XD in checked baggage

[FunkyD]

I will be flying out of town next week, and was checking the TSA web site for regulations on taking the XD with me. It seems like all I will need to do is unload it, pack the ammo in a box (saved a WWB for this purpose), and run a padlock through the hole in the case handle.

For you BTDTs (been-there-done-that), is there anything else I need to do?

[scurtis_34471]

That should do it.

I just went through this myself about a week ago, although I had four pistols in a Flight Proof handgun case that I checked separately. I too recycled a WWB box to put my carry ammo in. This was not a problem at all. The only issue with ammo is that many airlines limit how much you can bring. United's limit is 11 pounds, so I suspect you're not going to have a problem with that either.

[spfg45]

check your airline ...i think Northwest does not let guns fly....My son flies from san antonio to dayton,oh couple of times a year with weapons on American no problem sometimes you get to go to the head of the line at security...sometimes they don't even look at it.....also check yur bag at the claim area to make sure everything is ok

[TTT]

I would recommend when you check your gun, have them do their search of your luggage at the same time, and LOCK YOUR GUN CASE IN YOUR LUGGAGE. This way they don't have to open your luggage later for any security screenings, and no one will see that you have a small, easily stealable gun case.

This advice came from an article I read on the subject a while back.

[nickb]

I agree with TTT. Use hard sided luggage and lock that puppy after they inspect.

Also as recommended, check with your airline. You may need to advise them in advance and they may have different regs.

Last, the ammo can be kept in a mag as long as all rounds are fully enclosed. (such as inside a mag holder)

[Broadside]

One XDTalk member about a year ago had his XD stolen at the airport from either the TSA or airline employee. If I remember right they cut the lock and took it. Make sure you lock it in a good hard side case and write the serial # down. When I travel via air I use 2 locks. The airline will tell you if they allow ammo to be shipped with it or seperate or not at all. Make sure you call and ask before you go each airline is different.

[jblakk]

I would also recomend a TSA approved lock. They are locks that let you lock your luggage, but have a TSA numbered key on them also. They have a little indicator that tells you if you bag has been unlocked by the TSA. This will atleast keep baggage handlers out of your bag, and only let the TSA guys get in.

Been using them for years. Cant stand the thought of letting my luggage go unlocked, espicialy with the work electronics I fly with.

[mandohack]

Northwest has the same policy as other airlines. Although I do find variability in the way those policies are understood. Whatever airline you're flying, print a copy of the TSA and the airline's policies and take them with you at check-in.


The airline website typically says to sign the "unloaded" card and place it "inside the gun case", but the people at the desk want the card out so the TSA folks see it. This is a good reason to follow your luggage until the TSA gives it the okay. Additionally, I left the case unlocked, as instructed by the TSA folks and, guess what, it showed up unlocked at my destination! So, I follow it and make sure they lock it and put the signed card inside the gun case so that anyone looking into the luggage doesn't see the tell-tale card that indicates, "hey, take this hard-sided case, there's a gun in here."

It's a pretty easy procedure, however unnecessary. Print the policies, declare it, follow instructions, follow the gun.

Have a good trip.

[jnclement]

If you're at a smaller airport, I'd hang around the x-ray machine. Seems like half the time those guys make you open it.

[theglot]

As mentioned, check with the airline. Every one seems different.
My brother flew Continental. I gave him a pistol to take back with him and they required the pistol to be in "a hard sided locked suitcase". They didn't care what the pistol was in inside the suitcase, but it had to be a locked hard-sided suitcase.

I just flew Southwest for 5 legs shooting some IDPA state matches. Used the Springfield XD hard case for the pistol inside a soft-sided suitcase. Used TSA locks on the pistol case and the suitcase.

Some airports wanted the card inside the pistol case, some wanted it inside the suitcase. Generally, especially if flying Southwest, go to the "ticket" counter, not the counter for e-tickets to check baggage. Checking a pistol requires extra time and the e-ticket people don't want to take the time.