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Return to “U-Haul there, then fly back”
- Sat Jan 16, 2010 1:33 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: U-Haul there, then fly back
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2435
Re: U-Haul there, then fly back
Getting through the first flight is the hardest part, the rest is downhill.
- Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:16 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: U-Haul there, then fly back
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2435
Re: U-Haul there, then fly back
I suspect Jim will be here shortly to give you the complete run down, but I'll go ahead and take a stab at it for you.
There are two sets of requirements that you must abide by when flying, the TSA and your airline. It is wise to look up both of these before flying and print out copies of each to have with you just in case.
TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm
Southwest: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/guns.html
The basic drill is to pack your gun in a hard-sided case, that locks and only you are able to open. I believe that Southwest allows you to keep mags loaded, if the primers are covered (mag pouch), but not in the mag well. Ammunition is usually acceptable as long as it is in it's original packaging, and less than 11 pounds. The locked case must be inside of a bag that you're checking with the airline and declared to the ticket agent at the counter (don't check in curbside). I like to declare by saying, "I also need to declare an unloaded firearm in my luggage." This keeps from saying things that might excite others around you, such as, "I have a gun."
The ticket agent will have you sign a little card that is placed in/near the case. This is the part that seems to vary every time - I've gotten so that I just do as they say. Depending on the airport they may have you wait for a few minutes to make sure it goes through TSA without issue, take it to TSA until they've scanned it, or take it to TSA and hope that it makes it. I repeat the statement above to the TSA agents when handing them the bag. Once you're through the ticket agent and TSA screening, it's just a matter of claiming your bag at baggage claim like any other checked baggage.
There should not be anything placed outside your bag to identify it as having a firearm.
Many thanks to your son!
There are two sets of requirements that you must abide by when flying, the TSA and your airline. It is wise to look up both of these before flying and print out copies of each to have with you just in case.
TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm
Southwest: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/guns.html
The basic drill is to pack your gun in a hard-sided case, that locks and only you are able to open. I believe that Southwest allows you to keep mags loaded, if the primers are covered (mag pouch), but not in the mag well. Ammunition is usually acceptable as long as it is in it's original packaging, and less than 11 pounds. The locked case must be inside of a bag that you're checking with the airline and declared to the ticket agent at the counter (don't check in curbside). I like to declare by saying, "I also need to declare an unloaded firearm in my luggage." This keeps from saying things that might excite others around you, such as, "I have a gun."
The ticket agent will have you sign a little card that is placed in/near the case. This is the part that seems to vary every time - I've gotten so that I just do as they say. Depending on the airport they may have you wait for a few minutes to make sure it goes through TSA without issue, take it to TSA until they've scanned it, or take it to TSA and hope that it makes it. I repeat the statement above to the TSA agents when handing them the bag. Once you're through the ticket agent and TSA screening, it's just a matter of claiming your bag at baggage claim like any other checked baggage.
There should not be anything placed outside your bag to identify it as having a firearm.
Many thanks to your son!