Airplanes and firearms

Crankbait

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My wife surprised me with a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for my 30th birthday next month. We are flying United Airlined. I've looked up Wyoming's concealed carry law and I'm good to carry while being out there. My question is since we will be flying, on the way to Wyoming we land in Chicago, Illinois to catch another plane. On the way back we will be stopping in Denver, Colorado to catch another plane also. Will I have any trouble in these 2 airports just for stopping through with a checked gun? I know Illinois doesn't honor North Carolina's concealed carry permits so just wondering about flying with a firearm. Thanks

Any thoughts on a case will be appreciated also.
 
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Your baggage is still in airline control during a layover, so unless you claim your baggage in Chicago, you'll be fine. Starting your flight in IL is another matter.

I'm assuming you have an NC permit. If so, you're fine even if you start your flight in CO, since your permit is recognized there.

Be sure to look up the rules on the website of the airline you'll be flying. Most are fairly simple, but if you have any questions, many of the members here have successfully flown with firearms many times.

Congratulations on the birthday gift! Enjoy your trip!
 
Your baggage is still in airline control during a layover, so unless you claim your baggage in Chicago, you'll be fine. Starting your flight in IL is another matter.

I'm assuming you have an NC permit. If so, you're fine even if you start your flight in CO, since your permit is recognized there.

Be sure to look up the rules on the website of the airline you'll be flying. Most are fairly simple, but if you have any questions, many of the members here have successfully flown with firearms many times.

Congratulations on the birthday gift! Enjoy your trip!

Thanks. I for got to mention I'll be flying United Airlines. I've looked them up. They seem fairly easy all but some like to label the outside of your bag but I've read that's illegal to do so.
 
You will be fine!

Just make sure that your unloaded firearm is in a locked container (I use nanvault 100) inside of your CHECKED luggage. magazines usually can't be filled with ammo, you typically have to use a "factory" box for the ammo and no more than 10 pounds!!!! I know some of you guys carry many magazines LOL!

The layover airports won't do anything to you luggage or treat you differently. That said I would never layover in NY...they have the most ridiculous handgun laws as far as I can tell...

handgunlaw.us is very helpful.
 
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Definitely against federal law for anyone to put anything on the outside of your bag that identifies it as containing a firearm.

Yeah that's what I have read but I have heard that some airlines still try to. Someone said United used to even mark the ticket with a bunch of FFFFFFFs in an inconspicuous way of labeling it as a firearm but hopefully they don't do that anymore. I was going to pack my Springfield XDS in the original case but I believe I'll get another case that doesn't have "firearm" written all over it!
 
Yes the morons at check in might try to tell you otherwise. That "steal me" tag only has to go on the box containing the gun.

Nanovault is the way to go. TSA compliant and works well in rental cars if needed.

Congrats on the trip and Happy Birthday. Your wife should give mine lessons.

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You will be fine!

Just make sure that your unloaded firearm is in a locked container (I use nanvault 100) inside of your carry on luggage.

Uh, maybe the trip will go smoother if you put the gun in the checked bag. ;) (Sorry vp9c...couldn't help myself).

If you're going to do more than one trip, you might want to consider these cases from Monoprice. I've been quite pleased with mine and the prices are great.

https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=waterproof+hard+case+foam

My experience with United has been great. No drama at all. They want you to open your luggage and see that the case inside is securely padlocked and that any ammo is packaged according to their rules. As I recall, you can carry up to 11 pounds of ammo. I use a plastic ammo can from Harbor Freight...they were on sale for $4.99 yesterday. Just for fun, I also throw a padlock on the ammo can.

https://www.harborfreight.com/ammo-box-61451.html

Before my first trip with arms, I did a lot of research. I found some guys who said the experience at checkin, tracking and security was so good that they ALWAYS travel with a gun (some of them apparently pack a small locked case and declare there's a pistol inside when there actually isn't one) just because they want the special treatment.

Buon viaggio!
 
I always print out a recent copy of the TSA regulations pertaining to firearms. I had a minor problem with a TSA agent the last time I traveled with a long gun out of Wilmington. I had the ammo in a separate suitcase since it wouldn't all fit in the gun case (11 kg of shotgun shells). She told me that it had to be all in one case. I referred her to her own regulations and she got all huffy and called her supervisor. When he arrived I read him the TSA regs and he told me that I knew more about them than he did and he told me to have a nice day. So, having that recent dated printout of their regulations saved my butt. The airlines are not a problem. They figure once you get through TSA you are good to go. Surprisingly, I had no problem returning through Seattle, the center of the liberal universe. It just happened that the TSA agent that checked me was a duck hunter and we got to talking ducks and guns and hunting. It was 0500 in the morning and real slow. He was in a special partitioned area that checked guns and other "things". After 20 minutes I told him I had to go and he said have a safe trip. I asked him about the gun and he told me to see if I couldn't slip the "unloaded" tag through the crack between the case halves. I got it in there and I was good to go. He could have cared less and never opened the case. So, you just never know. Carry copies of the TSA regulations and your specific airline firearm policies just in case someone is not familiar with the procedures. I have had TSA and counter agents ask to open the case and they did not have a clue as how to check a weapon to see if it was unloaded. I had to show them and some are down right scared. I know it's hard to believe, but not everyone is a CFF member and comfortable around firearms.
 
