XD Talk

MichGoBlue · 03-07-2012, 06:29 AM

Recently took my firearm to Memphis on a Delta flight from Detroit. Wanted to get the experience of this lawful transport of a firearm. Did all of the due diligence with the airline, TSA and Tennessee firearm laws. I do have a Michigan CPL and Tennessee recogonizes this license. The flight was really uneventful.

Had my KelTec PF9 unloaded, locked in a small GunVault, tethered in a soft luggage case. Ammo in original packaging in the GunVault. Two empty magazines in the GunVault.

Arrived 2 1/2 hours early for a Thursday morning flight. Declared the unloaded firearm at the main Delta counter at Metro. The lady said, I'm new to Delta, so lets go over to a more experienced person so I can learn how to do this too. Ok, let's go. I get to the new person and they have me sign the orange card saying the firearm is unloaded. She then asks me to open the GunVault to verify it is unloaded. I had the red plastic indicator thing in the barrel showing it was unloaded. I guess this was enough to show it was unloaded. She looked quickly and said to the new gal, see, he has the ammo in original packaging. Sir you are all set, thanks. I close the GunVault, she puts the orange card in the soft luggage and zip it up. Hmm, that was not bad, I've been a bit nervous all week, first time and all. Had a two hour wait for the flight, oh well, I was prepared. Arrive in Memphis, pick up my check luggage which has a strange yellow power on the outside. Not sure if this has anything to do with the firearm or not. Load up and get to carry all weekend.

The return flight was a bit different, but not really a big deal. I delare the unloaded firearm as before, same orange sticker comes out. Now it gets a bit different. She asks for me to open it up and I do. Ok looks good. She starts to take the open GunVault to give to TSA behind her, but it is tethered. Oh, I see you don't want anyone taking this, the agent says. TSA has to inspect this first. Ok, we can just take the whole luggage over there. It is right behind the counter and I watch. TSA swabs down very corner of that GunVault. Ok, whatever, not sure what they are looking for. TSA takes the orange card and puts it in the GunVault and closes it up. Well, that was stupid, no one is getting in there to see that card. Should just be in in the luggage, not the locked case. Whatever, I fly back and pick up my check luggage and home I go.

I was glad I went through this process for the experience of it, plus I was able to have the peace of mind having the firearm if it was needed. I'll tell you what, Memphis is one place you would want to have one after walking around the downtown area all weekend. In the end it was very uneventful, even though I was a bit nervous about it.

Magnum27 · 03-07-2012, 07:06 AM

I am glad all went relatively well.

**Houseboat** · 03-07-2012, 07:53 AM

I have flown Nashville to Tampa many times, declaring my firearm.always uneventful Thankfully

N.E. Tx.XD · 03-07-2012, 08:10 AM

Your an expert now. Enjoyed the read.

rsfrid · 03-07-2012, 08:18 AM

Good to know it's that easy. Glad everything went so well for you.

**slugger6** · 03-07-2012, 08:27 AM

Thanks for a very informative post.

TNBowhunter · 03-08-2012, 08:35 PM

One thing I found out is that it is better to use a TSA lock. The first time I flew I read the requirements and it stated to use a lock that only you have the key or combination. By that I assumed a TSA lock would not work since TSA has a key that will open it up. Since TSA is not located next to the check in counter in Nashville they told me that I would have to hang around for 15-20 minutes by the counter to make sure it got through TSA. After that I used the TSA locks and have traveled 4 times since with no issues. Check the bag and head to security to get to my gate.

partdeux · 03-08-2012, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnbowhunter

one thing i found out is that it is better to use a tsa lock. The first time i flew i read the requirements and it stated to use a lock that only you have the key or combination. By that i assumed a tsa lock would not work since tsa has a key that will open it up. Since tsa is not located next to the check in counter in nashville they told me that i would have to hang around for 15-20 minutes by the counter to make sure it got through tsa. After that i used the tsa locks and have traveled 4 times since with no issues. Check the bag and head to security to get to my gate.

no no no!

Quote:

The container must be locked.
The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.

www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm

I thought it was federal law... and it is

Quote:

i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally or in writing, before checking the baggage, that the passenger has a firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded; (ii) The firearm is unloaded;
(iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and
(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.
http://law.justia.com/cfr/title49/49-9.1.3.5.8.html

beerman616 · 03-09-2012, 08:42 PM

I travel with my XD40 between Green Bay and South Carolina frequently and have never had any issues. I don't travel with ammo as another precaution. I would also never use a TSA lock. I have a good, high quality Masterlock on my case when I travel, and the key never leaves my sight.

The TSA will never have a reason to open my gun case, and if someone wanted to break in, I'd rather make it more difficult for them.

MichGoBlue · 03-09-2012, 08:51 PM

My flight was early, 7:20 am. I was worried it may have been too early for TSA to be up and at em, so I arrived 2 1/2 hours early just in case they said TSA is not available for a while and had to wait for them. I also took my KelTec instead of my XDM in case there was any mix ups. The KelTec is easier pistol to replace.