[KoB]

Greetings.

Any suggestions pertaining to declaring CCW weapon for holiday (Thanksgiving…don't want to wait until last second to get info straight) airplane travel? I have a TSA approved lockbox/safe in which pistol will be housed.

Are there any other issues or concerns that I need to worry about?

 

[GunnyBunny]

Covered quite a bit.

Don't forget, the "search" function is your friend.

In the meantime, check these out................

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull.../83064-best-way-pack-gun-flight-airplane.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull...sues-discussions/75620-flying-first-time.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull...rity-discussion/73231-email-exchange-tsa.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin/general-firearm-discussion/71646-checking-guns-airport.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull...s/68192-flying-w-your-edc-what-do-you-do.html

 

[ibesarcasm]

ummm... lets see...... the TSA.gov website will give you specifics, but they are a little confusing.....

1. hardcase locked box
2. weapon locked open w/ locking cable used and locked(or bolt/trigger lock).
3. ammo MAY be in the same case, but MUST be in original box, not loose
4. you MUST declare it at check in & be able to open the case for inspection
5. you'll have to be special screened, open the box for inspection, secure it, then you will NOT be allowed to handle it from that point on. You probably be asked to escort it to the x-ray area they use for packages so you may watch it be proccessed and loaded.
6. plan for EXTRA TIME, you may have to wait for a special screener or supervisor to check the weapon.

All in all, not a bad experience, and well worth the extra time waiting.... IMO

 

[Biomortis]

Having worked for Delta for a couple years, the biggest problem is lack of training and proper management/supervision. You ask five different people and you'll get five different answers. Even if you follow the TSA guide to the letter you will still get people that have no clue the way things are supposed to work. Give yourself an extra hour just for getting your gun processed.

Unfortunately its "The Way It's Supposed to Work" versus "The Way it Actually Works" Some airports are much better than others but can vary from day to day.

 

[Guns and more]

Look up the rules for your airline and print them. Take them with you.
The case cannot be locked with a TSA lock. (that's one the TSA can open)
You will keep the key. In theory, only you should be able to open the box.
It will then go into your checked luggage.
I see you're in Florida, shouldn't be a problem. Maybe more so on your return.

 

[HKinNY]

I flew from JFK to Orlando and back. I had no problems out of JFK and less flying jome (Jet blue) from Orlando. I walked in to ticket counter while wife started to unloaded the rest of the siutcases. I was checked in,screened,and bag send on the way down the belt before she was done unloading.
You do not state where you are flying to, but make sure you are legal where you are going. If the plane makes any unschuled stops where you are not premitted to carry. Thats were people get jambed up with a problem.

 

[GunnyBunny]

You do not state where you are flying to, but make sure you are legal where you are going. If the plane makes any unschuled stops where you are not premitted to carry. Thats were people get jambed up with a problem.

Especially with high cap mags (eg Califorinia) and hollow point ammo (eg New Jersey).

 

[havegunjoe]

I have never had a problem. It has taken maybe an extra 5 minutes of my time. Bring a copy of the specific airlines rules to show anyone that is unfamiliar but I wouldn't worry about it if you follow their guidelines.

 

[KoB]

Thanks people…I'm flying from Orlando to Detroit. My biggest fear is that I'm traveling with the family (wife, 5 yr old, 3 yr old & 10 mth old) and I don't want to be running late & pressed for time (have to park mini van, catch shuttle to terminal, check other luggage, etc) and miss my plane (don't really want to start holiday vacation off that way hearing wife's MOUTH).

What I'm leaning toward is shipping it to myself (residential address of parent) via UPS Overnight Air. Anybody have experience with this?

 

[john452]

transport ccw

I have used fedex overnight to ship to myself to my second home, as long as someone is there to sign. It is a little pricey. I always insure the pkg. With time constraints that you are talking about this alternative would be a good alternative. I have been told that you have to ship from the main shipping depot, I do. On the other hand I have transported via luggage without incident...John

 

[xikle]

Thanks people…I'm flying from Orlando to Detroit. My biggest fear is that I'm traveling with the family (wife, 5 yr old, 3 yr old & 10 mth old) and I don't want to be running late & pressed for time (have to park mini van, catch shuttle to terminal, check other luggage, etc) and miss my plane (don't really want to start holiday vacation off that way hearing wife's MOUTH).

What I'm leaning toward is shipping it to myself (residential address of parent) via UPS Overnight Air. Anybody have experience with this?

I flew to Detroit via Northwest from here (Tampa International) and had no issues, just make sure you add a little extra time to make it through checking in. Actually the TSA guy that scanned my bag was more worried about it then the attendant that walked my bag over to the TSA screener :blink:. On the way back from Detroit, they just tagged it with the unloaded firearms tag and tossed it on the belt, no issues, and it came out on the other side with the rest of the luggage that was checked.

 

[theotherlis]

If you are particularly concerned, you could give a phone call to the airline's locations at both airports and just ask if it's common and what to expect. Some airport/airline combinations are better than others.

From my experience every airline at Detroit is just fine with it.

 

[KoB]

Thanks…once again good info!

Ps…called UPS and got the reply "you can only ship/overnight to a FFL", then I searched the DC data base and found old threads about shipping handguns. I think I'm going to drive by the UPS center and talk to a manager. Thanks again!

 

[RETSUPT99]

Here's another...

Packing & the Friendly Skies by Deviant Ollam

 

[nova83tx]

Thanks people…I'm flying from Orlando to Detroit. My biggest fear is that I'm traveling with the family (wife, 5 yr old, 3 yr old & 10 mth old) and I don't want to be running late & pressed for time (have to park mini van, catch shuttle to terminal, check other luggage, etc) and miss my plane.

