yukon?
Greenland
All great comments. Few things to add. Make sure you have a lock in every lock hole on your case. TSA rule. My son and I could not check our guns until we had the locks on. Good thing we were returning and arrived about 3 1/2 hours early. We got done shooting earlier than I planned. Also the form they have you fill out goes inside the case. I carry extra locks in my carry-on. I use two tsa locks and two non tsa locks. Sometimes they will want tsa most of the time no word. I've had locks break.
BMF_AG95 said:
All great comments. Few things to add. Make sure you have a lock in every lock hole on your case. TSA rule. My son and I could not check our guns until we had the locks on. Good thing we were returning and arrived about 3 1/2 hours early. We got done shooting earlier than I planned. Also the form they have you fill out goes inside the case. I carry extra locks in my carry-on. I use two tsa locks and two non tsa locks. Sometimes they will want tsa most of the time no word. I've had locks break.
This. I've heard that some over eager TSA staff will say that all the locks have to match. Not sure if that is true or not but I could see it happening in some places.
Dude I don't know how you kept it cool, I would have gone nuclear if my once in a lifetime moose hunt meat got thieved.
OP - I've traveled to Africa and Canada with firearms and it is simple as long as you do your homework and get there early to accommodate the risk of people that don't deal with it daily.
OP - I've traveled to Africa and Canada with firearms and it is simple as long as you do your homework and get there early to accommodate the risk of people that don't deal with it daily.
Yep on the matching locks. I carry a full set of backups in my carryon just in case this happens.
Quote:
1. Get a good case (I use Pelican) with non-TSA locks. I've seen a buddy's pistol get rejected because he had a harbor freight case that the agent could pull apart without removing the lock.
Agree with this. Had to fly home with pistol when I wasn't expecting to fly. Got a cheap case and single lock. The gate agent pushed and pulled and pried, and could get a finger in the side, so he rejected it.
I had a pocket knife I was going to put in the checked luggage, so I bought a cheap luggage lock at the airport, drilled a new hole in the side of the case, and locked again. It was enough to make him happy.
I called Alaska Airlines just to be 100% sure what their expectations are, given some lack of clarity as it pertains to ammunition and magazines. The answer I got was bonkers, and significantly at odds with the posts above.
The agent said the ammunition must be locked inside its own hard-side case which must then be locked inside the hard-side case with the firearm, and that locked case must then be placed inside a third, larger locked hard-side case, and then placed inside the checked bag. That's three separate locked cases in a game of Russian nesting dolls.
At this point, I'll probably just end up buying ammo when I get there to make this easier.
The agent said the ammunition must be locked inside its own hard-side case which must then be locked inside the hard-side case with the firearm, and that locked case must then be placed inside a third, larger locked hard-side case, and then placed inside the checked bag. That's three separate locked cases in a game of Russian nesting dolls.
At this point, I'll probably just end up buying ammo when I get there to make this easier.
Of all airlines dealing with firearms, you'd think that Alaska would be the most up to date and efficient.
And don't go by what some doofus in the call center told you. Look up the TSA regs and the regs from Alaska Airlines, print them out, and take them to the airport.
I'd bet the gate agents are far more savvy than Karen from Customer Service.
And don't go by what some doofus in the call center told you. Look up the TSA regs and the regs from Alaska Airlines, print them out, and take them to the airport.
I'd bet the gate agents are far more savvy than Karen from Customer Service.
CanyonAg77 said:
Of all airlines dealing with firearms, you'd think that Alaska would be the most up to date and efficient.
And don't go by what some doofus in the call center told you. Look up the TSA regs and the regs from Alaska Airlines, print them out, and take them to the airport.
I'd bet the gate agents are far more savvy than Karen from Customer Service.
I'm sure that is the case, but I have a (possibly irrational) fear of showing up at the airport and there being some problem that keeps me from traveling, especially after the "VIP" treatment I got from TSA when I brought 60 pounds of precious metals and coins through security a couple months ago.
There is another website I'm racking my brain to find but haven't yet. I'd just go with what their website says, like most have said, the folks checking these things have no idea what to do. Not intentionally, I'd hope not at least, but because they probably don't see it often. Now Alaska like others have said, you'd think they'd be used to it by now.
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/special-baggage/transporting-firearms?srsltid=AfmBOoo8lr6G0Xb4a3MWlr1ytOK5uknG-VPyUJSpldCALnNO_CwOLaXk
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/special-baggage/transporting-firearms?srsltid=AfmBOoo8lr6G0Xb4a3MWlr1ytOK5uknG-VPyUJSpldCALnNO_CwOLaXk
SWA required me to use TSA locks on my hard case. Ammo was in a different bag checked. easy if you have the right case and locks.
CanyonAg77 said:
Of all airlines dealing with firearms, you'd think that Alaska would be the most up to date and efficient.
And don't go by what some doofus in the call center told you. Look up the TSA regs and the regs from Alaska Airlines, print them out, and take them to the airport.
I'd bet the gate agents are far more savvy than Karen from Customer Service.
Agree completely. The customer service person has probably never worked check in at the airport and is telling you what they think the rule is. I think this happens a lot, people know a little bit, but not everything. Then start making stuff up that makes sense to them, rather than admit they don't know or are unsure. Bring the airlines printed rules and instructions with you. If you bring ammo to the airport and for whatever reason doesn't meet how they think it should be stored. Then throw it away if you have to. I'd at least try.
RCR06 said:CanyonAg77 said:
Of all airlines dealing with firearms, you'd think that Alaska would be the most up to date and efficient.
And don't go by what some doofus in the call center told you. Look up the TSA regs and the regs from Alaska Airlines, print them out, and take them to the airport.
I'd bet the gate agents are far more savvy than Karen from Customer Service.
Agree completely. The customer service person has probably never worked check in at the airport and is telling you what they think the rule is. I think this happens a lot, people know a little bit, but not everything, Then start making stuff up that makes sense to them, rather than admit they don't know or are unsure. Bring the airlines printed rules and instructions with you. If you bring ammo to the airport and for whatever reason doesn't meet how they think it should be stored. Then throw it away if you have to. I'd at least try.
A supervisor ended up calling me back who spent three years at Austin Bergstrom. She cleared a lot of the misinformation up, but oddly enough, she was very clear in telling me ammunition had to be in its own separate locked case, which is not what Alaska's policy says and not what TSA requires, but if that's what will make it easier to make this go smoothly, I'll just get one of these:
If you fly into Baltimore and take the train to DC, just tell everyone it's a guitar case and they won't hassle you. 
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