For Episode 28 of Flying with Guns, I flew from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) on Spirit Airlines. Everything about this trip went smoothly, but I did get one question I hadn’t heard before at the counter.
When I declared my firearms, the ticket agent asked what “millimeter” they were. One was a .380 ACP, and the other a 5.7×28, so I just told her the numbers and went with it. She filled out the declaration form, placed it as usual, and that was that—no confusion, no delay, just a slightly interesting moment that shows how different agents and airlines ask different things.
I was traveling with a Pelican V100 case inside a smaller checked piece of luggage. After checking in, I waited 10 minutes as I normally do in case TSA needed to contact me, but they didn’t. When I landed in New Orleans, my bag came out on the carousel with the rest of the luggage—no special pickup, no drama, just another easy flight while traveling with guns done right.
Quick Notes for Travelers
- Expect small variations in how agents ask about firearms—just answer clearly and stay polite.
- A compact, hard-sided case like the Pelican V100 works perfectly for smaller setups.
- Always make sure your firearms are unloaded, locked, and declared at check-in.
Another successful flight in the books. If you’re new to flying with firearms, check out our full Flying with Guns Guide for everything you need to know before your next trip.
I have done about 1500 flights with a pistol in my baggage.
American will put a red tag on your bag and you have to pick it up at an office on the other end. That looks like bad policy because a bad actor (employee) would know which luggage to steal from 100 yards away. Yes, employees and even TSA supervisors have been known to pilfer your firearms.
Many other airlines will also tag, but inconspicuously. Some ask how much ammo and want you to take it out and put on the scale. Some just want the paperwork.
Some want the declaration slip inside the gun case. That is absolutely wrong because TSA wants the slip on the outside of the gun case.
In other words, many did not pay attention in training and make their own rules.
Like the article said, just roll with the punches and stay nice or you might get turned away at the worst possible time….just before your flight.