Air travel with checked handgun

[sealbeach]

I recently flew to Florida, and I decided to bring a handgun with me, in checked baggage, just in case of unfriendlies in Florida--after all, i do have a Florida Concealed Weapon License (issued by Mr. Charles Bronson himself) however the entire process of HOW to do this was a bit confusing at first.

Several other forum members stepped up to the plate on chat and helped me out, so I thought i would just give you my experience/notes on the situation.

I was flying American Airlines, I printed their rules from the AA website, also there is a section on the TSA website which cites the Federal regulations, which I also printed...never know when you need this material to hand to some newbie airport employee.

Although it was an additional cost, i purchased a Pelican hard suitcase, i bought the 1650 from Case Club | Carrying, Storage, Shipping & Transport Cases, it is an excellent suitcase, has wheels, sturdy hinges and latches, you can put REAL padlocks on it, not the dinky "TSA" approved crap...buy some REAL padlocks, get the types with a long shank, the standard ones are not long enough to fit.

I also have a smaller Pelican case, which just holds the handgun itself (model 1200), a few empty mags, a box of ammo. Also buy REAL padlocks for this box as well, once again, you need the long shank padlocks.

Put the empty, cleared gun, empty mags, and your fresh box of ammo (factory cardboard box) into the small case, lock it. Put the small case into the big suitcase along with your clothes, personal stuff, etc. lock that as well. Remember, TOTAL weight of the suitcase must be less than 50 lbs.

Technically, CA law makes you have the ammo seperate from the gun, however TSA rules allow the box of ammo to be in the same case as the gun. Since they were both locked cases, and I have a CCW, this was my carry gun and as such is listed on my CCW, I went with the TSA rules.

Get to the airport EARLY!!! I got to LAX over 2 hours ahead, worth it!!! You need to goto the ticket counter, tell the agent you need to declare a checked firearm, he/she will give you a small card to fill out, (here comes the idiotic part,) you next have to unlock everything, and show the agent that the gun is empty, yep, right there in line with ma and pa kettle and god knows who else who is craning their necks to see what all the fuss is over...real great. Then the agent has you put the card into the small case, lock it (in LAX, i had to leave it unlocked until i went over to the TSA area.) put it in the big case, lock that.

Next you are sent over to the TSA screening area, they will probably just put the suitcase in their big fancy x-ray machine...and send you on your way. No, you do NOT leave the suitcase unlocked when it leaves your control--be sure it is firmly locked when you hand it over to them. I made sure my contact information was on my suitcase, including cellphone number...but everything went smoothly.

It almost seemed that my luggage went through LESS inspection than normal--since they could not open it and riffle through it. The only thing that bothered me was that you have to demonstrate your cleared gun, right there at the ticket counter, that seems pretty stupid, what if someone behind me then knew what suitcase it is in, and he has a better chance of stealing it...just be sure to get to baggage claim promptly, so nobody can swipe your luggage.

Once in Florida, most of my days were either in or adjacent to my hotel, no need or opportunity to carry...but on several occasions when the family were with me, and we were not in the greatest areas, it was comforting to have Kimber with me. I did not see even one single sign warning about "no firearms allowed" during my stay in Florida, seems very much like CA in regards to that.

Well, wish I could report a more colorful story, but that was not the case, just prepare by having high grade suitcases/guncases, good sturdy locks, and give yourself plenty of time at the airports. I wish I had gotten one of these Pelican suitcases years ago, it is awesome.

[THaves]

Thanks for the update. I too had the same experiences at John Wayne Airport it although I did not have to remove my firearm from the case. First time I went I did not have the original ammo box so they confiscated all my ammo. Seems such a stupid rule that you have to have the original box the ammo came in, oh well we know for next time.

[G30 Steve]

Originally Posted by THaves

Thanks for the update. I too had the same experiences at John Wayne Airport it although I did not have to remove my firearm from the case. First time I went I did not have the original ammo box so they confiscated all my ammo. Seems such a stupid rule that you have to have the original box the ammo came in, oh well we know for next time.

I don't believe that "ammo in the original container" rule is in affect anymore. (See TSA Rule below)

Last time I flew (3 months ago), for my pistol, I used Glock Tupperware with a cable lock through the hole. I put four loaded magazines in a fully enclosed nylon mag pouch. Packed it all in a Samsonite suitcase with a TSA lock.
No problems whatsoever.

TSA: Traveling with Special Items

• You must declare all firearms 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.
• We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
• You 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.
  
• You can’t 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).
• You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.

[OCResident]

Just so you see this AFTER your trip...

WSVN-TV - Local News - 2 Connecticut tourists OK after robbery at Disney World

2 Connecticut tourists OK after robbery at Disney World
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Two tourists from Connecticut were abducted at gunpoint, robbed and beaten early Sunday after a shopping trip in Walt Disney World, but they were not seriously injured, authorities said.

