Checking Firearm w/ American at DFW

[AlaskanInTexas]

I have never checked a firearm before. I am going to be checking a revolver in a hard case with a TSA lock as well as 100 rounds of .357 reloads in a plastic container. I have read the American Airlines policy (http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... rearms.jsp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and think I am in the clear. Any pointers?

[sookandy]

They are pretty easy to deal with. I took one once and it was easier to check a bag with a gun than it was to get a bottle of shampoo through.

My only tip is get to baggage claim before they start rolling bags off because it will come out with everything else.

[Excaliber]

I have never checked a firearm before. I am going to be checking a revolver in a hard case with a TSA lock as well as 100 rounds of .357 reloads in a plastic container. I have read the American Airlines policy (http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... rearms.jsp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and think I am in the clear. Any pointers?

Just get there at least 45 minutes to an hour earlier than you would otherwise because you'll have to go through the ticket counter line instead of just using the boarding pass machines. There's no way to tell how long that will take in advance.

The lock on the case inside your luggage should be one only you have the key to. The outside luggage lock can be the TSA type that EVERYBODY has keys to.

[fickman]

I have never checked a firearm before. I am going to be checking a revolver in a hard case with a TSA lock as well as 100 rounds of .357 reloads in a plastic container. I have read the American Airlines policy (http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... rearms.jsp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and think I am in the clear. Any pointers?

Just get there at least 45 minutes to an hour earlier than you would otherwise because you'll have to go through the ticket counter line instead of just using the boarding pass machines. There's no way to tell how long that will take in advance.

The lock on the case inside your luggage should be one only you have the key to. The outside luggage lock can be the TSA type that EVERYBODY has keys to.

Agree. . . it CANNOT be a TSA lock.

[RoyGBiv]

Thanks for the reminder to check Delta...

FYI.. Delta Airlines
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/ ... p#shooting" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Texas Size 11]

Just did it last week...I had to open it for the agent at the counter. Then she took my key and sent it down to the TSA people. Twenty minutes later my key comes back up and I am free to go through the gate. Fortunately I gave myself plenty of time.

It was AA as well.

[MasterOfNone]

Just did it last week...I had to open it for the agent at the counter. Then she took my key and sent it down to the TSA people. Twenty minutes later my key comes back up and I am free to go through the gate. Fortunately I gave myself plenty of time.

It was AA as well.

As stated in the other thread, you should never give up the key. American at DFW SHOULD send you to TSA with the bag, where you will have to wait until they scan it. Once it scans OK, head to your gate.

[RHenriksen]

Just did it last week...I had to open it for the agent at the counter. Then she took my key and sent it down to the TSA people. Twenty minutes later my key comes back up and I am free to go through the gate. Fortunately I gave myself plenty of time.

It was AA as well.

As stated in the other thread, you should never give up the key. American at DFW SHOULD send you to TSA with the bag, where you will have to wait until they scan it. Once it scans OK, head to your gate.

Exactly. Creeps me out to think of some TSA person alone with the key & my gun. Even TSA regs think that's a bad idea.

If someone at the ticket counter, or a TSA staffer, asks you to hand over your key, politely decline, and ask for a supervisor.

[TexasTransplant]

Please consider what I do, weekly.

I pack a Pelican (hard-sided) case with ALL my stuff (clothes, shoes, toiletries, laptop, paperwork, etc.) then I put my unloaded handgun (in an IWB holster) right on top...close it, lock it up.

At the airline counter, I say "I have items to declare." The agent hands me a declarations form - just sign and date. Put card inside suitcase, lock it up. Give it to TSA agent. Done.

NOTE: Per TSA regs, nothing can be put on the outside of the case to identify the contents, period.

I usually hang out for ten minutes or so, just to make sure they don't want to look inside it...Do NOT give anyone your key! You must be present during any inspection!

It is a nice feeling knowing all my stuff is secure.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

[RHenriksen]

Please consider what I do, weekly.

I pack a Pelican (hard-sided) case with ALL my stuff (clothes, shoes, toiletries, laptop, paperwork, etc.) then I put my unloaded handgun (in an IWB holster) right on top...close it, lock it up.

I do the exact same thing, although with a $20 army surplus steel box (81mm mortar round case). I did have to sand off the stencils with scary words on them, like 'explosive projectiles'.

Some TSA and ticket counter people get cornfused, though, because they're used to seeing a small, secured box inside of the larger box/suitcase/duffle/whatever. We always get it resolved, though.

[LabRat]

I agree with all said above. X2 on never giving out the key to the case. TSA (or the airline personnel) should never touch or otherwise interact with the firearm directly. The airline counter person only looked to see mine was unloaded. I had the slide locked back and a coated cabled padlock threaded thru the action and down thru the magazine shaft.

The only thing I would add is to make sure the case cannot be pried (even slightly) open where you could see or get hold of the weapon.

That was a major concern of the TSA guy who checked my bag. I had it double locked. He pulled pretty hard on the case. He said if it pried up just a little, he would deny the bag. Never asked to see the weapon or even what I was carrying.

I used one of my Kimber cases. Hard plastic, 2 points; padlocks secure the case.
There are better cases than this, but this was what I had.

I have to say, the case my Springfield .45 came in would not pass this test. Only 1 lock point and easy to pry up the corners and see the weapon; even remove it if you were persistent enough.

40 minutes before boarding is the wrong time to find out you can't go with your pistol and you can't leave it at the airport. I'll take luck when it comes my way, but good planning beats great luck all day, every day and twice on Sunday.

HTH
LabRat

[TexasTransplant]

Please consider what I do, weekly.

I pack a Pelican (hard-sided) case with ALL my stuff (clothes, shoes, toiletries, laptop, paperwork, etc.) then I put my unloaded handgun (in an IWB holster) right on top...close it, lock it up.

I do the exact same thing, although with a $20 army surplus steel box (81mm mortar round case).

With Abloy Pucks? (I think we saw the same presentation...)