Routine for flying with a sidearm..

[mikelets456]

I just want to make sure I remember it correctly as I haven't checked in a firearm in a few years to fly. We're flying allegiant out of Allentown airport to Florida in a few weeks. I have a metal locking case that I put my unloaded and slide open firearm and then empty the magazine and remove. Can I leave that in the case? Also, bullets are to be in a separate container? Then I declare a properly secured firearm at the counter?

[Berncly]

Whatever airline you are flying should have their procedure posted on their website or a link to the govt info.

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

Whatever airline you are flying should have their procedure posted on their website or a link to the govt info.

Same routine I have encountered with Allegiant.I also recommend checking with their website for any changes that may have come up recently.Last time I went out of ABE-Allentown with Allegiant was December 2019 with no issues.Make sure you have NO loose ammo in your pockets too.

[esh21167]

About three years ago I flew out of Philadelphia. Empty gun, slide back, empty magazine removed and in same case, ammo in box in same case. Zero issues. I suspect since it's TSA, all airlines should all be the same, but it is probably best to check airline policy as suggested.

[bamboomaster]

I just want to make sure I remember it correctly as I haven't checked in a firearm in a few years to fly. We're flying allegiant out of Allentown airport to Florida in a few weeks. I have a metal locking case that I put my unloaded and slide open firearm and then empty the magazine and remove. Can I leave that in the case? Also, bullets are to be in a separate container? Then I declare a properly secured firearm at the counter?

Yeah, we were planning to go to FLA too somewhere around the 2nd or 3rd week of April. Depending on circumstances, I'm not sure we're gonna take the vacation. Airline and hotel already agreed to refund our advance deposits...

I keep asking myself: "College kids from everywhere, visiting from 7 days to two weeks, all healthy kids, some recently visited with their folks in China, etc. Florida is now a hot spot..."

What could possibly be the infectious problem?

Gonna miss the St. Patty's day parade down there...

[Statkowski]

What not to do: Strap it on your hip and when you get to the TSA people just shout out, "I've got a gun!"

[ROCK-IT3]

I just want to make sure I remember it correctly as I haven't checked in a firearm in a few years to fly. We're flying allegiant out of Allentown airport to Florida in a few weeks. I have a metal locking case that I put my unloaded and slide open firearm and then empty the magazine and remove. Can I leave that in the case? Also, bullets are to be in a separate container? Then I declare a properly secured firearm at the counter?

Slide open is not a requirement. Empty magazine can be inserted into the firearm. Ammo can be in the same container as the firearm, but not in the magazine. Preferably in a factory ammo box, but at least in some kind of plastic ammo container..

[jthrelf]

Slide open is not a requirement. Empty magazine can be inserted into the firearm. Ammo can be in the same container as the firearm, but not in the magazine. Preferably in a factory ammo box, but at least in some kind of plastic ammo container..

A loaded magazine can be in the case with the firearm, just not inserted. TSA's definition of loaded is different than Pennsylvania's. TSA is more concerned that the primers are protected i.e. no loose rounds.

In San Antonio I argued this point with a TSA agent and I stood my ground as I was sure I was correct. I couldn't have unloaded my mags because my ammo box in the case was full and I didn't want to lose my carry ammo or toss live rounds in the trash. Eventually a supervisor came and I won . Loaded mags are much easier to handle once at your destination and ready to load up.

[jthrelf]

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transport...and-ammunition

It says a loaded mag must 'completely enclose the ammunition'. Maybe have a small roll of tape or something handy to put over the top cartridge, although I've never been asked to do this. Again, the main concern is a round wiggling out and the primer detonating.

Edit - or a mag pouch/sleeve works.

[ROCK-IT3]

A loaded magazine can be in the case with the firearm, just not inserted. TSA's definition of loaded is different than Pennsylvania's. TSA is more concerned that the primers are protected i.e. no loose rounds.

In San Antonio I argued this point with a TSA agent and I stood my ground as I was sure I was correct. I couldn't have unloaded my mags because my ammo box in the case was full and I didn't want to lose my carry ammo or toss live rounds in the trash. Eventually a supervisor came and I won . Loaded mags are much easier to handle once at your destination and ready to load up.

Good info. The airlines I have flown on have wanted the ammo in a factory (or similar hard plastic) container.