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Flying with a firearm in checked luggage
I've got a trip coming up next week, and I'll be checking a firearm (inside a locked case, inside my rollerboard). The info on AA.com, and the TSA website, seems fairly clear, but I'd like to double-check so I don't have any surprises when I check-in at MCI.
Besides declaring the firearm to the check-in agent, is there anything else I need to provide to them? Sounds like the only thing I'll have to do is fill out the declaration form that is deposited into my suitcase, and then have the gun examined by FirstLine.
Quote:
Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition, magazines or clips will not be accepted.
This isn't necessarily a problem, but I take it that AA (or is it TSA?) will not allow any loaded magazines to be inside the locked case?
On my return, I am connecting in Chicago. Given their laws against handguns, will I run into any problems? I'm assuming that all will be well, unless I try to claim the bag, and then re-check it at the counter.
If your travels include New York (including connection/stopover/etc), then you should be aware of the pitfalls of possessing a gun in New York (lotsa arrests by otherwise law-abiding citizens). There are threads on Flyertalk of airline employees notifying the Port Authority police when travelers check in guns in NY.
Of course, if your destination is outside the USA, then another level of inquiry applies.
As you noted, Chicago might be problematic IF you claim the bag and then later check it in (which could happen if travel is disrupted and AA releases your checked bags).
On my return, I am connecting in Chicago. Given their laws against handguns, will I run into any problems? I'm assuming that all will be well, unless I try to claim the bag, and then re-check it at the counter.
(Revel sued, but in the end the Supreme Court denied certiorari; they didn't hear the case and let the lower ruling stand, if I read things correctly.)
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As this is not specific to a particular airline, it moves to the appropriate forum, Travel Safety/Security - Practical Travel Safety Issues for better exposure and answers.
JDiver, Senior Moderator
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Senior Moderator/Moderator: American AAdvantage, iDine, and Talkboard Topics
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Unfortunately, my experiences in flying with firearms has been as a military member or accompanying LEOFAs (LEO's flying armed).
But AA's specific policies are here, and USDHS' are here (though it appears the Op has checked these, others may wish to do so as well).
Travel overseas complicates things, given many countries have varying regulations (e.g. Mexico is a real tangle!) But IMO checking forearms in at point "A" (USA" and recovering the baggage at Point "B" you are subject to local regulations at points "A" and "B", and not to regulations of those jurisdictions you are merely connecting through.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akersnl
Obvious ATF agent is obvious....
Huh?
Quote:
Originally Posted by clacko
no ammo in the gun case....
reading your info above, i wouldn't have loaded mags....
and the mags should be in the locked case i believe....
Funny. So they don't want the ammo locked in the case, but it can be in the checked bag.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FWAAA
If your travels include New York (including connection/stopover/etc), then you should be aware of the pitfalls of possessing a gun in New York (lotsa arrests by otherwise law-abiding citizens). There are threads on Flyertalk of airline employees notifying the Port Authority police when travelers check in guns in NY.
Of course, if your destination is outside the USA, then another level of inquiry applies.
As you noted, Chicago might be problematic IF you claim the bag and then later check it in (which could happen if travel is disrupted and AA releases your checked bags).
Just a simple MCI-DFW-RDU-ORD-MCI ticket. Almost booked a conx in NYC, but the price went up before I could do so. Good thing, eh?!
(Revel sued, but in the end the Supreme Court denied certiorari; they didn't hear the case and let the lower ruling stand, if I read things correctly.)
Time to double check with lawyer?
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDiver
As this is not specific to a particular airline, it moves to the appropriate forum, Travel Safety/Security - Practical Travel Safety Issues for better exposure and answers.
JDiver, Senior Moderator
I was asking more for AA regs, as it seems like every legacy carrier has their own interpretation of the rules, thus the post in th AA forum
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDiver
Unfortunately, my experiences in flying with firearms has been as a military member or accompanying LEOFAs (LEO's flying armed).
