Empty magazines and the checkpoint
Jul 22, 2011 | 3:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: *wood Gold
Posts: 1,780
Empty magazines and the checkpoint
OK, quick question for all you folks...
If I were to bring an empty, completely unloaded AR mag through the checkpoint, what kind of a kerfuffle would this set off?
Keep in mind - no firearm, no bullets - just the mag.
I've got a number of 30 round mags for one of my rifles that are marked "Law Enforcement Only" and was thinking about how much fun it would be to have TSA try to claim that this was a problem and confiscate it from me.
The D-Y-W-T-F-T threat would be useless on me then, because I'd purchase a fully refundable ticket with the intent of not going anywhere - just getting through the checkpoint and requesting a refund. To make matters more fun, this would likely be a ticket purchased last-minute, and I'd be flying with a VERY small carry-on (think just a laptop bag) and no checked luggage.
If I were to bring an empty, completely unloaded AR mag through the checkpoint, what kind of a kerfuffle would this set off?
Keep in mind - no firearm, no bullets - just the mag.
I've got a number of 30 round mags for one of my rifles that are marked "Law Enforcement Only" and was thinking about how much fun it would be to have TSA try to claim that this was a problem and confiscate it from me.
The D-Y-W-T-F-T threat would be useless on me then, because I'd purchase a fully refundable ticket with the intent of not going anywhere - just getting through the checkpoint and requesting a refund. To make matters more fun, this would likely be a ticket purchased last-minute, and I'd be flying with a VERY small carry-on (think just a laptop bag) and no checked luggage.
Jul 22, 2011 | 3:32 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Posts: 48,887
Jul 22, 2011 | 3:38 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 642
Yeah, if combined with, say, a bullet maybe. You could have a friend fly out of MCI, and another about of BUF(with a little money and an unloaded AK), and meet them in ORD.
Jul 22, 2011 | 3:45 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,702
OK, quick question for all you folks...
If I were to bring an empty, completely unloaded AR mag through the checkpoint, what kind of a kerfuffle would this set off?
Keep in mind - no firearm, no bullets - just the mag.
I've got a number of 30 round mags for one of my rifles that are marked "Law Enforcement Only" and was thinking about how much fun it would be to have TSA try to claim that this was a problem and confiscate it from me.
The D-Y-W-T-F-T threat would be useless on me then, because I'd purchase a fully refundable ticket with the intent of not going anywhere - just getting through the checkpoint and requesting a refund. To make matters more fun, this would likely be a ticket purchased last-minute, and I'd be flying with a VERY small carry-on (think just a laptop bag) and no checked luggage.
If I were to bring an empty, completely unloaded AR mag through the checkpoint, what kind of a kerfuffle would this set off?
Keep in mind - no firearm, no bullets - just the mag.
I've got a number of 30 round mags for one of my rifles that are marked "Law Enforcement Only" and was thinking about how much fun it would be to have TSA try to claim that this was a problem and confiscate it from me.
The D-Y-W-T-F-T threat would be useless on me then, because I'd purchase a fully refundable ticket with the intent of not going anywhere - just getting through the checkpoint and requesting a refund. To make matters more fun, this would likely be a ticket purchased last-minute, and I'd be flying with a VERY small carry-on (think just a laptop bag) and no checked luggage.
Lol do it if you wish.
TSA wouldn't try and claim it was a problem - it would be a problem, and the police would be involved.
And refundable ticket? Yeah, you will get your money back on that - but you might be fined by TSA regulatory, and if so, you will not get your money back from that.
Tell you what, do it and let us know what happens. Thanks!
Jul 22, 2011 | 3:47 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 353
Tell you what, do it and let us know what happens. Thanks!
Jul 22, 2011 | 3:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
If they are firearms parts, it may be a problem.
Traveling with Special Items
Firearms & Ammunition
Photo of a firearm improperly packaged
Photo of a firearm improperly packaged.
You may only transport firearms, ammunition and firearm parts in your checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
Failure to adhere to the following regulations will preclude passengers from traveling with firearms, ammunitions or firearm parts:
* Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
* TSA inspects all firearm cases at the ticket counter. Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation. If travelers are not present and the security officer must open the container, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
* Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above.
* TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.
These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Firearms & Ammunition
Photo of a firearm improperly packaged
Photo of a firearm improperly packaged.
