flying with handgun and ammo

[WItoTX]

It is definitely airport specific. I have breezed through some I've been treated like a criminal and others. You can also add nuts to your lock shanks to reduce the play. Rather than buying new locks.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Dude. Never use that lock on a firearm. TSA can get into that lock, which means any TSA numbskull from where you check in to where you pick up can open your gun case...

OP, it's a really easy process. Follow what Playa says, you will be fine. If you want support, print out the TSA and AA rules and bring them with you. I can't speak for handguns, but you can fly with ammo in the same case as a rifle, as long as the ammo is in the factory case, or those nice quality reloading cases. I flew United to Bozeman, and my interpretation was they required a lock in every spot available for one. AA may be different.

You may also know this already, but make sure there are no BS rules that you need a permit where you are going for a handgun.

[Chief Big Toe]

Go to whatever airline's website that you are flying and print their rules. Put them in your pocket because sometimes those people behind the counter don't know them.

this, very true.... or they want to interpret rules a bit different … when I flew out to Vegas, pistol was in the checked bag, in its case clip out no issues

[ClayW]

I fly often on American and it is easy. When you check the bag, you will need to declare your firearm. They will fill out a form for you to sign and ask you to show the weapon in the locked case. TSA will scan it, you often times have to wait by TSA and get an all clear, but each airport is different. I keep my ammo in the hard plastic box it was sold in. Not sure if cardboard boxes would work, never tried.

American will tag the bag with a red tag. You will have to show your ID to a baggage claims agent in order to receive it.

All in all, it’s really not that complicated. It maybe adds 15 mins to the total check in AND baggage claim time

This^

(Except in Phoenix. They’re “process” adds about an hour)

[stinkbelly]

Thanks guys.

I am going to South Dakota.

[TD2000]

If your hard case has more than one lock loop, you will need a lock on each loop

Don't ask me how I know......

[Playa]

I had a newbie United employee at the Missoula airport once. She didn't have any clue what she was doing and didn't know how to check me in with a firearm. It was early, and apparently there were no other employees in the back. After about 10 minutes she gave up, got on her radio and said "Can I get some help please? This guy has a gun".

I just knew I was about to get tazed.

That’s dang funny, a glad you didn’t ride the lightening

[Geezy Rider]

It is also a good idea to leave your actions open and mags removed (or bottom plates open) just so that there is no question they aren’t loaded. I’ve always had my ammo in the same locked case (double skb), just kept the ammo in a box/package within the case.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Try flying with a muzzleloader some time. It can range from comical to frustrating.

[stinkbelly]

Maybe I missed this. Does the suitcase that the handgun case is in need have a lock on it to?

[TD2000]

Maybe I missed this. Does the suitcase that the handgun case is in need have a lock on it to?

No lock on outside suitcase

[stinkbelly]

No lock on outside suitcase

Thanks

[J Loves Huntin]

Done it over 5 times in the last 5 years and just did it 2 days ago with 0 hassle. Lock your pistol case with unloaded clip. Ammo can be in a “ammo box” or zip lock. I would certainly recommend locking your suitcase as well.

[stinkbelly]

Don't self check-in and then declare. Go directly to the lady to declare and check your luggage.

[kmitchl]

For a semiauto handgun i recommend you remove the slide from the frame. First time i flew with a handgun the bozo TSA agent made me open the case and rack the slide to show they are unloaded. No experience could replace being in the middle of a crowded airport racking a handgun. I fully expected to be shot or tazed at any minute.

[stinkbelly]

The counter lady just asked me to pull it out of the case. I said no. I unlocked it and let her open the case.