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Flying with handguns in checked luggage

bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,792 ✭✭✭✭
edited October 2010 in General Discussion
I have reviewed the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm and Continental Airlines firearm rules: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx so I THINK I understand what is required. However, Continental states it must be in hard side luggage. Most of the "hard side" luggage has soft expansion zip-outs now. I can't find any that doesn't (at least less than $400). Do those count? I have called and gotten 2 different answers.

Can they simply be locked in a lockable handgun case locked inside soft luggage?

I have only flown a few times and to areas where I really couldn't utilize my CCW anyway so didn't bother, but this trip we are flying in then driving back (see other thread): http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=478109. I have checked and it looks like all the states in my route accept OK reciprocity for CCW. However, this part is stressing me out. I don't want to get there then have them make me leave it in the car for a week while I am gone.
Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
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Comments

  • hillbillehillbille Member Posts: 14,458 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    wouldn't it be simpler to call continental direct, than rely on info from some of us?
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  • bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,792 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have called, just can't get a straight answer. I thought maybe there would be someone here that flies a lot with them that might know.

    quote:Originally posted by bambihunter
    I have reviewed the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm and Continental Airlines firearm rules: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx so I THINK I understand what is required. However, Continental states it must be in hard side luggage. Most of the "hard side" luggage has soft expansion zip-outs now. I can't find any that doesn't (at least less than $400). Do those count? I have called and gotten 2 different answers.

    Can they simply be locked in a lockable handgun case locked inside soft luggage?

    I have only flown a few times and to areas where I really couldn't utilize my CCW anyway so didn't bother, but this trip we are flying in then driving back (see other thread): http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=478109. I have checked and it looks like all the states in my route accept OK reciprocity for CCW. However, this part is stressing me out. I don't want to get there then have them make me leave it in the car for a week while I am gone.
    Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
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  • hillbillehillbille Member Posts: 14,458 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would just keep asking for there supervisor, write down names and numbers, call the next up the line, till someone is willing to take resonsibility themselves. ( meaning at least 2 if not 3 will give you the same answer)
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  • savage170savage170 Member Posts: 37,569 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you need hardside luggage the wife just picked up one of these for 90.00 at our local outlet here
    http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-38715-Winfield-20-Spinner/dp/B002U82M2E/ref=pd_sbs_a_3
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  • bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,792 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    That's a good idea hillbillie, keep asking and taking names. I even thought about taking exactly what I want to take and going to the airport tonight with it and getting a yah or nay on it...


    Savage, I think that's the exact luggage my wife picked up. I was concerned whether the zipper expansion area would be an issue. It states hard side but to me, that also means hinges and locking clasps not zippers that could be cut. I am more stressed about legally flying with guns than I am the whole rest of the trip. [:(!]
    Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
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  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hard to think SC will take your ccw permit they wont take mine from next door. but maybe.
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  • hillbillehillbille Member Posts: 14,458 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    the only sad thing is, no matter what preauthorization you get, it will still come down to whichever flunky is working the line the morning you leave. good luck. either way I would leave all ammo at home and just buy a new box when you get there.
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  • BIPBIP Member Posts: 71 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use a Pelican 1650 or 1660 as my suitcase. They are about the right size and I have smaller cases inside for handguns/cameras/etc...
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  • GuvamintCheeseGuvamintCheese Member Posts: 38,932 ✭
    edited November -1
    Just mail it to yourself and skip the ariline hassle.
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hello Cartod. You will GO TO JAIL if you get caught mailing a HAND GUN.
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  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209 ✭
    edited November -1
    I put mine in a hard gun case and put the case in my luggage.
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  • bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,792 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    I put mine in a hard gun case and put the case in my luggage.


    Is your luggage hard-side or cloth? Do you lock both cases, or just your outside one? Just curious...
    Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
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  • calrugerfancalrugerfan Member Posts: 18,209 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bambihunter
    quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
    I put mine in a hard gun case and put the case in my luggage.