You may only transport firearms, ammunition and firearm parts in your checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
Failure to adhere to the following regulations will preclude passengers from traveling with firearms, ammunitions or firearm parts:
* Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
* TSA inspects all firearm cases at the ticket counter. Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation. If travelers are not present and the security officer must open the container, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
* Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above.
* TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.
These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:25 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,702
You are correct, no one has received a "Terrorist Searching Americans regulatory fine" (make that one up all by yourself? If so, you deserve a gold star sticker and a pat on the head!).
However, many have received regulatory fines from TSA.
Further, as Ink has demonstrated ^ , the information regarding the transportation of firearm parts is easily accessible to the public. But if someone chooses to make a "I dare you" type of threat/gamble to the TSA, I feel no sympathy for them when and if fined.
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:31 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
Of course, it's a free country, and a free message board, so ... act as you wish.
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:35 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
LMAO
You are correct, no one has received a "Terrorist Searching Americans regulatory fine" (make that one up all by yourself? If so, you deserve a gold star sticker and a pat on the head!).
However, many have received regulatory fines from TSA.
Further, as Ink has demonstrated ^ , the information regarding the transportation of firearm parts is easily accessible to the public. But if someone chooses to make a "I dare you" type of threat/gamble to the TSA, I feel no sympathy for them when and if fined.
You are correct, no one has received a "Terrorist Searching Americans regulatory fine" (make that one up all by yourself? If so, you deserve a gold star sticker and a pat on the head!).
However, many have received regulatory fines from TSA.
Further, as Ink has demonstrated ^ , the information regarding the transportation of firearm parts is easily accessible to the public. But if someone chooses to make a "I dare you" type of threat/gamble to the TSA, I feel no sympathy for them when and if fined.
Yes I found it on your web site.
But, as far as I may know, it could be out of date.
Here is a grand bargain for all of our resident TSA folks. We will read the web site and follow published guidelines. You and your fellow employees should do the same.
(Hints: NEXUS, keeping luggage in sight, asking names at TDC, etc.)
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:37 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 642
I feel a bit uncomfortable here.
Yes I found it on your web site.
But, as far as I may know, it could be out of date.
Here is a grand bargain for all of our resident TSA folks. We will read the web site and follow published guidelines. You and your fellow employees should do the same.
(Hints: NEXUS, keeping luggage in sight, asking names at TDC, etc.)
Yes I found it on your web site.
But, as far as I may know, it could be out of date.
Here is a grand bargain for all of our resident TSA folks. We will read the web site and follow published guidelines. You and your fellow employees should do the same.
(Hints: NEXUS, keeping luggage in sight, asking names at TDC, etc.)
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:39 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,702
And, of course, as a public servant, you could have helpfully pointed the OP to that same public information. Instead, of course, you chose to simply say "it will be a problem" without offering any explanation as to why --- leaving people like me to wonder if your statement was based in policy or yet another unsubstantiated claim by a TSA representative.
Of course, it's a free country, and a free message board, so ... act as you wish.
Of course, it's a free country, and a free message board, so ... act as you wish.
Or to put it this way, if I see someone grab a hammer, and say they are going to smash their toes, I will not try to argue with them, other than to say "you might not like doing that". I will not go into detail as to why. If someone wishes to do something so stupid, that is up to them. As you say, its a free country, so heck, I'll let him do as he wishes.
But you also know from my record here that when someone has an honest question, I try my best to answer (if I am on the site at that time). People may not like my answer, but I do try to answer honest questions.
Last edited by SATTSO; Jul 22, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:40 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,702
I feel a bit uncomfortable here.
Yes I found it on your web site.
But, as far as I may know, it could be out of date.
Here is a grand bargain for all of our resident TSA folks. We will read the web site and follow published guidelines. You and your fellow employees should do the same.
(Hints: NEXUS, keeping luggage in sight, asking names at TDC, etc.)
Yes I found it on your web site.
But, as far as I may know, it could be out of date.
Here is a grand bargain for all of our resident TSA folks. We will read the web site and follow published guidelines. You and your fellow employees should do the same.
(Hints: NEXUS, keeping luggage in sight, asking names at TDC, etc.)
Jul 22, 2011 | 4:50 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,657
Answering a question in a public forum isn't just about the person who asked the question; it also informs (or fails to inform) everyone else watching the conversation. The attitude you display in your response colors their reactions, too ... not just that of the OP.
But now that I have my answer, I guess I'll bow out and let the petty bickering continue.
As you were, everyone.