Travelling to other states while CCW

[EM2]

I have some concerns about travelling via airline to Illinios and onto Indiana & Michigan this summer and taking my CCW handgun with me.

I will be taking my daughter off to get set up in college in Michigan (which recognizes our CCW permits ).
I will be flying out of SF and into Chicago Midway airport. I will be driving directly out of Chicago to my brother's house in Indiana (which also recognizes our CCW permits )
I plan on using my Center Of Mass Central (recommended by others on this site, thank you very much ) pistol case to store my handgun in and place it into my checked on luggage. I understand that when I declare it at the counter that I am the only one to retain the key and that it must be locked whenever I am not present and that the airline is barred from putting any "firearm" identifiers on my luggage. I will also remove the slide, barrel, and guide rod so as to comply with 18U.S.C. section 926A while travelling through the CCW unfriendly state of Illinios.
My main concern is travelling through Chicago with a firearm in light of their draconian laws & attitudes towards firearms. My understanding is that I will be covered by federal law while transitting through Chicago, but will the airport personnel recognize this in Chicago.
I plan to have in my possesion all the documentation I can find to back up my rights.

Does anyone see any legal or practical problems with my plan???

I do very much appreciate any assistance in this matter.

[CenterX]

I've flown from Sac into Indy with no trouble. Is Indianapolis too far into the other siide of the sate for your Brother's place? Did you purchase tickes already Frezno to SAC might be an easier drive than Fresno to SFO.
Anyway - SFO should be fine to fly out of.
Are you going to secure the box in our bag by the cable somehow to discourage the off handed TSS from pulling the case after you complete check-in?
I have always used a Pelican case and check it as a second bag but may try the Secure-It on a trip later this year to save the extra bag cost. I've been scoping out how to cable the thing into my bag and may have to add hardware.
I hope someone can answer the Chicago question for you. I'm also curious about that place.

[spc]

Originally Posted by EM2

I have some concerns about travelling via airline to Illinios and onto Indiana & Michigan this summer and taking my CCW handgun with me.

I will be taking my daughter off to get set up in college in Michigan (which recognizes our CCW permits ).
I will be flying out of SF and into Chicago Midway airport. I will be driving directly out of Chicago to my brother's house in Indiana (which also recognizes our CCW permits )
I plan on using my Center Of Mass Central (recommended by others on this site, thank you very much ) pistol case to store my handgun in and place it into my checked on luggage. I understand that when I declare it at the counter that I am the only one to retain the key and that it must be locked whenever I am not present and that the airline is barred from putting any "firearm" identifiers on my luggage. I will also remove the slide, barrel, and guide rod so as to comply with 18U.S.C. section 926A while travelling through the CCW unfriendly state of Illinios.
My main concern is travelling through Chicago with a firearm in light of their draconian laws & attitudes towards firearms. My understanding is that I will be covered by federal law while transitting through Chicago, but will the airport personnel recognize this in Chicago.
I plan to have in my possesion all the documentation I can find to back up my rights.

Does anyone see any legal or practical problems with my plan???

I do very much appreciate any assistance in this matter.

Here is a link to the TSA site. Print up a copy of the regulations to carry with you. I don't currently have the info for the federal travel regulations, but if you treat your transport like trunk transportation in Ca. you meet the requirements I believe.

spc

TSA: Traveling with Special Items
TSA: Traveling with Special Items

[CenterX]

I flew from Sac to Tuscon last month and all went real well. Sac was a bit hairy as the airline check-in attendee came and asked for my keys - first time they didn't escourt me to the TSA at check-in. After 20 minutes she was back and we boarded on-time.
Comming back from Tuscon was no issue at all. Did the declaration at the airline counter and swish all done -no follow-up at all.
I decided to use the Center Of Mass case as you did so it was less conspicuous than having a second hard-case box. I was nervous though, that it could have been lifted, so I declared a value at check-in. I flew Express Jet - but alas they are shutting down the public sales branch this Sept 01.
Hope your trip went well.

[TaxMan]

Originally Posted by CenterX

I flew from Sac to Tuscon last month and all went real well. Sac was a bit hairy as the airline check-in attendee came and asked for my keys - first time they didn't escourt me to the TSA at check-in. After 20 minutes she was back and we boarded on-time.
Comming back from Tuscon was no issue at all. Did the declaration at the airline counter and swish all done -no follow-up at all.
I decided to use the Center Of Mass case as you did so it was less conspicuous than having a second hard-case box. I was nervous though, that it could have been lifted, so I declared a value at check-in. I flew Express Jet - but alas they are shutting down the public sales branch this Sept 01.
Hope your trip went well.

Are you saying that the airline ticket agent took your keys and you did not accompany her/him to inspect your bag? Or am I reading this wrong? You should be present while your bag is being inspected, especially with your keys. That's the only way that your keys should be used. That's how I've done it and others that I know have done the same.

[EM2]

Ok,
I just got back yesterday from traveling to Michigan via Chicago Ill. and through Indiana.
I put my firearm in a Center Of Mass Central box and put that into my checked on baggage. I located it in the middle between my clothes so as to conceal it from any baggage handlers who may otherwise 'feel' it if it were in an outside pocket. I packed 50 rounds of ammo (in its original box) and two empty mags into a small nylon zipper pouch.

Declaring it at SF took about 20 minutes. They took me to a room next to the check in area where they x-rayed it before clearing it. The guy did not even open my luggage. He said they only get a couple a month.

I declared my firearm at Chicago Midway airport and after the lady finished rolling her eyes she had me go over to a TSA agent who was set up at a table off to the side in the baggage check in area. He proceeded to wipe everything down to test for explosives and he did open up my baggage to inspect the firearm. It took about 10 minutes.

All in all it went well. Much easier than I thought it would be.