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Air Travel with handguns #131583 04/22/2013 12:58 AM
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DeerDad Offline OP
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I want to start saving and picking up a few things to hunt out west in the future. What gun case do you use when flying? Can you have more than one gun in a case? I currently use a shotgun case to put both my scoped contenders in when hunting locally. I would not think of using this case for air travel though. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: DeerDad] #131589 04/22/2013 2:25 AM
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Gary Offline
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Yes you can have more than one gun in a case but you need to go armed with the specific airline regs printed out in your hand. Many ticket agents don't know the rules, choose to interpret them on their own and/or just like to hassle gun owners. If there is ever a problem don't fuss with the agent just ask for a supervisor and don't take no for an answer. Some agents are good others are horrible. Alaska airlines was the easiest one to deal with I've ever flown on. Their firearms policy will be available on their website under flying with dangerous or sporting goods items.


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: DeerDad] #131593 04/22/2013 3:04 AM
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x2 on what Gary said on printing their regs, especially if you want to put ammo in with the guns too.

I have an SKB pistol case that fits a couple of revolvers +/- and encore with a 15" barrel if put in diagonally. I've also used my SKB rifle case and a Pelican case. Regardless of what you buy make sure it can be locked with something other than the TSA-approved locks (like a pad lock) and don't expect the airlines to treat it nicely. They broke the spring-loaded handle on the end of my SKB rifle case, and I'm still not sure how as it lays flat unless you lift it up... Just like with optics, buy the best quality you can as regardless of the case type, it will not be treated nicely by the airline.

Also make sure the airline agents don't put a "firearm" label on the outside of the case as they're not supposed to, but some will try it...

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: bobhanson1] #131596 04/22/2013 3:47 AM
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GlennS Offline
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Pelican. Buy big locks
\:\)


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: GlennS] #131600 04/22/2013 12:02 PM
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500WE Offline
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I use an alumunum ICS case that can accomodate 2 large scoped handguns with ease. It has a long hardened rod that passes through 4 hinged hasps and can be locked.
For rifles, I used an Americase 2 rifle case with supplied combination locks.
Both cases were used on many many international flights as well as domestic ones, and no guns were ever damaged.

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 500WE] #131601 04/22/2013 12:23 PM
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Carry as many as you can fit!

Pelican 1750 and H36 hard cases - multiple heavy duty Master locks. And be nice to the ticket agent at the counter
\:\)

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: SChunter] #131602 04/22/2013 2:55 PM
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Gary Offline
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FYI, some airlines do have an arbitrary limit on the number of pistols. I think on Delta its 4.


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: Gary] #131603 04/22/2013 4:07 PM
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wheeler45 Offline
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I used an aluminum double rifle case to fly an XP-100 and two revolvers. United was very agreeable concerning firearms.


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: wheeler45] #131607 04/22/2013 8:37 PM
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73837486 Offline
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I carry my scope sighted and open sighted handguns in a beartrack case.costly but worth it.got mine from freedom arms.

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 73837486] #131615 04/23/2013 12:32 AM
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I've used an aluminum take down shotgun case by KKAir of Seatle, WA. It holds 2 xps and one revolver without problems plus MTM ammo box (legal in US). It's been abused like crazy by the airlines, but guns have survived the past 20 years.

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: wvhitman] #131617 04/23/2013 2:19 AM
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When I flew from OHare(Chicago) to Logan(Boston) to hunt Russian Boar I found out it depends on airport regulations? OHare let me board with my pocket knife while Logan opened and search every case I took. Just make sure you call beforehand and declare you have firearms with you.
Steve


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: S.B.] #131659 04/24/2013 1:32 PM
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I had a guy let me borrow a case for my trip to Montana in a few weeks. He has flown extensively for hunts. Here is his advice, what do you guys think?

Do not put a lock on the case. I have had many cases ruined because they broke the latch off to be able to look inside the case after I had checked it and had it okayed. Instead I suggest putting duct tape over all of the latches after the gun is inspected.