But AA's specific policies are here, and USDHS' are here (though it appears the Op has checked these, others may wish to do so as well).
Travel overseas complicates things, given many countries have varying regulations (e.g. Mexico is a real tangle!) But IMO checking forearms in at point "A" (USA" and recovering the baggage at Point "B" you are subject to local regulations at points "A" and "B", and not to regulations of those jurisdictions you are merely connecting through.
I guess I'll just pack the ammo inside a different part of the suitcase, and lock everything else up.
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I once checked in two long guns at LGA. I brought them in an approved gun case with locks on the case. I was not shipping any ammo. I brought it up to the check-in counter, and they had a NY cop come over. He has to do some paperwork after inspecting the firearms to make sure they are not loaded, etc. Then you lock up the case and check it through. It was pretty straight forward.
A. Go to the Airlines web site and find out what their proceedures are....and print them off. Folks at the Airport tend to forget things at times....
B. When you get to the counter, declare your weapon. It has to be in a containter (I use my Glock Box that came with my handgun) and has to lock (I use a metal wire that wraps around it to secure it tightly then a non-TSA lock).
C. Ammo cannot be in the magizines. You can keep them (separate from the handgun...aka not in the same container the handgun is in) in the box you bought them in.
D. You will be required to fill out a form and once the Airline signs off on things, TSA Officer will be called over and off your bag goes.....
You aren't going thru any of the NYC area airports, so you won;t have any issues at all.
I fly several times a year with a firearm (shotgun) as checked baggage. It really is a pretty straight forward process.
1) Gun must be in a separate hard side and locked case. Use a keyed non-TSA lock. The idea is for you and you alone to have access to the case. For a hand gun I do not believe you are allowed to put this case inside another piece of luggage.
2) Declare the firearm at check in and fill out the "unloaded" form. On AA it's just your flight number(s) and your signature.
3) Your bag will then be screened. You may be asked to deposit it at a check bag machine. If so you need to wait until TSA give you the thumbs up. The may ask to open the case, if so provide them with the key. After inspection lock the case, take the key, and your done. Be prepared for some bone questions.
On AA you are allowed 11 lbs of ammunition to be packed in the same case as the gun. The ammo must be in it's original box.
Your experience will vary depending on where you start your trip. In places like MSP, TUL, SLC, where they see lots of guns come through, you'll breeze right through. BDL, HNL, BUR and some others may be more of a headache. Do yourself a favor and carry a copy of the TSA guidelines with you...http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...and-ammunition
I fly with "firearms" whenever I want to protect valuables from theft in checked baggage. I use a Pelican case and put a plastic flare gun in with my electronics, etc. then I lock it with a secure Abloy Protec lock.
If you are going to be flying with firearms regularly, then invest in good, hardsided luggage and a high quality lock... not only will you protect your firearm, but anything else that you pack with it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StanSimmons
I fly with "firearms" whenever I want to protect valuables from theft in checked baggage. I use a Pelican case and put a plastic flare gun in with my electronics, etc. then I lock it with a secure Abloy Protec lock.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearcat06
C. Ammo cannot be in the magizines. You can keep them (separate from the handgun...aka not in the same container the handgun is in) in the box you bought them in.
Alright. I guess I'll go search for some containers that can hold addition rounds..
I fly with "firearms" whenever I want to protect valuables from theft in checked baggage. I use a Pelican case and put a plastic flare gun in with my electronics, etc. then I lock it with a secure Abloy Protec lock.
If you are going to be flying with firearms regularly, then invest in good, hardsided luggage and a high quality lock... not only will you protect your firearm, but anything else that you pack with it.
Thanks for the link. I purchased a pelican case with a custom mold for my gun (http://caseclub.com/), and have two padlocks that will keep the case secure. Not even the sneakiest TSA clerk could steal the gun (well, unless they have bolt cutters...)
