Flying with your Firearm

[TacticalLawyer 2]

Has anyone done this? I know there's a whole procedure with the locked hard case, declaration form, etc., but wondering if anyone has any practical tips to make the process smoother. Assuming this relatively commonplace and that airport staff are trained on how to deal with it, but any horror stories out there? I'd be flying out of Newark, so bonus points for any EWR-specific tips.

Thanks!

[Displaced Texan 11,750]

The procedure varies a little bit by airline, so go to your carriers website and print it out. 
 

Do not use TSA locks. 
 

It’s usually pretty straightforward. I have no advice about EWR. 

[TacticalLawyer 2]

Thanks - why not use the TSA locks? (Already bought 4..)

[Xtors 333]

7 hours ago, TacticalLawyer said:

Thanks - why not use the TSA locks? (Already bought 4..)

My understanding: the lock for the case (e.g., pelican) inside your luggage should NOT be TSA, however, the lock on your bag itself has to be TSA.

[Displaced Texan 11,750]

3 hours ago, Xtors said:

My understanding: the lock for the case (e.g., pelican) inside your luggage should NOT be TSA, however, the lock on your bag itself has to be TSA.

This. 
 

 

[High Exposure 5,664]

Couple things that I have found that works:

1) Print out multiple copies of the TSA rules. One locked inside your hard case. One taped to the outside of your hard case, one in your wallet, one with your tickets, and one in your back pocket. Be ready to pull out the one in your back pocket and point to to specific sections when questioned.

2) DO NOT USE TSA LOCKS on your packed hard case. No one should have access to your firearm except you. If they need to see or check something, they have to page you and you have to be present to open the hard case.

3) Transport with mags empty, no mag in the grip, ammo in its original case. I also like to remove the slide from the pistol and place them in the lock box clearly separated so that you can easily tell the pistol is disassembled (therefore non-functional) via an X-ray of the case. I have found that packing the gun this way this lessens the need to have you respond to the TSA luggage screeners and open the case for them to inspect.

4) When you approach the ticket agent to check-in and give them your bags say “I need to declare an unloaded firearm in my checked baggage.” - DO NOT SAY “I have a gun.” 
 

https://www.tsa DOT gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

(replace DOT with . in the link above)

[CMJeepster 2,778]

8 minutes ago, High Exposure said:

DO NOT SAY “I have a gun.”

  

[Displaced Texan 11,750]

3 minutes ago, CMJeepster said:

  

 

13 minutes ago, High Exposure said:

DO NOT SAY “I have a gun.

Yes, please don’t say that! You will receive a very unpleasant greeting. 

[TacticalLawyer 2]

 

1 hour ago, High Exposure said:

Couple things that I have found that works:

1) Print out multiple copies of the TSA rules. One locked inside your hard case. One taped to the outside of your hard case, one in your wallet, one with your tickets, and one in your back pocket. Be ready to pull out the one in your back pocket and point to to specific sections when questioned.

2) DO NOT USE TSA LOCKS on your packed hard case. No one should have access to your firearm except you. If they need to see or check something, they have to page you and you have to be present to open the hard case.

3) Transport with mags empty, no mag in the grip, ammo in its original case. I also like to remove the slide from the pistol and place them in the lock box clearly separated so that you can easily tell the pistol is disassembled (therefore non-functional) via an X-ray of the case. I have found that packing the gun this way this lessens the need to have you respond to the TSA luggage screeners and open the case for them to inspect.

4) When you approach the ticket agent to check-in and give them your bags say “I need to declare an unloaded firearm in my checked baggage.” - DO NOT SAY “I have a gun.” 
 

https://www.tsa DOT gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

(replace DOT with . in the link above)

Exactly what I was looking for - thank you!