Justin Stetzer, 20, and Jessica Dellacamera, 20, who are both from Branford, Conn., were walking in a parking lot after shopping at Downtown Disney shortly after midnight, when one of three men in a black Volkswagen Jetta, asked them a question, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

They were forced into the car when they stopped to answer, the sheriff's office said. Stetzer and Dellacamera were driven to an ATM machine at a gas station, where Stetzer was forced to withdraw money, the sheriff's office said.

The tourists were ultimately taken to a remote location near an Osceola County landfill, forced from the car and beaten, authorities said. They fought back and Stetzer was struck in the head with a handgun.

During the struggle with the robbers, the gun went off. The robbers apparently panicked and fled, the sheriff's office said.

Stetzer and Dellacamera walked to nearby home and called the police. Authorities described their injuries as "bumps and bruises" and said Stetzer suffered two cuts on his head where he was hit with the gun. The injuries did not appear to be serious, authorities said.

Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez confirmed that the abduction took place on Disney property and said the company was cooperating with authorities in the investigation.

"No one should have to go through an experience like this," said Suarez. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement with its investigation and have offered assistance to our guests."

A telephone page left with the sheriff's office spokesman was not immediately returned.

[THaves]

Originally Posted by G30 Steve

I don't believe that "ammo in the original container" rule is in affect anymore. (See TSA Rule below)

Last time I flew (3 months ago), for my pistol, I used Glock Tupperware with a cable lock through the hole. I put four loaded magazines in a fully enclosed nylon mag pouch. Packed it all in a Samsonite suitcase with a TSA lock.
No problems whatsoever.

TSA: Traveling with Special Items

• You must declare all firearms 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.
• We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
• You 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.
  
• You can’t 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).
• You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.

Great info thanks.

[TaxMan]

Don't forget the rest of the posting by TSA:
"Airlines may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition that you may have in your checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies."

[G30 Steve]

Originally Posted by TaxMan

Don't forget the rest of the posting by TSA:
"Airlines may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition that you may have in your checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies."

Very true and that's why I provided the link.

My experience has been primary on Southwest out of Ontario. Other Airlines and airports may have stricter policies. You should always check with your airline and TSA just prior to leaving since rules seem to be changing fairly often these days.

[Greg-Dawg®]

Thanks for sharing sealbeach!

[sfc]

Just got back from some firearm training in Indianapolis and flew on Northwest from LAX.

I did not have to prove it was unloaded.
I had to wait until after it cleared before they would let me go from TSA check.
They had to open the container.

I have a combintion lock so I just told them the number and they were able to open it.

There were no problems in either directions.

[X-ffdo]

As a fellow traveler, my advise to you is to check with your air carrier and TSA a few days before taking the flight so that you can get the latest info.
They seem to change the procedure from time to time, expect small variations due to different air carrier personnel and conditions.
Point is stay updated.

[newshooterinca]

Having you take the firearm out of the case right at the counter is tacky. The only time I flew with a firearm, both airports had me go into a little room to show the agent that it was unloaded.

[sealbeach]

Originally Posted by newshooterinca

Having you take the firearm out of the case right at the counter is tacky. The only time I flew with a firearm, both airports had me go into a little room to show the agent that it was unloaded.

Calling that "Tacky" is an underestatement!!! I was stunned that they made me handle the firearm right at the ticket counter!!! I think this procedure might vary with different airports or carriers, for AA it was right there at the ticket counter, in front of all the other passengers.

Remember, the general attitude now in air travel is "we dont care what happens to you or your belongings, as long as you dont cause us trouble".

How many years has it been since anybody checked baggage claimchecks when you get your baggage? Nuff said.

[newshooterinca]

Taking out your firearm at the counter seems like a good way for an officer who is passing by to misunderstand the situation and draw down on you.

[X-ffdo]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

Calling that "Tacky" is an underestatement!!! I was stunned that they made me handle the firearm right at the ticket counter!!! I think this procedure might vary with different airports or carriers, for AA it was right there at the ticket counter, in front of all the other passengers.

Remember, the general attitude now in air travel is "we dont care what happens to you or your belongings, as long as you dont cause us trouble".

How many years has it been since anybody checked baggage claimchecks when you get your baggage? Nuff said.

Yeah, that attitude goes with the territory. It happened after the airlines CEOs reshaped the contraction abilities of their employees sphincter muscles!. They acquired a new expanded level of dilatation, and the awareness that comes with such an experience.

[zinfull]

It maybe tackey but it adds humor to see the faces on other travelers. All the counter pople I have dealt with were very prof and new what was going on. They look and hand you the paper. It is a lot easier than an over wieght bag.

Jerry