How do I travel on a plane with a firearm?

[Ray Ray 3,566]

I'm flying to South Carolina soon and I wanted to bring one or two handguns with me. I know they have to be in my luggage but is there anything else I should do?

[BobZ 0]

Best thing is to look on FAA and airline websites.

 

The gun needs to be declared and inspected that its empty.

 

You are lucky that you are flying to a more free gun law state.

People have been arrested in Newark airport even after complying with all the laws.

[GRIZ 3,369]

Check TSA website and website for the airline you're flying. basically, gun must be unloaded and locked in a hard sided container, ammo easiest to carry in factory box, and ammo can be carried in same container as firearm. Must check in at counter and tell clerk you have a firearm to declare in your checked luggage.

[Malsua 1,422]

The lock on the case must NOT be TSA approved. Get a Pelican case.

[djg0770 481]

I'm flying to South Carolina soon and I wanted to bring one or two handguns with me. I know they have to be in my luggage but is there anything else I should do?

 

 

You're kidding me - right Ray?

 

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

[efl15 0]

What everyone above me said. Let us know how it goes. Are you flying out of Newark?

[67gtonut 847]

You know you cant carry in S. Carolina..... right?

[Malsua 1,422]

**I posted bad info**

[tommy3rd 132]

check out handgunlaw.us

South Carolina Does Not Honor Non-Resident Permits/Licenses. You must be a resident of the states they honor for your permit to be valid in South Carolina.

[Malsua 1,422]

check out handgunlaw.us

South Carolina Does Not Honor Non-Resident Permits/Licenses. You must be a resident of the states they honor for your permit to be valid in South Carolina.

 

That is correct. My post was inaccurate.

[njpilot 671]

Check TSA website and website for the airline you're flying. basically, gun must be unloaded and locked in a hard sided container, ammo easiest to carry in factory box, and ammo can be carried in same container as firearm. Must check in at counter and tell clerk you have a firearm to declare in your checked luggage.

 

 

What actually constitutes a "hard sided container"? Would the hard plastic case that a lot of handguns come in be considered hard sided? They have a hole for a padlock.

[Guest]

TSA

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

 

CONTINENTAL

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/co ... ports.aspx

[Malsua 1,422]

Check TSA website and website for the airline you're flying. basically, gun must be unloaded and locked in a hard sided container, ammo easiest to carry in factory box, and ammo can be carried in same container as firearm. Must check in at counter and tell clerk you have a firearm to declare in your checked luggage.

 

 

What actually constitutes a "hard sided container"? Would the hard plastic case that a lot of handguns come in be considered hard sided? They have a hole for a padlock.

 

Yes. The issue is if you can still open the case and pry out the gun, it isn't good enough. I have the a case I got with my .22 many years ago(non factory) that can be opened that way. My recent HK and SW guns make it impossible.

[njpilot 671]

TSA

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

 

CONTINENTAL

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/co ... ports.aspx

 

 

Thanks fo rthat HuntingPaper. Did you find the "container section" on the site? Couldn't find it and tried asking at the Continental side but the auto-reply couldn't figure out what I was asking and gave a general firearm procedure.

 

"The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site. "

 

Thanks for any help anyone.

[ChrisJM981 924]

I'm flying to South Carolina soon and I wanted to bring one or two handguns with me. I know they have to be in my luggage but is there anything else I should do?

 

From what I read they don't make a distinction from resident and non-resident (Edit: Concerning transporting firearms)

 

SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions. [sC ST SEC 16-23-20]
It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by law:

(9) a person in a vehicle if the handgun is:

(a) secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance; or

(b) concealed on or about his person, and he has a valid concealed weapons permit pursuant to the provisions of Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23; 

 

As far as flying:

Check with your airline as each one has different requirements. I flew from Newark to Pittsburgh.

 

1. Firearms must be in a hard lockable case with NON TSA approved locks. You must be the only person with the key. Long arms must be in a hard case on most carriers. All firearms are to be unloaded. (I took out my snap caps as well)

2. They have to be in checked luggage. You CANNOT put them in carry-on luggage. You CANNOT use curbside luggage check.

3. You must go to your carrier's check-in desk and declare your firearm. You must sign a firearms declaration tag and place it in the case. Re-lock the case. (for first time flyers: this is done BEFORE you go through security) Make sure they tag the case (or bag that you've placed the case in) for your destination!

