leaving pistol in car while parked at an airport?

G

grantman

New member
Next weekend I'm taking a weekend trip in my home state and then flying out early Monday morning. I won't be coming back until the following Saturday. Would I be breaking the law by keeping my pistol locked up in the car while parked in long term lot? I have my CCW permit and I definitely want to have my gun with me for the weekend but don't want to risk breaking the law by even driving on airport property with a weapon.
 
I can't speak to Alabama, but in Texas it is perfectly legally for a CHL holder to carry anywhere on Airport grounds that is not a controlled entrance - i.e. past security. Consult your state's carry laws for specific for your region. As a matter of federal regulation, there's nothing special about an airport parking lot.
 
I am not the definitive expert, but I have never heard of a law against carrying a gun in an airport parking lot.

You can bring the gun with you on the flight if you check it according to the regulations. This would be Federal Air Regulation 108.11 - according to Ayoob in a Combat Handguns Dec '06 article.

The bigger concern is what are the laws concerning your legal responsibility if the gun is stolen and used in a crime.
I know it wasnt too long ago here in MT that a gun stolen from a car used in a crime - the charges would be levied against the negligent (in the laws eyes) gun owner. That law has since been changed, but its worth knowing before hand.
 
Alabama law reads:
"A license to conceal carry firearms does not authorize
any person to carry a concealed firearm into, but not
limited to, the following places:
• any airport, courthouse or criminal justice building;
• any public gatherings such as sporting events,
political events, parades, etc.

So I'm reading that to be walking into the actual aiport rather than parking my car in the lot.
 
any airport, courthouse or criminal justice building
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Hmm, I'd get more confirmation on that. To me, it could read either way.

Any airport.
Courthouse.
Criminal Justice building.

See what I mean?
 
If the state you're traveling to has reciprocity with AL, call their Dept of Public Safety and see if you are allowed to carry in that state with just your AL permit. Check this link to see the pertinent information for CCW for all states/provinces/district in the US. 25 states honor an Alabama permit, it's worth looking in to.

Hope this helps.
 
...I definitely want to have my gun with me for the weekend...
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You absolutely can't be without it for a weekend? So how would you feel if you came back and found your car stolen with your gun in it; a gun registered in your name?

That being said, I know of someone who regularly flies out of state with various firearms (as checked baggage of course!) and this is perfectly legal as long as you inform the agent checking your bags.

Scott
 
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What are your gun transit laws in Alabama? In Kentucky for example, any one, CCW or not, can travel with, or leave, a gun in their glove box, so it wouldn't be an issue here.

I'd check out www.handgunlaw.us for a listing of Alabama's laws.
 
I live in alabama, It is 100% legal to carry a gun into any parking area, including that of a school. the school exception is you may NOT exit the vehicle, with or without the firearm, and it must be to just pick up or drop off a child.

Although it is legal to leave your secured firearm unattended (other then at a school), I would pose the same question as the others. Why would you? the liability far outweighs the benefit. If the firearm is locked in your car, its pretty much useless to you until you are in your car.
 
If you can carry where you are going you should be able to take it in checked luggage as long as its locked in a hard case, unloaded, inside a hard suitcase also locked. you have to declare it at the check in when you check your luggage at the counter not with a skycap tell them that you have an unloaded firearm to declare. Check with the airport to make sure the any airport means in the sterile areas and not public areas.
 
May be a stupid idea but

Is your CCW recognized at the destination you are traveling too for the week??? If so why not drive to the airport, unload your weapon put it in your checked bag (in a locked box) with the ammo in a factory ammo box. Disclose to the air line what you have in your baggage. and then you have your side arm in your destination all week, and upon your return.

Edit:270 beat me too it.
 
My standard reply---consult an Attorney!!! As for me, I would never leave anything of value, let alone a handgun, in my car at an airport parking lot or for that matter any parking lot.
 
Alabama law reads:
"A license to conceal carry firearms does not authorize
any person to carry a concealed firearm into, but not
limited to, the following places:
• any airport, courthouse or criminal justice building;
• any public gatherings such as sporting events,
political events, parades, etc.

So I'm reading that to be walking into the actual aiport rather than parking my car in the lot.
Click to expand...

In NY state the law is referring to the PROPERTY of those places. Technically, it is illegal to be on airport property with a concealed firearm.

I suspect that the meaning is similar in other states.

Call the permit issuing authority, they can certainly tell you.
 
I must say that you would be better off to either properly check the sidearm, or leave it at home. The chance of theft is too great to leave it in the car. My CCW isn't recognized in all states that do honor others so know the facts before you decide to take it along. Rember CCW isn't included in the second amendment and precived abuse can result in revocation very easy by the powers that be. To leave it home is your best bet. It's no more useful to you in the car in that airport than it is in your home. It is however much more secure in your home stored properly.
 
My wife used to travel a lot and leave her carry piece in the trunk while parked at the Indianapolis airport. Here in Indiana the law has been changed to make you responsible if it is stolen and used in a crime. (Thank you Sarah Brady) I told her it's not worth the risk to leave it in a parked car. If you can't take it with you I would leave it at home, assuming it's safe there.
 
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