TSA regs when checking firearms on a plane ?
- Thread starter lhsako
- Start date
It's required that the case must be lockable. I would call the TSA public contact for your airport if you have concerns. In June when I flew the "airline" Check in attendant viewed the weapon. I re locked the case and carried it to the TSA station, they asked me if it was unloaded, and put it on the conveyor belt. They (TSA) did not even visually inspect the weapon. A good strong case that locks an unloaded weapon and ammo, and a smile will get you through with out a problem
A
Anonymous
Guest
Flying with weapons as checked baggage is a straightforward process and is generally smooth sailing.
TSA has a good website with the requirements as do most airlines.
Typically you sign a declaration that the weapon is unloaded and put it in the case then lock it. You retain the key. Case then goes to TSA who take it from there. At no time have I ever had anyone remove the weapon from the case or inspect it physically in any way other than swabbing the case exterior for residue.
Some airports handle more weapons than others, so becoming familiar with the policy and showing up early to sort out any hassles isn't a bad idea. Both Anchorage and Fairbanks handle so many weapons its a well oiled routine for all involved. The fact that all airlines and the TSA now have a singular process for handling weapons has actually significantly improved the situation as compared to yesteryear when every airline basically made up the rules as they went along.
Safe travels!
TSA has a good website with the requirements as do most airlines.
Typically you sign a declaration that the weapon is unloaded and put it in the case then lock it. You retain the key. Case then goes to TSA who take it from there. At no time have I ever had anyone remove the weapon from the case or inspect it physically in any way other than swabbing the case exterior for residue.
Some airports handle more weapons than others, so becoming familiar with the policy and showing up early to sort out any hassles isn't a bad idea. Both Anchorage and Fairbanks handle so many weapons its a well oiled routine for all involved. The fact that all airlines and the TSA now have a singular process for handling weapons has actually significantly improved the situation as compared to yesteryear when every airline basically made up the rules as they went along.
Safe travels!
I forgot about the declaration, I filled it out ahead of time and had it ready when asked. On other item, in many places the weapons are offloaded and taken to the special handling area, where large bags or other such items are kept, so it may not show up in the baggage area. When I was in Houston they paged me and requested my presence in another area.
- Thread starter
- #8
- Thread starter
- #9
what brought this question up is the presence of TSA openable locks that people can buy. from what I see, they are used on soft luggage. the TSA blog also shows how these locks get snapped off between gaps in the conveyor belts.
with a hard rifle case having integral locks, this wouldn't be a concern of course....
with a hard rifle case having integral locks, this wouldn't be a concern of course....
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,836
- 6,312
On my most recent trip to Alaska, saw a fellow heading up there to hunt. He had a plastic-shell rifle case and so much stuff packed into it that he could hardly squeeze it shut after TSA inspected it.
The TSA part went smoothly, but I wondered if his rifle case was going to pop open or break in route, as he was asking an awful lot of those little locks, hinges, and the plastic case - it was literally bulging open between the locks... I dunno what all he'd packed in there - but whatever it was, it was too much!
BTW - it was a mighty fine fishing trip to Alaska, and I hope everyone here has great hunts this year!
Guy
The TSA part went smoothly, but I wondered if his rifle case was going to pop open or break in route, as he was asking an awful lot of those little locks, hinges, and the plastic case - it was literally bulging open between the locks... I dunno what all he'd packed in there - but whatever it was, it was too much!
BTW - it was a mighty fine fishing trip to Alaska, and I hope everyone here has great hunts this year!
Guy
A
Anonymous
Guest
lhsako":24pi1vv8 said:
On a gun case you do not need TSA openable locks, in fact- just the opposite is required.
I fly with guns frequently and I use a Pelican case with brass Master locks.
I also have flown with a smaller case with the integral locks and it worked fine, I wouldn't do it a lot as that hardware seems flimsy in the presence of the trained gorillas who seem to typically handle bags.
The other thing I'd suggest is to pull the bolt and wrap it in bubble wrap or something and put it in the case with the rifle. I've heard some convincing theories that rifles dropped hard on the bolt knob side can break a stock. I've got my doubts as to the veracity of it, but pulling the bolt out is such little effort, it seems like cheap insurance.
- Thread starter
- #14
Silent Sam
Handloader
- Dec 22, 2010
- 294
- 0
I would print out a copy of the regs and have them with you. Not all TSA personnel are created equal.
- Thread starter
- #16
Charlie-NY
Handloader
- Mar 11, 2005
- 1,435
- 898
Another reason to ship with the bolt removed and wrapped separately in the case is to avoid the possibility of having an airport gorilla rough-house your case so violently that the bolt handle actually shears off the bolt body. Ask me how I know this CAN happen. :roll:
hodgeman":1ymhz5i6 said:
