Flying out of BWI w/firearm

[daschnoz]

It's been just a few years since I flew out of BWI with a firearm (my brother moved from his rural AZ address), but I never had any trouble out of BWI with checking firearms on multiple occasions.

I don't recall a separate pickup point in AZ or BWI; my luggage popped out on the regular carousel.

In AZ they actually have a pre-recorded loop on the shuttle bus to remind you to check firearms as you enter the airport!

A final word of caution: If you are going to repurpose your range bag as a carry on, the TSA sniffer may not appreciate it! Have your LTCF handy to explain that one. Don't ask...

Been there, done that back in 2002.

[john9001]

http://www.cjrpc.org/interstate_1.htm

federal law transporting firearms

I have traveled from Fla to Pa with a gun in checked bag, I had to check the bag in at a TSA checkin and I picked up the bag at the regular baggage pickup, the bag had yellow tape around it that said "inspected by TSA" There are some rules to follow when packing the gun in the bag.

I wanted to be legal so first I checked with the FAA, they refered me to the TSA who refered me to the airport who refered me to the airline, who said to follow federal guidelines.

[tl_3237]

This is the sign as posted at the Orlando International Airport, baggage claim area:

Attachment 78359

I suspect that the prohibition is a general one but, as recognized in the FL statute I provided in post #5, does not apply to travelers when the firearm is checked through the proper TSA procedures. Listing all the exceptions on the sign would be impractical.

[Mirlen]

That's because in most airports you don't pick up firearm baggage where regular baggage is picked up.
The airline always has a separate kiosk for "irregular size baggage, cargo or luggage requiring special care".

Every time I've flown with a firearm it's come out just as any normal checked baggage.

[Pilot321]

If I had a connection in BWI God forbid something happens to the next plane, and I have to de-plane and take possession of my firearm. No way. I would avoid BWI, JFK, etc.

[Ricochet]

7

If I had a connection in BWI God forbid something happens to the next plane, and I have to de-plane and take possession of my firearm. No way. I would avoid BWI, JFK, etc.

Maryland may be bad for gun rights. But not that bad.
Nowhere near NYC .
Like I've said, I've traveled to and from BWI with firearms dozens of times and never a problem.
You just have to use some damn sense when you do it.


.

[clarencecoffee]

I too have traveled out of BWI with handgun and no problem. Weird thing though when clerk had me rack the slide to prove not loaded. Next time I locked slide open. Procedure was no different than other airports.

[ungawa]

That's because in most airports you don't pick up firearm baggage where regular baggage is picked up.
The airline always has a separate kiosk for "irregular size baggage, cargo or luggage requiring special care".

Like the others, I have never run into that. It comes out with the rest of the baggage.

[Pilot321]

So if you are driving to BWI from PA with your handgun, and separate ammo, and you are pulled over, and for whatever reason searched, the FOPA protects you to the airport? I just don't trust the MD State Police or other MD police that much.

[PAMedic=F|A=]

That's because in most airports you don't pick up firearm baggage where regular baggage is picked up.
The airline always has a separate kiosk for "irregular size baggage, cargo or luggage requiring special care".

I've never seen this, although I always fly from Harrisburg or Return to Harrisburg.

When I flew out of Columbus GA, they made me put the "firearm empty tag" outside of my pistol case but inside my bag. Everywhere else has always made me put it inside the case. Sometimes they observe the weapon is clear, sometimes not.

I have always carried up to the baggage check, and cleared it there, because I feel comfortable doing so. I would not recommend it for everyone, but it has never been a problem. I always put the holster on my hip, & load my firearm & holster at HIA, but in out of Commonwealth airports I wait until I am at my transportation. Again, never an issue.