Uh, maybe the trip will go smoother if you put the gun in the checked bag. ;) (Sorry vp9c...couldn't help myself).

If you're going to do more than one trip, you might want to consider these cases from Monoprice. I've been quite pleased with mine and the prices are great.

https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=waterproof+hard+case+foam

My experience with United has been great. No drama at all. They want you to open your luggage and see that the case inside is securely padlocked and that any ammo is packaged according to their rules. As I recall, you can carry up to 11 pounds of ammo. I use a plastic ammo can from Harbor Freight...they were on sale for $4.99 yesterday. Just for fun, I also throw a padlock on the ammo can.

https://www.harborfreight.com/ammo-box-61451.html

Before my first trip with arms, I did a lot of research. I found some guys who said the experience at checkin, tracking and security was so good that they ALWAYS travel with a gun (some of them apparently pack a small locked case and declare there's a pistol inside when there actually isn't one) just because they want the special treatment.

Buon viaggio!


Haha. You caught that too!!! I believe I'll pack it in my checked bag the first time around!

My dad buys a lot of pelican cases, I may see if he can get me a small one for this trip. I don't fly a lot in states. I fly a ton out of the country, never take my firearms, on mission trips. The last time I flew with a gun was on a hunting trip to Texas back in 2000.

I only plan on taking one box of ammo. Mainly just what 2 mags will hold. We plan to go hiking in the Grand Tetons and Yellow Stone so mainly just for protection from wildlife.

I appreciate the info
 
Carry copies of the TSA regulations and your specific airline firearm policies just in case someone is not familiar with the procedures.

Not a bad idea and good to know. Thanks
 
Give your dad the tip about Monoprice. I've never owned a Pelican but can't imagine how it can be enough better to justify the UUUUUUUGE price difference.
 
Uh, maybe the trip will go smoother if you put the gun in the checked bag. ;) (Sorry vp9c...couldn't help myself).

If you're going to do more than one trip, you might want to consider these cases from Monoprice. I've been quite pleased with mine and the prices are great.

https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=waterproof+hard+case+foam

My experience with United has been great. No drama at all. They want you to open your luggage and see that the case inside is securely padlocked and that any ammo is packaged according to their rules. As I recall, you can carry up to 11 pounds of ammo. I use a plastic ammo can from Harbor Freight...they were on sale for $4.99 yesterday. Just for fun, I also throw a padlock on the ammo can.

https://www.harborfreight.com/ammo-box-61451.html

Before my first trip with arms, I did a lot of research. I found some guys who said the experience at checkin, tracking and security was so good that they ALWAYS travel with a gun (some of them apparently pack a small locked case and declare there's a pistol inside when there actually isn't one) just because they want the special treatment.

Buon viaggio!


HUGE OOOOOPS!!!

Sorry about that. CHECKED BAG ONLY!!!!

I'm going to edit my original post so minimize internet confusion!
 
Lots of great information here: http://deviating.net/firearms/packing/

Keep a copy of the regs with you in case you need to challenge something, which isn't likely.

I use a pelican case as my luggage and put Abloy locks on it. I think a little lock box in unsecured luggage is asking for the lock box to get stolen as it would be easy for someone to swipe it and stuff it down their pants. With a big case and locks they're going to have yo be obvious about it.

The regs say it must be in s hard sided cases. Nothing says you must have a case inside of unprotected luggage. People have become too cucked in this regard post Sept 11, 2001.
 
Not such a big deal if the OP puts the gun in his checked bag. I'm sure a "friendly" TSA agent will catch the error at Security.

;)
 
And you need TSA approved locks so that everyone can open your case. :)

I recall talking to the ticket agent about my shotgun and she told me not to worry. I asked her if it wasn't at my destination when I arrived who should I contact, since evidently the gun crossed multiple states and jurisdictions? I told her that it was better to be safe than sorry so I would just call the local FBI office. o_O She then got a really concerned look on her face. When I got to my destination my gun was not on the baggage carousel (yes, it has been there many times for someone to just pick up and walk away with!) but in the airline baggage office. Ha! Learned something new.
 