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: SBHunter81] #131664 04/24/2013 2:07 PM
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Your buddy does not know what he is talking about regarding checking firearms.
Per TSA regulations you have to have Non-TSA locks on a case containing firearms. Additionally, only you are to ever be in possession of the keys. Nobody other than yourself should ever have access to the actual firearm. They aren't even allowed to touch it.

Depending on the type of case, you may choose to put some tape over the latches to keep them secure after the inspection. On a couple of my less expensive rifle cases, I do this ahead of time. I double over the tape at the end to create a pull tab to easily peel it back. One strip of tape for each latch. I actually find that black hockey tape works better than duct tape and is less visible.

For regular checked bags(non-firearm), I never put locks on because TSA WILL break them off or destroy your bag if they want inside of it. In either case, the bag will be out of your possession at that point and there will be nothing you can do about it.


Having traveled extensively with firearms here is what I normally do.

Hard sided case that will accept padlocks. I don't trust the locks that normally come on cases.
For my single actions, I remove the cylinder and place it in the case beside the gun.
For semi autos, I lock the slide back and place the unloaded mag in the case next to the gun
Bolt rifles have the bolt removed and secured inside the case.
Nothing is required other than ensuring they are unloaded, but I do it as a precaution.

On check in, tell the ticket agent that you are checking a firearm. No need to make a big deal about it. They will have you verify it is unloaded and have you open the case to insert the bright orange "Firearm Unloaded" tag. If it is a pistol case I normally place it on the scale and open it in the direction of the ticket agent. This minimizes the view to the rest of the sheeple in the ticket line and minimizes the issue of anyone freaking out. Once the tag is inserted, the case is closed and locked up by you.

Depending on the airport there are several procedures I have seen.

1) The ticket agent will take your locked case and hand walk it to the TSA X-Ray machine. TSA X-Rays it and if everything checks out, you are on your way. (Philadelphia, PA)

2) You will be escorted by an agent to a separate screening area where TSA will check in your firearms case then proceed to tear apart every checked back you have, go through every single pocket, unload a bunch of your stuff on to the counter and swipe the inside of the bag with their bomb sniffing machine paper. They will then jam all of your stuff back into the bag in an unorganized fashion and force the bag shut (zippers straining). This has happened to me in this airport every single time I fly through there. (Orlando, FL)

3) You hand carry your bags to the TSA X-ray screening station, drop them off and wait for TSA to check them and ensure they are good to go (Dallas, TX)

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 98Redline] #131665 04/24/2013 2:20 PM
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SBHunter81 Offline
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That sounds much better. Thank you 98redline.


The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 98Redline] #131722 04/26/2013 1:52 PM
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SBHunter81 Offline
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So I just over the XPG case my friend lent me...no ability to accept a padlock. The ruger case my pistol came in also does not accept a padlock. Looks like I will have to pick one up.


The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: SBHunter81] #131744 04/26/2013 8:12 PM
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Straight from the TSAs website

Firearms and Ammunition
Traveling with Special Items
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Travelers may only transport UNLOADED firearms in a locked, hard-sided container in or as checked baggage. All firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames and receivers, are prohibited in carry-on baggage.

Realistic replicas of firearms are also prohibited in carry-on bags and must be packed in checked baggage. Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked bags.

In addition to TSA security rules on transporting firearms, airlines, as well as state, local and international governments have additional rules that may vary by location. Please check with your airline and with states and cities you will be traveling into and out of to become familiar with their requirements and ensure you are compliant with their laws.

Law Enforcement Officers: There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers who may fly armed by meeting the requirements of Title 49 CFR § 1544.219. Please read our policies for law enforcement officers traveling with firearms.

To avoid issues that could impact your travel and/or result in law enforcement action, here are some guidelines to assist you in packing your firearms and ammunition:

All firearms must be declared to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
The term firearm includes:
Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
The frame or receiver of any such weapon.
Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.
Any destructive device.
*Please see, for instance, United States Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44 for information about firearm definitions.