    Is your luggage hard-side or cloth? Do you lock both cases, or just your outside one? Just curious...


    My luggage is cloth. I lock both. I put the hard case in the luggage as well as the ammunition. And remember, only 11 pounds of ammo.
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  • bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,792 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Cool. That will sure simplify things if they will allow it. 11 pounds of ammo shouldn't be a problem, it is just for our CCW use for our two pistols. It should be enough for 3 mag loads (~ 20 rounds for the Kel-tec P3AT .380, and ~40 rounds for my Glock 29 10mm).
    Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I fly with a 1991A1 and or a Browning Hi-Power. Hard sided case that meets TSA standards. Lock it, put it in soft sided suitcase, lock suitcase- AFTER they do their check. DO NOT have ammo in mags- they will claim primer not protected. A box of ammo in original packaging is OK.
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  • OLDCOPOLDCOP Member Posts: 629 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I only had one TSA problem. Coming back from Hawaii, the Honolulu agent confiscated my .45 ammo. It was in one of those hard plastic aftermarket boxes triple wrapped with thick rubber bands. He said it "wasn't in the original box." I told him this box was better than the thin cardboard box that won't last three trips, so I've been using the plastic ones ones for 20 years for durability and better ammo protection. I lost. No time to go to his supervisor. 25 rounds down the drain. I think he was brain-dead.
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,085 ******
    edited November -1
    I don't own any hard-sided luggage and I have flown with handguns in my checked bag. The gun is in a locked hard case. Ammo is OK in a factory or better box, but it has to be boxed. Ammo can be in the same locked case as the gun but the gun can't be loaded. The checked bag also has to be locked. I just run the two zipper tabs together and padlock them together.

    My experience has been with American and Southwest though.

    It will be a cold day in Juvember before I fly again.
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  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by nunn
    I don't own any hard-sided luggage and I have flown with handguns in my checked bag. The gun is in a locked hard case. Ammo is OK in a factory or better box, but it has to be boxed. Ammo can be in the same locked case as the gun but the gun can't be loaded. The checked bag also has to be locked. I just run the two zipper tabs together and padlock them together.

    My experience has been with American and Southwest though.

    It will be a cold day in Juvember before I fly again.


    +1 except with United and the checked in luggage is not required to be locked. My son took his Glock home from Great Falls, MT to Colorado Springs, CO.
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  • WarbirdsWarbirds Member Posts: 16,937 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A 10 dollar hard case from wal mart with a hole to put a lock through will do it.

    I have flown with guns dozens of times, don't make it more complicated than it is.
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  • GuvamintCheeseGuvamintCheese Member Posts: 38,932 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    hello Cartod. You will GO TO JAIL if you get caught mailing a HAND GUN.
    To an FFl of course. You can ups a handgun to an ffl at your destination, right?
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  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Dave W.
    A 10 dollar hard case from wal mart with a hole to put a lock through will do it.

    I have flown with guns dozens of times, don't make it more complicated than it is.


    Ditto!
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  • littlegunlittlegun Member Posts: 382 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was a little uneasy too the first time that I did it. Nothing to it just put it in a hard side case lock it and declare it. The people at the ticket counter do it all the time and don't even give you a second look.
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Cartod- only an 01 Dealer or a Manufacturer can use US mail to send a handgun. Jail lies thataway. You can ship to yourself by UPS or FedEx next day air at about $75.

    FCD- have been traveling with a handgun for some years. Staff has always wanted to see the gun, show that it is unloaded, and the declaration form YOU sign goes inside the case with the gun.

    And as just said, it is not a big deal- airline staff gets this frequently. 3 things to remember- 1. UNLOADED- an you better check it twice. SERIOUS bad ju-ju to try to transport a loaded gun. 2. In your CHECKED baggage, never in carry on (handcuffs do NOT loosen up with wear) and 3. When approaching the ticket agent at check in, the correct words to leave your lips are (consider writing this down) "Hi! I need to declare an unloaded firearm in my checked baggage." NOT "I have a gun." [:p]
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