4. The carrier will call someone over to escort you to a TSA inspection room(This is for Newark Airport. In Pittsburgh I went to the oversized check-in counter after declaring). They may ask for the key to inspect the case. They must return the key to you after inspection. (For a small pistol case I recommend securing the case to the inside of a suitcase with a cable lock)

5. From there they will load it on the plane. You claim your bag at the normal luggage carousel for your flight. At Newark my rifle case arrived at the over_sized luggage carousel.

 

Moderators: You have my permission to add, copy, & edit any information to or from this mini-guide. I recommend creating a sticky thread as this seems to be a recurring question.

[Genewarper111 18]

I spoke to Newark TAS directly about this. The said that they preferred (whatever that means) firearms to be fitted with a cable lock inside a locked hard-sided case, with ammunition stored in a separate container. Both inside your check-in bag. I should have, but did not, ask whether my sig boxes would suffice. I more or less decided that ammo is so easy to get it wasn't worth carrying it, but that's just me. Since most cases have room, I don't see an issue with taking the slide off a semi also, and running the cable lock thru the frame, but that's just me also. There's no reason not to keep these guys happy, since they can turn your life to shit.

 

Happy Shooting

G

[Genewarper111 18]

oh and a ps

 

South Carolina does not recognise non resident permits from Utah, Florida or Virginia, or indeed resident permits from New Jersey. You can get a South Carolina non-resident permit only if you own property in the state.

 

G

[tommy3rd 132]

From what I read they don't make a distinction from resident and non-resident.

yes they do from Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23 SECTION 23-31-215.:

(N) Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must be honored by this State, yada yada yada...

that's why I didn't go to law school. The way they write stuff would make you go crazy! lol

[Guest]

TSA

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

 

CONTINENTAL

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/co ... ports.aspx

 

 

Thanks fo rthat HuntingPaper. Did you find the "container section" on the site? Couldn't find it and tried asking at the Continental side but the auto-reply couldn't figure out what I was asking and gave a general firearm procedure.

 

"The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site. "

 

Thanks for any help anyone.

 

I carry my gun in a lockable metal case like this one. This will suffice TSA. I bought it at Bullet Hole for around $30.

[ChrisJM981 924]

From what I read they don't make a distinction from resident and non-resident.

yes they do from Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23 SECTION 23-31-215.:

(N) Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must be honored by this State, yada yada yada...

that's why I didn't go to law school. The way they write stuff would make you go crazy! lol

 

I didn't specify. I meant as far as transporting in a vehicle. I'll fix that though.

[ChrisJM981 924]

I spoke to Newark TAS directly about this. The said that they preferred (whatever that means) firearms to be fitted with a cable lock inside a locked hard-sided case, with ammunition stored in a separate container. Both inside your check-in bag. I should have, but did not, ask whether my sig boxes would suffice. I more or less decided that ammo is so easy to get it wasn't worth carrying it, but that's just me. Since most cases have room, I don't see an issue with taking the slide off a semi also, and running the cable lock thru the frame, but that's just me also. There's no reason not to keep these guys happy, since they can turn your life to ****.

 

Happy Shooting

G

 

And the State Police prefer you not to wake them up when they're sleeping on duty. Doesn't mean you can't.

 

From Continental's website:

 

Firearms

 

Continental accepts one item of shooting equipment per customer as checked baggage. One item of shooting equipment is defined as one hard-sided shooting equipment case containing up to five firearms, with or without scopes, 11 lbs (five Kgs.) of ammunition and articles used in the firearm sport.

 

* Firearms will be accepted only from a customer who is 18 years of age or older.

* International firearm regulations vary by destination and transiting country. Contact appropriate consulates or embassies to obtain specific entry requirements applicable to destination(s).

o Firearms are not accepted to/from Israel.

o Firearms are not accepted to/from Denmark

o For travel to/from the United Kingdom, pistols, rifles and shotguns must be packed in a hard side rifle case.

o Customers traveling to/through Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) with checked firearms/ammunition must obtain permission from the Netherlands Consulate/Embassy in their country of origin prior to departure. Weapons are subject to confiscation in Amsterdam unless the owner can show all required permits. Customers traveling on military orders with checked firearms may do so without prior consent from Dutch Customs. Checked military ammunition is forbidden. For your convenience, the application for permission is available for download in Adobe PDF format.

* Curbside check-in of a firearm is not permitted.

* The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site.

* Handguns must be packed in hard-side lockable luggage. Baggage containing handguns must be locked at the time of acceptance by Continental Airlines and the key or combination retained in the passenger's custody.

