Flying with weapons

[reconman]

I am sure this has most likely been answered a few times on here already, but I couldn't find it so i am going to ask it again.
In a couple of weeks I am flying from Cincinnati to Seattle and I want to take my pistol with me. I have never flown with a firearm before, except while in the Marine Corps. Does any one know the rules on this and how it should be done.
Thanks for the help.

 

[maybejim]

Check the website of the carrier you are going to use. They will tell you what you need to do for them.

 

[Firefighterchen]

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/traveling-handguns/23616-first-time-flying-pistol.html

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/traveling-handguns/24799-traveling-commercial-air-pistol.html

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/traveling-handguns/2487-flying-your-firearm.html

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/traveling-handguns/21354-forgot-claim-my-handgun.html

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/general-firearm-discussion/23245-flying-transportation-firearms.html

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/general-firearm-discussion/17432-ccw-tsa.html

 

[Dr. Detroit]

The thing that I'm always afraid of is an unexpected layover. Suppose that, due to weather, mechanical problems, or a security scare, your plane has to land in a God-forsaken place like New York or New Jersey. And they dump your luggage off, too.

I know that there is federal law that protects the interstate traveler in this situation, but that hasn't stopped some innocent people from being arrested (if I get time later today, I will try to Google some specific examples). Can you send a pistol ahead via FFL?

Cheers,
Dr. Detroit

 

[Tucker's Mom]

Now that is a good idea....!!!

 

[aich]

From what I have read its a crime in New York and Jersey only if you take possession of the firearm. If you leave the luggage at the airport you dont have to declare it again which would be illegal since you cant possess a gun there. But if you declared it in another state and dint take possession you should be ok. - I am not an attorney but I am good at repeating information

 

[Cowbilly32]

Like was mentioned above, the first thing to do is check with your airlines. Popular belief is that the TSA makes the rules but each airline is responsible for setting standards for traveling with a firearm. I flew Southwest this past week and all I had to do is have it unloaded and locked in a hard case in my checked luggage but the most important step is DECLARE THE FIREARM WHEN CHECKING YOUR LUGGAGE. Also, when declaring, use the word firearm and not the word gun. The word gun sends people into a frenzy (especially in an airport).

 

[Firefighterchen]

Also, when declaring, use the word firearm and not the word gun. The word gun sends people into a frenzy (especially in an airport).

Curious if you have seen this happen before? Cause I haven't, and I have used the terms firearm, gun, and handgun when declaring.

 

[Cowbilly32]

Curious if you have seen this happen before? Cause I haven't, and I have used the terms firearm, gun, and handgun when declaring.

Actually yes, I have but it was before I had my CHL. I was in line at the airport and a guy in the next counter said they wanted to declare a gun in their luggage. Another passenger that overheard screamed, "He's got a gun" and folks started screaming and running while others hit the deck. My caution to the poster was that while it is probably not a common occurrence, it could (and has) happened and can be avoided by saying the word firearm since it sounds less threatening.

Massad Ayoob said in one of his videos that using the word firearm is smart when informing an officer of possession of a weapon during a traffic stop. He states that you never know when a rookie cop is creeping up on the passenger side and if he hears the word gun, he may go ballistic. Just a word to the wise.

 

[carracer]

I believe it is legal to ship a handgun to yourself without having to go thru an ffl. Will have to do some research before I do it. Will be going to Phoenix next march and want to do the same.

 

[USA1911]

I recently flew for the first time with a firearm from Des Moines to Phoenix. Went very smooth - interestingly I had more hassles to go through in Arizona than I did here in Iowa. Just get the information from the airline web site( print it and have it with you just in case) and relax.

 

[reconman]

Thank you to everyone who answered. I looked at the airline website and I am going to call them just to make sure we are on the same page. Then I am going to check my firearm and relax on the flight.

 

[Firefighterchen]

Curious if you have seen this happen before? Cause I haven't, and I have used the terms firearm, gun, and handgun when declaring.

Actually yes, I have but it was before I had my CHL. I was in line at the airport and a guy in the next counter said they wanted to declare a gun in their luggage. Another passenger that overheard screamed, "He's got a gun" and folks started screaming and running while others hit the deck. My caution to the poster was that while it is probably not a common occurrence, it could (and has) happened and can be avoided by saying the word firearm since it sounds less threatening.

