Declaring CCW firearm for flight.

[preachertim]

First time flying and I am going to declare a firearm For Carry while out of town. I will be gone for a while and am choosing to not go without it. Any Tips or warnings on getting through without being mugged at the gate.
Thanks

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[gasmitty]

The search feature here is your friend... lots written about air travel with guns. Two key elements: read and print a copy of YOUR air carrier's rules, and understand the TSA rules. There is some variation from airport to airport, but the basics remain the same. Make sure you're legal to carry at your destination!

[kmagnuss]

I'm about to embark on the same journey in a few days. Here's what I've gathered:

Go early. You're going to end up waiting to have your case checked and the TSA agent will most likely be an idiot.
Check your airline's regulations about traveling with the gun. Some allow you to store the ammo in the same case as the gun, most don't.
Make sure your gun case can't be easily pried open. Pretty much the guideline for TSA agents is that as long as they can't pry open the corner with their hands and touch the firearm you're good.
Store the ammo in actual ammo case(s)... not in magazines.
MAKE SURE TO UNLOAD YOUR GUN... and don't forget the one in the pipe.

Of course... everything I just typed could be wrong so you're best off doing your own research.

Have a safe flight.

[kmagnuss]

Oh... obviously you have to have a lock.... and I'm sure I missed others.

[jblives2ride]

good luck glad to see your sticking to your guns...

[AZ Hawk]

Don't fret, there's really not all that much to it!

When I travel with my Glock 19, this is what I do:

1. Make the sure the gun is empty. Double check to make sure the gun is empty. Triple check to make sure the gun is empty.

2. Put the gun in this case: Pelican*Products*1170*Case

3. Lock the case with two Master Lock Keyed locks. (Do not buy the "TSA" keyed locks).

4. Present the case to the check in representative.

5. Follow his/her instructions.

And that's all there is to it. Have a safe trip!

[archer51]

While not part of the airport routine. Make sure to check out Handgunlaw.us and print a copy of the laws of the state you'll be staying in.

[Gaius]

Any thought on the Nano Vault 300?

[OldVet]

Any thought on the Nano Vault 300?

I bought my son one (at his request). Holds his Sig 229 and spare mag with no problems. It's not Ft. Knox (but few "safes" are) but is good for traveling. I believe it's TSA approved. He wanted the combo lock; I prefer the key. I forget numbers but can pick a 3-diget combo lock pretty quick. The cable is pretty sturdy. Good to attach it to the suitcase if possible.

[kmagnuss]

I bought that 'safe' for my trip also. Funny.

[Rockymonster]

What AZ said...... It's really not a big deal, but do have copies of the TSA rules and those of your specific airline. Every airline and airport does it a little differently, but don't be intimidated. Knowledge is your friend. The first trip is the hardest..... you will be fine!

PS: Do know the carry laws where you are traveling!!!

[preachertim]

Thanks everyone for the help, Looking forward to the trip now that the edge is off . I will feel safer traveling now .

[MadMac]

Also make sure you are legal in any state/locality your flight connects through. I don't fly with my handgun if connecting through NY/NJ, CA, or IL airports. Google the horror stories from NY Port Authority cops and Chicago thugs if you get stranded in their city with your handgun.

One little trick I learned: after signing the orange declaration form, ask the agent for some of their tape with the airline logo on it. Use it to tape the declaration form to the top of your safe. I've have been doing this all the time since my first encounter with TSA, and no longer get hassled.

[.45acpguy]

Destination! Destination, destination. Above poster said to make sure you are legal for anywhere a flight will be landing. Check the laws in each destination where you are going. Some folks with their CCW did not check ahead and are spending time in the slammer for that oversight.

[swinokur]

There is no such thing as a TSA approved case. Any hard side case that cannot be pryed open and can be locked with NON TSA locks is fine. Although TSA allows loaded magazines with the opern end taped closed, some airlines don't like it. call first. I have never been delayed mopre than 5-10 minutres when traveling witha firearm.

It is also ok to put mags or ammo and firearms in the same case. Ammo should be in the original case or cases designed to hold ammunition.