traveling with weapon

[jason400]

Ok I don't travel by plane much but will be soon. I will be traveling on business to Arizona. I know I can't carry on a plane so how can I get my gun to my destination, legally of course?

[NavyLCDR]

Place the unloaded gun in a hard sided container. I would recommend placing the magazine next to the gun. Put a factory box of ammo in the container. Lock the container with non-TSA lock(s) that only you have the key/combo to. Put the locked hard sided container in your luggage. Lock your luggage with a TSA approved lock if you choose to. Go the the baggage check-in counter in person. Declare to the counter person that you have an unloaded firearm in your luggage. They will give you a declaration tag to sign that goes in your luggage near the hard sided case. They might ask you to show them the gun is unloaded. Follow the directions given to you by the counter person to have your baggage inspected/x-rayed by TSA. They take your luggage you get on the plane. Pick up your luggage on the carousel at the end like normal. Do not relinquish the key/combo to the lock on the hard sided container to anyone, if TSA wants it opened, you must be the one to open it.

Source:
Title 49 CFR 1540.11

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:

[Phillip Gain]

Place the unloaded gun in a hard sided container. I would recommend placing the magazine next to the gun. Put a factory box of ammo in the container. Lock the container with non-TSA lock(s) that only you have the key/combo to. Put the locked hard sided container in your luggage. Lock your luggage with a TSA approved lock if you choose to. Go the the baggage check-in counter in person. Declare to the counter person that you have an unloaded firearm in your luggage. They will give you a declaration tag to sign that goes in your luggage near the hard sided case. They might ask you to show them the gun is unloaded. Follow the directions given to you by the counter person to have your baggage inspected/x-rayed by TSA. They take your luggage you get on the plane. Pick up your luggage on the carousel at the end like normal. Do not relinquish the key/combo to the lock on the hard sided container to anyone, if TSA wants it opened, you must be the one to open it.

Source:
Title 49 CFR 1540.11

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:

I would add that TSA procedures vary between airports. In some airports, they will take your bag at the counter. At others, they will direct you to an area where the bag will be taken and screened by TSA.

But all in all...it's no big deal if you follow those steps.

[Phillip Gain]

Oh, and one more thing...if your plane gets diverted to a destination where you are required to have a license to possess the gun, and you do not have that state's license, and are forced to claim your luggage...DO NOT try to check your firearm with the airline in the morning. There have been cases in Illinois, New Jersey, and New York where people have been arrested for this.

Instead, collect your luggage, get a rental car, and drive to a neighboring state where you are 'legal' to possess the firearm. (Obviously change your airline plans accordingly.)