Massad Ayoob said in one of his videos that using the word firearm is smart when informing an officer of possession of a weapon during a traffic stop. He states that you never know when a rookie cop is creeping up on the passenger side and if he hears the word gun, he may go ballistic. Just a word to the wise.

Man that sucks for him! What state did that occur in? I have a feeling the other passenger would of flipped their lid if he had said firearm, or when he opened the case to show it's empty...but we will never know! We each have our own life experiences, it would seem wise to listen to someone who has had it occur around him, but then again, I have used the term gun and handgun while declaring (in CA, OR, and WA) and have never had a hitch or a fart about it from the desk lady or the other passengers.

As far as Ayoob and using the term firearm during a traffic stop...I do not say firearm or gun, because I do not notify. Doesn't solve the ballistic cop...then again it's really hard to fix that problem anyways (ie: Harless).

 

[NavyLCDR]

Can you send a pistol ahead via FFL?

Cheers,
Dr. Detroit

Now that is a good idea....!!!

Mom, did you mean sending the handgun ahead via FFL was a good idea? Don't forget than an FFL can only transfer a handgun to a resident of the same state their business is in. So an Ohio resident sends his handgun to an FFL in Washington. The Washington FFL cannot transfer that handgun to an Ohio resident and must send it back to an FFL in Ohio for return to the Ohio resident owner. If a Washington resident accepts the gun from the Washington FFL on behalf of the Ohio resident owner, Federal law is violated.

I believe it is legal to ship a handgun to yourself without having to go thru an ffl. Will have to do some research before I do it. Will be going to Phoenix next march and want to do the same.

You can ship a handgun to yourself, in care of another person in another state. It's much, much easier and less expensive just to check it in luggage. Hundreds, if not thousands of people fly everyday with unloaded guns in their checked luggage.

 

[JohnLM]

Don't do it unless you have a strong desire to spend your day explaining to the fed why you tried to bring a gun on a plane. Not a good idea friend.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Don't do it unless you have a strong desire to spend your day explaining to the fed why you tried to bring a gun on a plane. Not a good idea friend.

wow. The only person I explained anything to was the airline baggage counter person and the only explanation required was, "I have an unloaded firearm in my luggage to declare." No Feds involved at all. Really? Tell us why, JohnLM does every airline have a section on their webpage that tells people how to transport their firearms in luggage?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

If you leave the luggage at the airport...

This isn't always possible, as in the case of an unexpected overnight layover where you won't be re-assigned to a specific flight for many hours (think extreme weather). You are left "holding the bag" in all regards.

Dr. Detroit

 

[txhkman]

I am sure this has most likely been answered a few times on here already, but I couldn't find it so i am going to ask it again.
In a couple of weeks I am flying from Cincinnati to Seattle and I want to take my pistol with me. I have never flown with a firearm before, except while in the Marine Corps. Does any one know the rules on this and how it should be done.
Thanks for the help.

I fly between Abilene,TX and Cincy and I travel with my firearm. It's American, I just declare it, open the case, show them it's unloaded, I lock the case, put in my luggage, they put in a card that I declared it and off I go. I've never had a problem and it usually takes less than five minutes.

 

[Tucker's Mom]

Mom, did you mean sending the handgun ahead via FFL was a good idea? Don't forget than an FFL can only transfer a handgun to a resident of the same state their business is in. So an Ohio resident sends his handgun to an FFL in Washington. The Washington FFL cannot transfer that handgun to an Ohio resident and must send it back to an FFL in Ohio for return to the Ohio resident owner. If a Washington resident accepts the gun from the Washington FFL on behalf of the Ohio resident owner, Federal law is violated.

Actually yes, and then it was too late when I realized I jumped to conclusion that it is not the same as sending it to himself c/o another person to whom he is visiting. And I don't know how to delete my message so I let it go. I know someone will correct me for being an idiot. :lol: Thank you for noticing.

You can ship a handgun to yourself, in care of another person in another state. It's much, much easier and less expensive just to check it in luggage. Hundreds, if not thousands of people fly everyday with unloaded guns in their checked luggage.

 

[GHF]

As I Go About It

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

1. Review Link Removed 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 magazine top where the cartridges are visible.
   • 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 - Link Removed) 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 Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps 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.handgunlaw.us/documents/doj_doc_nyc_air.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.