On October 22 I flew from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) on Southwest Airlines with my firearms checked, as usual. The check-in was smooth from the start.
I didn’t fly to Las Vegas with any firearms, so I needed to grab a new hard-sided case for the flight back to New Orleans. I’d been seeing the Condition 1 cases for a while and wanted to give them a try. I was looking for something that could hold at least four pistols and would get to me in time before my flight—which it did, thanks to Amazon.
I went with the Condition 1 18″ 5-Pistol Case #801, which comes with pre-cut foam for five pistols and up to twenty magazines. It’s built in Texas from injection-molded CN-1 resin, giving it a sturdy feel without being overly heavy. The case is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, features an automatic air-pressure valve (making it airline-friendly), and has dual lock points. The interior measures 17.49″ × 11.87″ × 6.25″, and the exterior is 18.36″ × 13.70″ × 7.03″, providing plenty of space for my handguns and mags, and a little extra gear if needed. On this trip I packed a Springfield Armory Echelon Compact, an Echelon full-size grip module, an Ace VR Handset (it looks like a gun so it needed to be checked), a holster for an HK CC9, an extra set of spare locks, and POM pepper spray.
Because I was traveling with only the hard-sided gun case, I paid attention to both the carousel and the airline office at baggage claim.Here’s why: the case should have been hand-walked to the Southwest office (per policy) where I would have to show my ID and pick it up. But that’s not always how it works in real-life. In this instance, the case popped out on the carousel with the other luggage and I grabbed it just like any other bag. When you travel with a standalone gun case, don’t assume the “walked to the pickup counter” method will always happen. Watching both the carousel and the airline office may save you from confusion or delay. Another quick tip I’ve picked up: always travel with a spare set of locks. TSA hasn’t cut mine yet, but I’ve heard plenty of stories. Having extras on hand keeps you covered just in case.
Another successful flight with no drama, no delays, and no surprises. The check-in process with Southwest was efficient, the case arrived with my baggage at MSY, and I walked straight out. If you’re looking for a lockable hard-sided case for flying with firearms that won’t break the bank, check out the Condition 1 lineup. They’re durable, airline-friendly, and made right here in the U.S.—a solid option for anyone who travels with guns.
