Flying with gun

[longtalltechsan]

Howdy everyone. I have a question for those that have checked their handguns for a flight. I need to do some travelling this week back home for a funeral and want to take my CCW (don't ask, crazy family member). Anyway, I have read all the TSA and airline rules and understand them except for the rule about the gun being in a hard-sided case. This seems a little open to me. I have a couple of hard plastic cases, like an MTM Case-Guard handgun case. Will this work? I read that that case has be able to lock and stand up to the "rigors" of travel. I have stood on the case and it doesn't give at all and seems plenty strong. But I want to make damn sure before I get in the line at the airport before they tell me it isn't good enough.

Can anyone give me a little advice?

[jeepinbanditrider]

I've flown with my XD twice now with it in the stock SA case that came with it. It's definatly not the toughest case in the world and they accepted it. I usually have two locks on it and also place it in a peice of baggage I can also lock. Just make sure the TSA guy looks in your bag and the pistol case so he can tag it as being already searched.

[longtalltechsan]

Good to hear. Thanks for the response.

[rockerz71]

i have used the case that the XD came in too, no problems

[robinsre]

Get a different non-descript case. I flew with my XD service last august in the xd case and it was stolen out of my luggage. Noone has yet been willing to accept responsibility.

[Hoosier70]

I fly often for work and bought a briefcase that is padded inside. Its not a Pelican but has held up for about 40-50 flights. It has a simple combo lock on both sides of the handle and looks just like any other brief case. Just make sure to declair(sp) it when you check in. Hope this helps


This is from Southwest Airlines web site:
Guns

• <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Customers are responsible for knowing and following the firearms laws of the state(s) that they will be traveling to, from, and through. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Our Customers must declare the gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter (no firearms will be accepted curbside) and prove that the firearm(s) chambers are free of ammunition and the magazine clip has been removed (when applicable). Paintball guns and BB guns are considered the same as all other firearms.
• Paintball guns are allowed in checked baggage and are not subject to the container requirements of firearms. Customers must declare the paintball gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter. Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carryon only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.<LI class=listDoubleSpace>Firearms must be encased in a hard-sided, LOCKED container that is of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling, as follows:
  1. A firearm in a hard-sided, locked container may be placed inside a soft-sided, unlocked suitcase.
  2. A firearm placed inside a hard-sided, locked suitcase does not have to be encased in a container manufactured for the transportation of firearms.
  3. Only the Customer checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock. No exceptions will be made.
  <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Firearms may be checked and will count toward the three piece free baggage allowance for each fare-paying passenger. We allow multiple firearms to be transported inside one hard-sided case. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the misalignment of sights on firearms, including those equipped with telescopic sights.
• Firearms are never allowed in carryon luggage.

Ammunition

• <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Small arms ammunition for personal use (provided it is properly packed) is permissible in checked baggage only. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>The ammunition may be placed in the same container as the firearm and must be securely packed in cardboard (fiber), wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>When checking ammunition, Customers are limited to 11 pounds gross weight (ammunition plus container) per person. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Magazines or clips containing ammunition must be securely packaged (placed in another small box or in a secure cutout in the carrying case, in order to protect the primer of the ammunition). <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Make sure guns are unloaded and definitely never transport a gun in your carryon baggage! <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Gunpowder (black powder) and primers or percussion caps are not allowed in checked or carryon baggage. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Loose ammunition or loose loaded magazines and/or clips are not allowed.
• Paintballs must be packaged in a leak-proof container and will be conditionally accepted.

[shaner]

yep buy something that dont say gun please steal me on it, a brifcase larger always helps , if you use the factory case it dont take a rocket scientist to say oh this might be a nice gun for my collection, and i always put mine back in my luggage also ,

[jeepinbanditrider]

This is why I put my firearm in another lockable back and make sure a TSA rep checks my bag and firearm while I"m standing there so they can tag it as a "searched already" bag(you know the little red tags), and I can put the locks back on bag.

[longtalltechsan]

I think I'll go with the MTM case. It doesn't say anything gun on it so I think it will be ok. I'll lock my suitcase as well.

[f5benny]

Originally Posted by robinsre

Get a different non-descript case. I flew with my XD service last august in the xd case and it was stolen out of my luggage. Noone has yet been willing to accept responsibility.

It would have to be the TSA or baggage people at the departure end because they should be the only personnel that would know the luggage contained a weapon.

It scares me because how else are you going to transport a handgun.