Transporting a firearm on a commuter flight

[ExactlyMyPoint]

I know that transporting a firearm on an airplane has been discussed a billion times, but this may be a bit different.

I have to fly from Portland to Seattle. It is a 45 minute flight. I will be there on business and then return home the same day. (OK, OK, I am also going to be visiting one of my eHarmony matches. She is from Texas and used to carry a full sized .45 in her purse as a 20s something girl. I like her already.)

Since this is a one day trip, I will be bringing no luggage, just my laptop. I am wondering how I would transport my firearm.

This is a commuter flight, there really isn't checked luggage. And even if there were, in the past, I have seen crew members just hand passengers their luggage as they disembark. That doesn't work with a checked firearm as I am not walking through the airport with a gun in my bag.

Has anyone done this before? What is the best way to do this?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[SIGguy229]

Commuter flights still check luggage...if you plan on taking a firearm, plan on checking luggage.

When attending training at Ft McCoy, WI, I had to a take a commuter flight from Chicago to LaCrosse, WI (also ~45-60 minute flight)...checked my M9 and M4 in my luggage.

No change on procedures.

[digitalexplr]

Also check with the airline and see what they require. To try to short cut anything could lead to unpleasant consequences.

[Shizzlemah]

Been there done that.

I have checked bags in the past, and on more than one occasion they have handed me the bag at the side of the plane when exiting.

[Ridgeline]

A commercial flight is a commercial flight. No changes in that policy.

[Captain Crunch]

Do you intend to carry in Washington?

You do realize that Washington doesn't recognize your Oregon permit, right?

[ExactlyMyPoint]

Do you intend to carry in Washington?

You do realize that Washington doesn't recognize your Oregon permit, right?

I have a Utah permit.

[BT1911]

Unless you check some type of bag, you won't be taking your gun on that flight.

[tns0038]

Been there done that.

I have checked bags in the past, and on more than one occasion they have handed me the bag at the side of the plane when exiting.

I’ve had the same thing happen. But that was prior to 911

[PaulJ]

typically only the gate-checked bags will wait for you by the plane. These are the smaller bags they take from you as you get on the plane. Any luggage you checked in before going through security should end up at the luggage belt. Some smaller airports may not have a proper luggage belt. But they will typically still have some kind of hall outside of security where they drop off checked luggage.

[David in FL]

typically only the gate-checked bags will wait for you by the plane. These are the smaller bags they take from you as you get on the plane. Any luggage you checked in before going through security should end up at the luggage belt. Some smaller airports may not have a proper luggage belt. But they will typically still have some kind of hall outside of security where they drop off checked luggage.

Exactly right. Post 9/11 there are too many items that may be placed in checked baggage that are not allowed in the secure area of the airport. If it's checked, it will have to be retrieved at baggage claim. No matter the size of the aircraft, you will always have the ability to "check" a bag.

[Captain Crunch]

I have a Utah permit.

Well, why didn't you say so?

This changes everything!

[roadsiderob]

Why don't you just leave your gun at home and borrow one of her's when you get there?