Recap: Flying out of Reagan, DCA on JetBlue with a Firearm

[pdougc]

Just a report for what it is worth. My wife and I got away for a couple days, we flew down to Florida (road tripped back), there was an IDPA match close to where we were staying so I brought my firearm and gear.

Firearm (chamber flag inserted) and unloaded mags were placed in my factory hard side case from Springfield, locked with non-TSA key locks. The rest of my gear was in a pelican case (no ammo), both cases were put in my checked bag which was locked with a tsa approved combination lock.

We arrived to Reagan two hours early, there was no line at the JetBlue counter. I told the lady I needed to declare a firearm, she got paperwork out and asked to see it. She was totally fine, wasn't nervous and rather polite. I pull the case out, unlock it, open it, she visually inspects it, says ok, and I lock the case back up. She hands me the declaration tag and goes back to processing my ticket. I fill the declaration tag out, attach it to the case, place the case in my checked bag and locked the bag. I put it on the scale and things get a little weird.

She asks where the tag is. I reply attached to the firearm case, which is in the bag. She tells me that it needs to be attached to the bag and not inside with the firearm. I calmly ask if this is a new policy as I was on their website last night and there were no changes to JetBlue's policy. She commented about the current state of affairs with everything and it needed to be on the bag itself. I mentioned that per federal regulations, that nothing is to be placed on my bag that distinguishes it from any other piece of luggage. I started to get my phone out to show her the appropriate documents. Thankfully that was not necessary as she said, with a little bit of an attitude that we will let TSA decide. I leave my bag locked as is. She escorts me to the bag check area. She talks briefly with the man running the scanner, I am too far away to hear the conversation, she comes back to me and says to leave my bag as is, I thank her for her time and part ways.

TSA takes my bag, I wait, get a thumbs up from the guy running the scanner and that was it.

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[jthrelf]

Good job standing your ground with the tag. I wouldn't want my luggage identified as having a firearm either.

Most times flying with firearms goes this smooth and usually smoother! Don't ever be discouraged from flying with firearms if you're vacationing in reciprocal states.

[alpacaheat]

Absolutely. It would be foolish to have any kind of exterior identification as a firearm on a bag or case.

[ungawa]

Chamber flags and empty mags with ammo separate LOL. Your mags can be loaded if the ammo is "contained," such as mag covers or in mag holders. Ammo, loaded mags, and gun can be in the same container (except on US AIR AFAIK, they want ammo outside the container). After they put the ticket in the gun case I put it in the very top of my luggage. That way, when I get to the destination airport, I can go to the bathroom, unzip the bag slightly, set gun case on the bag, throw in a mag and arm up before leaving airport. Only place I have traveled in the last ten years where I could not do that was California. My preps are not made around making some ticket agent happy that doesn't even know WTF she is looking at. They are made around getting me armed with minimum fuss. Travelers departing airports/car rentals are preferred targets of criminals.

I believe TSA rules do not allow marking baggage to indicate presence of a firearm.

Your measures were paranoid and the actions of the agent indicate she is an idiot. You think they know what a chamber flag is? Last time I had one check the chamber of my firearm was 30 years ago when I was a kid. They say, "I have to see your gun." I think they then think to themselves, "OK, looks like a gun to me, all OK" and they throw in the ticket. It's all pointless and they don't know what they are doing.

[pdougc]

blah blah blah, you suck, I am awesome, hear me roar

Thanks for your unsolicited opinion, it was just as helpful as the ticket lady telling me where the declaration form goes.

[ungawa]

Thanks for your unsolicited opinion, it was just as helpful as the ticket lady telling me where the declaration form goes.

It was very helpful. Now you will carry your mags loaded and leave the destination airport armed (where applicable). See how much help I gave you?

I apologize if you found that rude. Next time I'll bring milk and cookies

[bogey1]

Sounds like she wanted it HER way. Its amazing how that works. And if the firearm was stolen,
no repercussions on her behalf.

[jthrelf]

Chamber flags and empty mags with ammo separate LOL. Your mags can be loaded if the ammo is "contained," such as mag covers or in mag holders. Ammo, loaded mags, and gun can be in the same container (except on US AIR AFAIK, they want ammo outside the container). After they put the ticket in the gun case I put it in the very top of my luggage. That way, when I get to the destination airport, I can go to the bathroom, unzip the bag slightly, set gun case on the bag, throw in a mag and arm up before leaving airport. Only place I have traveled in the last ten years where I could not do that was California. My preps are not made around making some ticket agent happy that doesn't even know WTF she is looking at. They are made around getting me armed with minimum fuss. Travelers departing airports/car rentals are preferred targets of criminals.

I believe TSA rules do not allow marking baggage to indicate presence of a firearm.

Your measures were paranoid and the actions of the agent indicate she is an idiot. You think they know what a chamber flag is? Last time I had one check the chamber of my firearm was 30 years ago when I was a kid. They say, "I have to see your gun." I think they then think to themselves, "OK, looks like a gun to me, all OK" and they throw in the ticket. It's all pointless and they don't know what they are doing.

Don't forget to let out a loud cough when chambering a round in the bathroom. I guess not necessary with a revolver.

But now some airlines have a policy they ziptie your bag or some BS. Make sure you have nail clippers or whatever in your carry on.

[Sgt.K]

But now some airlines have a policy they ziptie your bag or some BS.

Me: Pardon me, Mister Baggage Claim Officer, but do you zip tie all bags coming off the plane?

BCO: No, of course not.

Me: Alright, do you zip tie all bags with valuable items in them?

BCO: No, why would we do that?

Me: Ok, then, do you zip tie *any* bags except those with guns in them?

BCO: No.

Me: So you are identifying - to *everyone*, and in violation of TSA regulations - all of the bags with firearms, thereby making them targets of the armed thieves who just walk in from the parking lot, without giving the owners a chance to defend themselves?

BCO: ...

Me: And, if I decide to cut the zip tie and arm myself before leaving the terminal?

BCO: Well, then we kick you out of the terminal.

Me: The one I was already leaving?

BCO: Yes.

Me: ...

[jthrelf]

Me: Pardon me, Mister Baggage Claim Officer, but do you zip tie all bags coming off the plane?

BCO: No, of course not.

Me: Alright, do you zip tie all bags with valuable items in them?

BCO: No, why would we do that?

Me: Ok, then, do you zip tie *any* bags except those with guns in them?

BCO: No.

Me: So you are identifying - to *everyone*, and in violation of TSA regulations - all of the bags with firearms, thereby making them targets of the armed thieves who just walk in from the parking lot, without giving the owners a chance to defend themselves?

BCO: ...

Me: And, if I decide to cut the zip tie and arm myself before leaving the terminal?

BCO: Well, then we kick you out of the terminal.

Me: The one I was already leaving?

BCO: Yes.

Me: ...

Check and mate. Never said people making silly policies were smart .