Not to be Captain obvious . . . but why not just leave for the airport with plenty of time allotted to catch the flight? :blink:

I just flew from Denver to Houston a few days ago and brought along my Glock 26 on an airplane for the first time.

Me : I have an unloaded firearm I need to declare and check please.

Ticket Agent : Ok, can you show me it is unloaded. Ok, Sign here please and place this tag inside the case with the firearm.

Me : Anything else I need to do?

Ticket Agent : Follow this gentlemen to have it cleared through TSA and you are all done.

The whole process maybe added an additional 6 minutes to my check-in time . . . had to wait 5 minutes for TSA, and I couldn't see what they were doing because they asked me to stand outside their office/inspection station.

My recommendation, make sure to research and print the webpage of the airline you will be flying on, and have all the information needed for how that company wants you to transport your firearm. Follow all the instructions to a T and if you have any questions about their policies, call the airline first! Take the printout to the airport with you, just in case their is a discrpency on how they want it handled, you can show them their policy. (Not going to likely happen, this is just for added comfort.)

You are not the first or last person who will fly with a firearm. Don't be nervous, the airports see and handle plenty of them all the time.

 

[miklcolt45]

Delta out of Melbourne to Atl-Hartsfield.

Me: I have a firearm to declare.
Agent: Here, fill this out and sign. Place inside the case and lock.
Wait here until they screen it.

Took perhaps an extra 5 minutes while I waited on them to give me the okay after screening.

Should be the same out of Atl-Hartsfield tomorrow.

 

[nova83tx]

Delta out of Melbourne to Atl-Hartsfield.

Me: I have a firearm to declare.
Agent: Here, fill this out and sign. Place inside the case and lock.
Wait here until they screen it.

Took perhaps an extra 5 minutes while I waited on them to give me the okay after screening.

Should be the same out of Atl-Hartsfield tomorrow.

I think you ripped off my post . . . because that is almost exactly what I typed. :image035:

Or it could just be that there are standard procedures with the TSA and every airline, and that flying with a firearm is really no big deal as long as you are educated and prepared.

 

[GHFLRLTD]

Taking Your Pistole Along on a Plane Ride

Having traveled a number of times, here's how I go at it:

1. Review TSA: Traveling with Special Items to understand TSA policies and procedures. Have a copy with you when you reach the airport.
2. Put the unloaded weapon(s) in a lockable hard-sided case with locks only you have the keys/combination to open. TSA locks are not allowed.
3. Steps that will make it easier to show that the weapon is unloaded - especially when x-rayed.
   • If the weapon is a:
     • semi-automatic
       • lock the slide open
       • put a cable tie through the barrel and out the breach to show that the chamber is empty
     • revolver, flip the cylinder out
   • Do not put the magazines in this locked case with the gun(s):
     • it invites questions about them being loaded
     • if the gun case is "liberated" from the checked bag by a Criminal Entrepreneur, the lack of magazines frustrates the "Liberator", since the weapon is now initially a single shot one
4. Check the airline(s) you are flying on:
   • To determine if the ammo
     • MUST be in boxes (plastic reload boxes work)
     • can fly in loaded magazines
   • If loaded magazines are permitted, make sure the pouches fully cover the magazines
   • The round(s) from the chamber(s)/cylinder(s) must be in a box, not loose
5. Secure and protect magazines (separately from the weapon) and ammunition boxes from possible damage.
6. Put the lockable hard-sided case with the weapon and the ammo/magazines into a cheap, non-descript bag - with clear labeling outside and inside - for checking in.
   • If possible, develop a way to attach - in a lockable way - the hard-sided case to the piece of luggage it has been placed into.
   • The labeling should be limited to:
     • Your Name
     • Your Cell Phone - if you have one, or your home phone if you do not
     • Your personal email address - if you have one
     • NO ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE INDICATED
7. Other stuff - like shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc, could be in this checked bag also.
8. Have the rules for the airline in hand when you check this non-descript bag at the airport.
9. Make sure you have the keys/combinations to the lockable hard-sided case with you and you alone (Per Federal Regulations 49CFR § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals - Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:) at all times. You will have to open the lockable hard-side case:
   • to demonstrate to the airline that the weapon(s) are not loaded at check in (a signed form/tag indicating that will go in with the weapon(s))
   • if the TSA wants to see
10. Have the serial number(s) and descriptions of your weapons on you, so if they "disappear" you can report the loss/theft immediately to the:
    • airline
    • FAA Regional Office
    • ATF Regional Office

Other things to consider:

1. Check Handgunlaw.us and/or Pack-N-Go Carry Concealed Trip Planner to determine:
   • If you can possess the weapon at all your stops
   • Where and how you can carry at all your stops
   • What are the deadly force rules in each state you are visiting
2. Have a copy of the Don Young Transportation Letter on hand - http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/us letter.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.

 

[Chevyguy85]

Thanks…once again good info!

Ps…called UPS and got the reply "you can only ship/overnight to a FFL", then I searched the DC data base and found old threads about shipping handguns. I think I'm going to drive by the UPS center and talk to a manager. Thanks again!

Make sure its an actual "center" or one of our hubs. The UPS Stores won't (or shouldn't/aren't allowed) to ship a handgun. The Orlando hub is off Landstreet (near Orlando International Airport), actual address of it is atlantic ave, I know for sure that that hub will ship a handgun as i have done so but it was to Ruger's repair facility. We stop service on next days around 7pm if i remember right so anytime before 6pm and you're good to go. Don't know how far you are from there though profile says orlando. There is a longwood center but i don't know where it is. Good luck :-D