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Jeff B. wrote:Very good advice.

I'll add a personal experience. Two Aprils ago we did a trip to the SE (Masters) and saw some folks in Brunswick & Savanah, consequently flying into and out of Jacksonville, FL. Trip out of DFW was uneventful, as described above. Nice trip, got to show piece to my BIL (Gylnne Co Sheriff) after a conversation about local crime.

Trip back... Got to AA, started process, then the ticket agent took his pen and got it in between the lids of the Pelikan case and told me the TSA would not accept that as secure and would fine the airline. He showed me his FL CHL and said, "I'm not busting your chops, we've got a new TSA boss from New York that doesn't think you should have that gun, let alone travel with it." He then told me to go to the gift shop and buy a pair of the TSA locks so I could have two locks on each case that would not allow a pen to get inside the cases. So I got the two short locks and essentially forced them into the cases and locked them. Checked my bags and came back to DFW (In time to get home and see a 53' trailer picked up by a tornado) and avoid some storms!

Allow that extra time!

Jeff B.

TomsTXCHL wrote:

Jumping Frog wrote:

jimlongley wrote:We were ALSO not authorized to check whether a firearm was unloaded at the ticket counter, that was up to the ticket agents and airline employees and if the airline wants you to demonstrate that the firearm is unloaded, they have the right to do so, and if you refuse, they also have the right to deny you the flight.

Almost every time I fly United, I am asked to show the ticket agent my handgun is unloaded. I quietly and discreetly do so.

I don't understand how you can easily do that in a crowded airport with people all around you--I mean, just the act of setting the bag somewhere and opening it up is unusual and would get others' attentions???

LabRat wrote:Do a search for flying with guns on this website...plenty of threads to follow and learn.

1. declare the weapon when you check in your luggage.
2. Make sure it's unloaded and no ammo in a magazine.
3. Make sure the box is locked and you cannot pry the edges apart.
4. There is 1 form; just signing a declaration that the weapon is unloaded.
5. They will put that form on top of the locked box.
Under no circumstances unlock the box and show the check-in agent the weapon.
If they insist, ask that TSA be summoned to the counter.
(I told one agent that I was uncomfortable showing a weapon in the airport)

I pack my mags and ammo in with the weapon. Just be sure there is no round in the weapon and no rounds in the mags.
I keep the ammo in the original box it came in. My lockbox will accommodate them all (I use a Pelican)
Make sure the locks on your weapon box itself are NOT TSA locks. I use a sturdy padlock (2 of them).
The luggage locks should be the TSA-type lock.

Once you have the weapon declared and your luggage relocked; follow the agents directions.
They may just put it on the luggage belt behind the counter or they may tell you to take it to a special location.
Do what they tell you. Ensure that you are not carrying any extra mags or ammo in your carry on.
When my wife and I fly, we don't talk about the guns at any time in the airport (here or there).

Once done, go to your gate and fly.

Collect luggage at destination. I usually put my hand into the luggage to ensure the locked gunbox is still there once it arrives at your destination.

Have a nice trip.

LabRat