Flying With Firearm - First Experience

[EchoDeltaSierra]

First, thank you for the advice, both direct and indirect. I had to make quick trip to VA and decided to try out flying with a firearm. This is the first time I've done this and was pleasantly surprised with my experience. My firearm (Ruger LCR) was in a GunVault which was cabled to my bag, ammo was stored in a Plano box with a small padlock, and my bag was secured (if that's what you can call it) with a TSA compliant lock. Declaration at the flight counter was easy and the Delta agent at MSP was very pleasant. TSA promptly screened my bag and I was on my way. I couldn't have asked for a better first experience and I'm holstered up in VA, which has reciprocity with MN.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[NotMallNinja]

Good for you. Glad to hear of the relatively painless experience.

[BenGoodLuck]

Glad it went well for you. I found that preparing in advance by knowing the rules and then being confident at the airport helps things go smoothly. My experiences flying with a firearm have all been positive.

[OldVet]

My son just straps his pistol onto his hip, waltzes past TSA, and boards the planes. But he's a federal agent trained in skyjacking interdiction also. For the rest of us . . .

[SmokinFool]

Glad it was a smooth experience for you.

[EchoDeltaSierra]

My son just straps his pistol onto his hip, waltzes past TSA, and boards the planes. But he's a federal agent trained in skyjacking interdiction also. For the rest of us . . .

I should find out how to sign up for that. I'd love to contribute to making the skies even friendlier. ;-)

[BkCo1]

Remember you can oc in Va. Don't know where you are in Va. but if you are in Northern Va. DO NOT CARRY INTO D.C. OR MD. Enjoy it is a pretty state.

[EchoDeltaSierra]

Enjoy it is a pretty state.

Not here; I'm just in Reston for a day of meetings.

[miller_man]

I wanted to do this last time I flew. I will next time, glad it went well.

[GunnyBunny]

Went the way it should, congrats!!

[StcLurker]

it pretty much matches my experience at LAX, Frontier didn't blink an eye. I watched the bag go through the X-ray machine and that was that, collected the bags at MSP and all was well.

[Bhamrichard]

and my bag was secured (if that's what you can call it) with a TSA compliant lock.

You know it's been awhile, and my memory sucks, but... you MAY have broken federal law. For some reason I'm thinking that you are required to NOT use TSA compliant locks on baggage containing firearms. You are supposed to be the only keyholder that can open the baggage.

I'm old, someone correct me if I'm wrong..

[Devone6]

Good Deal!

I usually print off the TSA and airline policy on firearms just in case I get any flack, and keep a copy in my computer case, but I've never had to use them. It really isn't that big a deal, in fact my apprehension was the only problem I had the first time I checked one.

[EchoDeltaSierra]

You know it's been awhile, and my memory sucks, but... you MAY have broken federal law. For some reason I'm thinking that you are required to NOT use TSA compliant locks on baggage containing firearms. You are supposed to be the only keyholder that can open the baggage.

I'm old, someone correct me if I'm wrong..

Astute observation and let me clarify. My firearm was locked in a GnVault which only I had the key to. This was cabled to my suitcase which was locked with the TSA compliant lock. Originally I did not have my suitcase locked, but the gate agent recommended I do to and because I carry everything from crap to peaches with me, I just happened to have a couple of little TSA (non)locks with me.

[FPP777]

You know it's been awhile, and my memory sucks, but... you MAY have broken federal law. For some reason I'm thinking that you are required to NOT use TSA compliant locks on baggage containing firearms. You are supposed to be the only keyholder that can open the baggage.

I'm old, someone correct me if I'm wrong..

All TSA locks have a key release, even if they are combo, they are keyed. TSA has all the keys to open them.