The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be in a hard-sided container that is locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.
 If firearms are not properly declared or packaged, TSA will provide the checked bag to law enforcement for resolution with the airline. If the issue is resolved, law enforcement will release the bag to TSA so screening may be completed.
TSA must resolve all alarms in checked baggage. If a locked container containing a firearm alarms, TSA will contact the airline, who will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner and advise the passenger to go to the screening location. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
If a locked container alarms during screening and is not marked as containing a declared firearm, TSA will cut the lock in order to resolve the alarm.
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.
Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above.
TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.
Rifle scopes are not prohibited in carry-on bags and do not need to be in the hard-sided, locked checked bag.
Guns and Firearms

Item Carry-on Checked
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge- Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packaged in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: cfish2] #131745 04/26/2013 8:15 PM
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Actually, for a brief period, TSA did require TSA locks. That has since changed.


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Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: cfish2] #132170 05/08/2013 1:43 AM
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What do you guys do with binoculars and spotting scopes during flights?


The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: SBHunter81] #132175 05/08/2013 4:37 AM
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take with camera,etc in your carry on.

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 73837486] #132183 05/08/2013 7:39 PM
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98Redline Offline
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Yep, all optics go in your carry on.

Also if you happen to be an archery hunter, don't put your hand held release in your pack if you happen to use one like this:


My buddy spend more than a few dicey minutes convincing the TSA goons that it was a release for a bow and not a set of brass knuckles.
.....almost didn't make that flight.

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 98Redline] #132184 05/08/2013 10:33 PM
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SBHunter81 Offline
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Wow that would be crazy. So for a spotting case would I take it and leave the bigger hard case at home?

Also, with delta is a firearms case subject to oversize baggage fees? The woman I spoke with said yes but she didn't seem knowledgeable.

Last edited by SBHunter81; 05/09/2013 2:09 AM.

The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: SBHunter81] #132192 05/09/2013 4:02 AM
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98Redline Offline
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Directly from Delta's website:

 Quote:
Shooting equipment is allowed as checked baggage only. It must fit within the very specific criteria that we outline below.
Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm.
Declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel if there's a security checkpoint before the Delta counter.
All firearms must be declared by the passenger to a Delta representative at the main ticket counter.
Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration.
Firearms must be packed in a locked manufacturer's hard-sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case or a locked hard-sided piece of luggage. Handguns may be packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft-sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case.
Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit.
Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges.
You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA website.
If you are transporting a firearm to the United Kingdom, a permit from the United Kingdom is specifically required. You must contact the United Kingdom for more information about securing this permit.
Ammunition in excess of 11 lbs. per passenger or that contains potential projectiles is not allowed.

Pistols and accessories must be included in one case and contain:
Pistol telescopes
Noise suppressors
A small pistol tool case
No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition

Rifles and shotguns must be packaged as follows:
One hard sided case containing up to four rifles, shotguns, shooting materials, tools
One hard sided case containing up to five handguns, one scope, tools
One bow and quiver of arrows and maintenance kit enclosed in a case or container strong enough to protect the bow and quiver from accidental damage
No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition

An excess baggage fee will apply if checking more than one gun case.


I don't see any verbage about all firearms cases being charged as oversize.
The only guy I know that has gotten dinged for extra charges had a big metal case that just weighed a ton. They got him for overweight but not oversize

For you spotting scope, take the smallest case you can find or wrap it in a sweatshirt and put a rubber band around it..

Re: Air Travel with handguns [Re: 98Redline] #132195 05/09/2013 10:00 AM
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cfish2 Offline
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Yep, anything over 50 lbs is considered over weight and extra charges will be added for every pound. Depending on the airlines it may be cheaper to check an additional bag rather then pay for the over weight charge. Always call the airline or go to their website as well as the TSAs site, the rules and regulations are constantly changing. Be safe and do your research before traveling.


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