Carrying across state lines

[GHF]

Taking Guns On Planes

Having traveled a number of times, here's how I go at it:

1. Put the unloaded weapon(s) in a lockable hard-sided case with locks only you have the keys to open. TSA locks are not allowed.
2. Steps that will make it easier to show that the weapon is unloaded - especially when x-rayed.
   • If the weapon is a
     • semi-automatic
       • lock the slide open
       • put a cable tie through the barrel and out the breach to show that the chamber is empty
     • revolver, flip the cylinder out
   • Do not put the magazines in this locked case with the gun(s)
     • it invites questions about them being loaded
     • if the gun case is "liberated" from the checked bag, the lack of magazines frustrates the thief, since the weapon is now initially a single shot one
3. Check the airline(s) you are flying on:
   • Determine if the ammo MUST be in boxes (plastic reload boxes work) OR can fly in loaded magazines.
   • If loaded magazines are permitted, make sure the pouches fully cover the magazines
   • The round(s) from the chamber(s)/cylinder(s) must be in a box, not loose
4. Secure and protect magazines (separately from the weapon) and ammunition boxes from possible damage.
5. Put the lockable hard-sided case with the weapon and the ammo/magazines into a cheap, non-descript bag - with clear labeling outside and inside - for checking in.
   • If possible, develop a way to attach in a lockable way the hard-sided case to the piece of luggage it has been placed into.
   • The labeling should be limited to:
     • Your Name
     • Your Cell Phone - if you have one, or your home phone if you do not
     • Your personal email address - if you have one
     • NO ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE INDICATED
6. Other stuff - like shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc, could be in this checked bag also.
7. Have the rules for the airline in hand when you check this non-descript bag at the airport.
8. Make sure you have the keys to the lockable hard-sided case with you and you alone (Per Federal Regulations 49CFR § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals - http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=49:9.1.3.5.9.2.10.6&idno=49) at all times. You will have to open the lockable hard-side case
   • to demonstrate to the airline that the weapon(s) are not loaded at check in (a signed form/tag indicating that will go in with the weapon(s))
   • if the TSA wants to see
9. Have the serial number(s) and descriptions of your weapons on you, so if they "disappear" you can report the loss/theft immediately to the:
   • airline
   • FAA Regional Office
   • ATF Regional Office

Other things to consider:

1. Check www.handgunlaw.us and/or http://apps.carryconcealed.net/packngo/index.php to determine:
   • If you can possess the weapon at all your stops
   • Where and how you can carry at all your stops
   • What are the deadly force rules in each state you are visiting
2. Have a copy of the Don Young Transportation Letter on hand - http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/us0letter.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.

 

[Dewhitewolf]

I flew out of Newark to Las Vegas with a pistol. I declared the unloaded firearm to the counter agent (I think it was Continental, but I could be wrong). A supervisor came over immediately and handed me a declaration form for me to sign. He then took my luggage bag and escorted me to the TSA zone, where a TSA agent asked me to insert my signed declaration into the bag.

The agent then placed my bag on the conveyor, saw through the x ray that it was in fact unloaded, then gave me the thumbs up and I was on my way.

As a few people pointed out, always print out the TSA guidelines (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1666.shtm) and bring them with you. Also, print out the policies of the airline you are flying on; they may be more restrictive than TSA's regulations.

As GHF pointed out, do NOT use TSA locks on the container of the firearm! They may only be used on your luggage, but not the container itself.

Be prepared to ask (politely) for a supervisor if the counter agent does not know what to do.

I will also suggest what I did, as a matter of "just in case." I taped a paper to my gun container with my name, cell phone number, flight number, and even seat number, in the event that there were any problems, I could be located.

One thing that I will also point out is that TSA will not (and should not) ask about registration information or anything like that. This is outside their scope of authority.

I flew to Nevada, and back, without any problems. Very smoothe process, as long as you're prepared.