* The firearm will be transported in a section of the aircraft that is inaccessible to the customer. Proof of registration is not required.

* Firearms carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.

* No more than 11 pounds of ammunition may be carried. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container. Ammunition must be packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal containers. The ammunition inside the container must be protected against shock and secured against movement. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container.

[njpilot 671]

TSA

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

 

CONTINENTAL

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/co ... ports.aspx

 

 

Thanks fo rthat HuntingPaper. Did you find the "container section" on the site? Couldn't find it and tried asking at the Continental side but the auto-reply couldn't figure out what I was asking and gave a general firearm procedure.

 

"The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site. "

 

Thanks for any help anyone.

 

I carry my gun in a lockable metal case like this one. This will suffice TSA. I bought it at Bullet Hole for around $30.

 

Thanks HP. I was thinking of getting one of these, currently on sale a Midway. Are you satisfied with this case?

 

Thanks again.

[Guest]

 

I carry my gun in a lockable metal case like this one. This will suffice TSA. I bought it at Bullet Hole for around $30.

 

Thanks HP. I was thinking of getting one of these, currently on sale a Midway. Are you satisfied with this case?

 

Thanks again.

 

Very happy with it! I use it all the time since I drive a SUV therefore not lockable trunk so this steel box makes it perfectly legal to carry on the back of my car. I store the ammo in a small dry box (Pelican type) and both in a range bag. I could easily check that bag at the airport as it is

[mipafox 438]

Don't bother carrying a reload, they make you unload your mags anyway. And expect TSA to say "You're not allowed to carry that in here" when you go to check it. Tell them you can carry anywhere you want as long as you don't pass into a secured zone. They will also make you take off your holster because, "We don't care, but you have a connecting flight." Which is a bitch for fat guys like me because taking off my belt is almost like getting undressed.

 

Note: I don't think most people can carry in NJ, and not sure of the NJ laws for carrying into an airport.

[ChrisJM981 924]

Don't bother carrying a reload, they make you unload your mags anyway. And expect TSA to say "You're not allowed to carry that in here" when you go to check it. Tell them you can carry anywhere you want as long as you don't pass into a secured zone. They will also make you take off your holster because, "We don't care, but you have a connecting flight." Which is a **** for fat guys like me because taking off my belt is almost like getting undressed.

 

Note: I don't think most people can carry in NJ, and not sure of the NJ laws for carrying into an airport.

 

The only things we can carry into an airport are luggage and children. Neither are very effective at stopping a threat.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

I'm flying to South Carolina soon and I wanted to bring one or two handguns with me. I know they have to be in my luggage but is there anything else I should do?

 

 

You're kidding me - right Ray?

 

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

 

Notice that everyone else hasn't said anything stupid or "everyone knows this!" kinda crap. I asked a question and got an answer, it also helped out a few other members as well. Stop being a d!ck!

[djg0770 481]

I'm flying to South Carolina soon and I wanted to bring one or two handguns with me. I know they have to be in my luggage but is there anything else I should do?

 

 

You're kidding me - right Ray?

 

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

 

Notice that everyone else hasn't said anything stupid or "everyone knows this!" kinda crap. I asked a question and got an answer, it also helped out a few other members as well. Stop being a d!ck!

 

I gave you a f0ck!ng link didn't I you doosh? I certainly didn't imply that you should know this, but rather that you should know GOOGLE is your friend. The advice you receive on the internet is worth LESS than you pay for your internet service each month. Until you have the airline's policy in hand, all the "My friend - a LEO, said I could..." don't mean shit when Joe Checkin decides you're a problem and he needs to call security to have an "armed individual" removed from the airport. We know how well that went for that guy that the Port Authority grabbed.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Then what's the point of this forum if we have "the Googles", and youtube, and websites? I asked a question and got the answer, enough said. Now, spell check this cause I problably spellt like three or 4 words wrong!

[mipafox 438]

Hey, I thought I said something stupid. Give props!

 

(although it was also true)

[KpdPipes 388]

Then what's the point of this forum if we have "the Googles", and youtube, and websites? I asked a question and got the answer, enough said. Now, spell check this cause I problably spellt like three or 4 words wrong!

 

 

Also ray, each airline usually has it's OWN rules as well that incorporate the TSA regulations..in some cases they mirror, in others the airline is more strict..there isnt any "Blanket policy' when it comes to transporting firearms on domestic carriers.