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Checking a handgun on NW

I'm thinking about bringing a handgun with me on a trip this weekend. Anyone on here done that before on NW?

I was looking at using the factory case since it does have a padlock hole in it for locking, and was curious if that's enough.

Thanks

As far as I know, you should have no problem. All you have to do is have it in a lockable case and declare it at checkin. Don't bring any ammunition, as that is not allowed to be checked. Other than that you should be fine. Military does it all the time, with no problems or hassles. And of course, ensure it is cleared before you depart for the airport.

dave.

I haven't travelled with handguns, but flew NW with a rifle a month ago. It needs to be in a lockable case, they want it locked after inspecting it. You are allowed to check ammunition, but it can't be in the same case as the gun (put it in your suitcase.....). Ammo must be in it's original box.

Guns don't belong on airplanes, period. They should be banned. This is the 21st century, not the 19th. :td:

Quote:

Originally Posted by goaliemn

Bringing a handgun is a little more complicated thana rifle. You need to have a locking case for the gun itself, and then you need to put it in your suitcase which must also lock. The first time I tried to check my glock on NW they wouldn't let me because I didnt have a lock for my suitcase. The CSA said the bag could open and people could freak out, despite the fact that all they would see is a handgun case.
Ammunition must be in its original box and not in the same case. Also, you must declare everything.

Make sure that you are legally allowed to possess a handgun in the jurisdiction of the airport. I'm pretty sure that they arrest people at LGA and JFK who show up with handguns (however they're packed) without valid NY permits.

From the Northwest website:

Quote:

Firearms, Handguns, and Ammunition

Passengers should check with Northwest for current policies, requirements, and restrictions on traveling with firearms and related items.

Northwest Airlines does not accept guns or firearms of any kind in carry-on luggage.

Northwest accepts handguns, BB guns, rifles, and shotguns as checked luggage, with certain limitations and requirements. Northwest accepts one of the following in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance:

One (1) rifle case containing no more than two (2) rifles, one (1)shooting mat, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
Two (2) shotguns in two (2) cases considered as one (1) item.
One (1) pistol case containing no more than five (5) handguns, one (1) scope, one (1) noise supressor and tools.

In addition to one (1) of the above items, Northwest accepts small arms ammunition up to a maximum of 11 pounds (5 kg). Guns and ammunition may be in the same piece of luggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging.

Northwest accepts firearm, handguns, and ammunition under the following conditions:

All firearms must be packed in a crush-proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a hard-sided suitcase. Hard-shell gun cases can be purchased at domestic airports.

Ammunition must be in the manufacturer's original packaging or a container specifically designed for ammunition. Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles will not be accepted.

Passengers must verbally declare the firearm is unloaded. Northwest requires a passenger to sign a firearm unloaded tag and include it inside of luggage containing a firearm. No exterior tag or notice of firearm may appear on the case.

Luggage containing firearms must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. Airline personnel will not unload or handle firearms.

Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of firearms, handguns, and ammunition. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of firearms, handguns, and ammunition.

http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/sp...tems.html#fire

monster makes a very good point: be certain that possession of the handgun doesn't violate any laws at the various airports where you might have access to the checked bag and handgun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhunt99

Guns don't belong on airplanes, period. They should be banned. This is the 21st century, not the 19th.

Paranoia. I imagine we shouldn't let people check anything with a pointed tip, as well? Definitely no razor blades.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhunt99

Guns don't belong on airplanes, period. They should be banned. This is the 21st century, not the 19th. :td:

I'm as unsupportive of handguns as the next guy, but I really don't think an unloaded handgun in the cargo hold will pose more threat to me than any other lump of metal. It is still bound by the laws of physics. No ammunition, no charge, no danger.

Personally, I'm in favor of allowing concealed guns in all fifty states, then banning all ammunition as a controlled substance. :cool:

Quote:

Originally Posted by elCheapoDeluxe

Personally, I'm in favor of allowing concealed guns in all fifty states, then banning all ammunition as a controlled substance. :cool:

Didn't realize we had a political forum going on here....

In any case, it's been a couple years so the regs may have changed, but I was able to check a handgun and ammo in the same bag a couple of different times.

Here is the process as I recall-

Handgun has to be in a lockable hard case (a cheapo plastic pistol case that can be had at a sporting goods store for $5 will do). A cheapo padlock will work too.

Ammo has to be in a factory ammo box- no loose rounds in a sock. I did not experience any round limit, had several hundred in my bag. Just be aware of weight limits. Edit- I see that NW allows you 11lbs of ammo now, or about 300 or so rounds of 9mm.

Suitcase was not locked, if I recall correctly. You may want to check regs on this.

Declare UNLOADED handgun when checking bag. Agent should give you a declaration form to fill out and place inside of bag (make sure they do not affix it to the outside- this is illegal). Don't waive the gun around the airport for others to see.

TSA agent will escort you to screening area and verify gun is unloaded. Then ask you to lock pistol case.

That is it.

Do not bring a handgun to any NYC area airport. Do not bring magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds to CA or other banned states.

Check to see if regs have changed.

Edit- I see that only the luggage has to be locked, not the pistol case according to how I read the NW website. Check with NW to be sure. www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/specialitems.html

I've checked my Glock many times on NW and never had an issue other than the occasional scacred stare from the person next to me at the ticket counter when I am asked to produce the weapon for the ticket agent to verify that it's not loaded!

Josh :eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhunt99

Guns don't belong on airplanes, period. They should be banned. This is the 21st century, not the 19th. :td:

And as of today, Oct. 17, 2005, we still have a 2nd amendment, and gun ownership is still allowed in the USA.

Maybe I should add "NRA Life Member" to my FT profile!

Let's stay focused

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhunt99

Guns don't belong on airplanes, period. They should be banned. This is the 21st century, not the 19th. :td:

I'm not one to usually comment about the politics and I'm also not a moderator, but I think it's safe to say the OP was NOT looking for a pro/con discussion of firearms on aircraft.

Let's just assist in answering the OP's legitimate question, and if anyone wants to discuss opinions/views of transporting firearms or gun ownership in general, please discuss in the approriate forum.

We can all get our fill of interesting political commentary on the Daily Show/Fox News/MSNBC/CNN, etc. :p

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster

I've heard that as well.. The state I'm going to honors my CCW, plus, even without that, they allow pistol ownership :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhunt99

Guns don't belong on airplanes, period. They should be banned. This is the 21st century, not the 19th. :td:

You're from Manhattan.. I know the basic gun ban in NYC definately helps keep crime down.. much like it does in Washington DC and Chicago.. :rolleyes:

I have carried my pistol in the non-sterile area before. Its allowed here under state law.