How would one take a gun when travelling by plane?

[symtron]

GlockFan,

That IS what I said...the tag should be OUTSIDE the locked GUN CASE not the luggage.....

Of course its inside the luggage but not the Gun Case.....that is locked....

Sorry about the confusion OP...

Symtron

[sambo42xa]

....sorry for My confusion too. The "declaration tag" has a string on it which They placed on my weapon in which I closed the case with the Tag hanging out (my type of case did not have a place to loop the tag through which is why the string was on the inside with the Tag hanging out) and then I proceeded to lock the case. This locked weapons case stayed inside my luggage bag. I asked if I needed to lock my luggage bag and was told "no". There are others on here who have had the experience traveling 100's of times. Me, only once. And yes, as it was mentioned on here...make copies of the rules and regulations when you look up the airline/s you're going with (I did anyway), do not hesitate to call them either if you're not sure of something. Forums are helpful, but sometimes it is hard to express what you want to say over a keyboard.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by symtron

GlockFan,

That IS what I said...the tag should be OUTSIDE the locked GUN CASE not the luggage.....

Of course its inside the luggage but not the Gun Case.....that is locked....

Sorry about the confusion OP...

Symtron

The declaration form goes IN the gun case regardless of if the firearm is in a locked case inside another bag, or in a specific piece of luggage designed to transport firearms (like a Pelican case). I've traveled through numerous airports and the placement of the firearms declaration has been pretty much the same.



gf

[GHF]

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

1.Review http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm[/URL] 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 www.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/DefendingYourR...s%20letter.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.