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Originally Posted by dimramon
(Post 29428735)
That's how I was looking at it. Mainly to get on the upgrade list, so I have a small chance of getting out of 38E :)
Having dropped to Silver, that's become a fact of life for me... :( |
I fly out of IAD regularly and have had decent experiences checking firearms with UA, with the exception of one incident similar to what a prior poster mentioned. Had to wait for a UA supervisor to complete the paperwork and walk me to TSA and it took a few phone calls to get someone to come from behind the door to help. Depending on counter staffing on a particular day, that can make the process longer or shorter. I have checked a firearm at IAD in as short as 10 minutes, and would say 15-20 minutes is the norm. They actually get a lot of FBI, secret service and marshalls coming through there, so they are used to this process.
The IAD TSA part of the process is great, as you get to stand there while they do the firearms screening just in case there issues, which is different than LAS - where you have to wait for 10 minutes just in case they need to call you back to ticketing if there is an issue. That said, going through LAS is like checking a regular piece of baggage, with the exception of adding the firearms declaration inside your case. The worst airport is EWR, where everything in the process is compounded and adds wait time. You have to wait for UA supervisor sometimes, then have to wait for TSA supervisor, who then walks you to some obscure hallway and security room and does the screening while you wait outside the room, and then they put it in the normal baggage handling pathway if everything checks out. I have never had that process take less than about 25-30 minutes, and it can take an hour on busy days waiting for the TSA supervisor. I think this may be a function of NJ laws and firearms perceptions in that state, which are more strict than VA and NV. I would say LAS is the best and EWR is the worst, with IAD firearms check-in times decent on most days. |
Just to add a few to the list: (these are all multiple checkins over several years, not just one time checks
Never had a problem, no hassle, generally 10-15 min TOPS: DFW PHX PIT IAH MCI ATL CHS (home airport and I am known by name and sight by most agents - no biggie - very small airport) Nightmare: EWR Never {tried}: ORD JFK SFO |
Checked firearms literally dozens of times. For the most part I show up a little earlier, just in case and am very prepared: gun case with TSA approved locks ready, bolt or magazine open, ammo in case visible, etc. Airports at popular hunting destinations such as BOI, LIT, IDA, even GRR are really easy...they are used to dealing with it.
I do try to avoid the major urban airports (EWR, SFO, IAD). Even BWI was easy, although this may mean an extra stop. I always check in on line at T-24 and then go to counter. In have not had this interfere with confirmed CPU, and even when still on the waitlist, I haven't seen that this has changed my position in the queue. I am sure that there are real horror stories out there, maybe I have just been really lucky. But overall, I haven't seen or dealt with anything that would make me change airlines just because I was carrying a firearm. |
Q: Does the *outer* bag have to be hardside luggage?
Greetings all -
I understand the regs around the case that the firearm and/or ammo must be in. My question: I use a wheeled, lockable duffle bag from 5.11 as my checked bag. In order to check a firearm inside a locked hard case, do I need to use something besides the duffel bag to carry that locked hard case? Or in case further elaboration is needed, what I want to do is place my firearm in a locked hard-sided case with padlocks as specified by the TSA. Can I take that locked hard case and put it inside of a soft-sided larger piece of luggage? Or does the outside piece of luggage *also* have to be hard-sided? TIA, S2 |
Originally Posted by skipstocks
(Post 30546243)
Greetings all -
I understand the regs around the case that the firearm and/or ammo must be in. My question: I use a wheeled, lockable duffle bag from 5.11 as my checked bag. In order to check a firearm inside a locked hard case, do I need to use something besides the duffel bag to carry that locked hard case? Or in case further elaboration is needed, what I want to do is place my firearm in a locked hard-sided case with padlocks as specified by the TSA. Can I take that locked hard case and put it inside of a soft-sided larger piece of luggage? Or does the outside piece of luggage *also* have to be hard-sided? TIA, S2 Rarely can you find a hard sided piece of luggage now. afaik - the hard sided thing is just so it doesn't get squished or twisted open during normal baggage handling - you can ship the gun in just the hard sided case by itself, so having it in a duffel or other case doesn't matter. |
Anyone have any experience checking in firearms at DEN or SEA? I might be doing just that here soon...
Also, it seems to be very conflicting that some sites tell me to use a case with TSA approved lock, where as other sites will say do NOT use TSA approved locks. Not sure which is correct. |
Originally Posted by Hipplewm
(Post 30546397)
No, you are fine in your wheeled duffle
Rarely can you find a hard sided piece of luggage now. afaik - the hard sided thing is just so it doesn't get squished or twisted open during normal baggage handling - you can ship the gun in just the hard sided case by itself, so having it in a duffel or other case doesn't matter. |
Originally Posted by maverickar15
(Post 30546469)
Anyone have any experience checking in firearms at DEN or SEA? I might be doing just that here soon...
Also, it seems to be very conflicting that some sites tell me to use a case with TSA approved lock, where as other sites will say do NOT use TSA approved locks. Not sure which is correct. On the locked case that only contains your gun, according to TSA, you can use either: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transport...and-ammunition I would HIGHLY recommend against that. |
Originally Posted by ExplorerWannabe
(Post 29432422)
Seeing as Dulles is supervised under the Metro Washington Airport Authority, I suspect the issue there had more to do with DC laws or police than UA. I've only checked firearms in three states (FL, CO, and HI) but never had any real delay or problem with UA.
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I've wanted to fly to Vegas for competitive shooting events, but have never had the guts to check a firearm. I've read too many nightmare stories of flights getting diverted to EWR (in particular) and even of people getting arrested for their checked ammunition when the diversion unexpectedly resulted in an overnight stay @ EWR and they had to re-check in the morning. I would love to hear more experiences in this regard w/ EWR in the mix.
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Originally Posted by LordHamster
(Post 30547068)
I've wanted to fly to Vegas for competitive shooting events, but have never had the guts to check a firearm. I've read too many nightmare stories of flights getting diverted to EWR (in particular) and even of people getting arrested for their checked ammunition when the diversion unexpectedly resulted in an overnight stay @ EWR and they had to re-check in the morning. I would love to hear more experiences in this regard w/ EWR in the mix.
I fretted for 2 days, my only (In my mind) saving grace was the fact I had a receipt for a hotel in PA - so the ONLY reason I was traversing thru NJ was to fly, which is 100% legal. That should also cover you if you diverted as well, but might take more explaining. I have yet to get caught in ORD, which I fear much more than EWR, or god forbid SFO. I called the NJ/NY ports authority and NJ state police before I left the hotel in PA and was assured I would be fine. |
Originally Posted by Often1
(Post 30546575)
I am certain that Virginia officials would be less than delighted with your assessment. IAD is located in Virginia and DC laws are just about as relevant as California or the Yukon Territory's.;)
From MWAA History and Facts | Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority On June 7, 1987, Washington Dulles International and Washington National Airports were transferred to the Airports Authority under a 50-year lease authorized by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986, Title VI of Public Law 99-500. All property was transferred to the Airports Authority, and the Federal government holds title to the lease. Prior to the transfer, the airports were owned and operated by the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation. |
Does each firearm need to be in it's own case?
Does each firearm need to be in it's own case? Or can I out two handguns in a larger, suitable lock box?
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Originally Posted by skipstocks
(Post 30549598)
Does each firearm need to be in it's own case? Or can I out two handguns in a larger, suitable lock box?
Originally Posted by skipstocks
(Post 30546243)
Greetings all -
I understand the regs around the case that the firearm and/or ammo must be in. My question: I use a wheeled, lockable duffle bag from 5.11 as my checked bag. |
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