Flying with firearms

[27hand]

I'm heading to Fla. in a couple months to attend a wedding.

I did a search but didn't come up with anyones experience.

I just started reading up on what is involved to fly with firearms but haven't as yet contacted the carriers i'll be flying with.

I know you have to have your handgun unloaded in a hard case,have to declare the firearm upon arrival,have ammo in a closed container(not loose) and preferably in the factory packaging.

I guess my question to those of you that do fly regularly with firearms is how much of a hassle is it and does it additionally delay you if you follow all the TSA and carrier policies?

27hand

[KeithPA]

0 hassle.....

When you check in, tell them you'd like to declare firearms.

It has to be in a locked guncase either alone or in a bag. They have you take it over to the counter, unlock it and they use a wet nap on it. I mean bomb residue testing towellete . You lock it back up and throw it either on the rack or back in your luggage. Thats it.

[MarcS]

0 hassle.....

When you check in, tell them you'd like to declare firearms.

It has to be in a locked guncase either alone or in a bag. They have you take it over to the counter, unlock it and they use a wet nap on it. I mean bomb residue testing towellete . You lock it back up and throw it either on the rack or back in your luggage. Thats it.

Think it might test positive for smokeless powder residue?

[27hand]

Thanks Delta,

I considered just leaving it at home and just carrying a knife if the responses were more negative.

I can't wait to see my sweeties reaction when I do declare it. She thinks I'm "over the edge" but also states she is more comfortable that I have one at certain times.

I will have to check out the Fla. laws regarding areas restricted from carry.

Later, 27hand

[Catalina]

If you avoid the Northeast airports you should be fine.

Just triple check your carriers requirements.

[LorDiego01]

I've never flown with firearms, but have read numerous horror stories on different boards over time.

[rwilson452]

do not fly via NYC. you will get hassled there and they will use any excuse to arrest you.

[Kypt]

Holy S! You can take your gun with you when you fly? I had no idea. You have to check it right?

I guess I learned something new today.

[KeithPA]

I've never flown with firearms, but have read numerous horror stories on different boards over time.

Are you talking about O'hare or Midway. Can't remember which it was (funny though considering with their new AWB/confiscation they have the strictest gun laws). There was a baggage handler that was stealing the guns and giving them to drug dealers who would sell them lol.

You have to check it in a hard case (pistols). Can be packed in a hard case within your regular luggage. Unloaded of course, you may pack ammo and gun in same case. Case must be locked.

If you ever have a question check the TSAs site. DO NOT check the airlines site, its irrelevant and sometimes wrong. When you check in the TSA checks it with the wipes, then holds onto it and they (TSA) deliver it to the plane. Or at least thats what they always did with me. It doesn't go along the normal baggage route when you drop it off. But when you pick it up it gets dropped off at the normal baggage claim.

http://www.tsa.gov/summer/firearms.htm

[TonyF]

It's not a problem if you follow both the carrier and TSA policies.