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Ever so slightly off-topic, I'd like to share another idea that works well for me. This is the result of flying countless millions of miles, domestic and international. Recognizing that any kind of lock will never keep a dedicated person from opening checked luggage, I simply secure all my bags with small zip ties. I leave the bag open until I've finished checking in and then put on a black tie before the agent takes the bag off the scale. I carry a bunch of black ties with me on each trip.

Inside the bag is a big note from me saying,

"Dear TSA,

Please be so kind as to secure my bag with one of these zip ties when you've finished your inspection.

Thanks and regards,

Jeppo"


Taped to the note are a dozen or so of the same sized zip ties in white.

I can instantly recognize when my bag has been opened.

YMMV
 
And you need TSA approved locks so that everyone can open your case. :).
Traveling with firearms is the exception here. It is why I advocate not putting a lock box in unsecured luggage.

Oh and to the OP, should your plane get delayed in IL to where they want to reschedule you for another flight, refuse to take possession of your luggage to avoid gun issues in that People's Republic. Federal transportation laws be damned because they won't recognize them any more than they recognize the 2nd-A.
 
Big ups to your wife, thats a dang fine birthday gift!
Beautiful area youre heading to
 
I'm a bit confused, yet again. Is it OK to use a secure lock on the firearm container after it is TSA inspected? This assuming it is inside of your larger checked bag.
 
Lots of great info guys. I appreciate it. One more question, am I allowed to lock my checked bag? Or will they just cut the lock off? I know my check bag has a metal rail that runs through it so I'm planning on securing the case to it with a lock and cable. Someone will have to cut the lock or steal my bag to take my gun.
 
Lots of great info guys. I appreciate it. One more question, am I allowed to lock my checked bag? Or will they just cut the lock off? I know my check bag has a metal rail that runs through it so I'm planning on securing the case to it with a lock and cable. Someone will have to cut the lock or steal my bag to take my gun.
Yes you are allowed to lock your luggage with real, non TSA locks. If they want access to your bag, they are required to contact you for the key. What typically happens is one of two things, keeping in mind that you put an orange tag INSIDE of the luggage on top so that it is clearly visible to their x-ray scanners that there is a firearm inside: one, they either have you wait a few minutes (10) in the main area to give them time to "clear" your luggage via the scanner, two they will take you to an area to have it screened either manually in which case you unlock it and they lock it when they're done or via the x-ray scanner.

I'm a bit confused, yet again. Is it OK to use a secure lock on the firearm container after it is TSA inspected? This assuming it is inside of your larger checked bag.
Straight from the TSA website:
You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.
(and)
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock.
Note several things: one transport in locked hard sided container is a must. This gives you the option of using locked hard sided luggage as it meets the required definition. Two locked cases that are easily opened are not permitted - emphasis mine. It is a matter of interpretation as to whether a little lock box can be easily opened. The page does state that the manufacturer's box is typically inadequate. The last time I flew, they asked why I didn't just put it in the lockbox and leave that in unlocked luggage. I asked if they considered that secure and stated that I did not and nothing more was said.
 
Big ups to your wife, thats a dang fine birthday gift!
Beautiful area youre heading to

Thanks. I am one lucky guy! She works while I stay home with our daughter. Now I worked by but off to put her through school and to get the job she wanted. It just worked out the best that I stay home and I work on small engines in my free time.
 
Thanks. I am one lucky guy! She works while I stay home with our daughter. Now I worked by but off to put her through school and to get the job she wanted. It just worked out the best that I stay home and I work on small engines in my free time.
Lexington NC or SC?
Im in Welcome NC
 
I will inform everyone of my trip and how things go. I plan to by a Pelican Case as of now unless I find a better deal. Hopefully everything goes smoothly. Thanks for are the great info. Feel free to keep on if anyone else wants to chime in.
 
Did you check that link I posted for the Monoprice cases? I'm tellin' you, you'll save a bundle and never look back.

They're also 20% off today only.
 
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Did you check that link I posted for the Monoprice cases? I'm tellin' you, you'll save a bundle and never look back.

I just went back to look at all the links. Looks like I am going to have to read some reviews and if they are good I will probably end up going with one of them especially for the price. They look just as sturdy as the pelicans
 
I had el cheapo combination locks from the HW store on mine and one time one of them got dented during transit and I had a hard time getting it to open. Time for new ones.

I mentioned previously getting Abloy locks (securitysnobs.com). I got one good one that is strong enough to resist bolt cutting and one that is keyed the same. It was a way to save a little. I would recommend looking at some good locks at some point.
 
I had el cheapo combination locks from the HW store on mine and one time one of them got dented during transit and I had a hard time getting it to open. Time for new ones.

I mentioned previously getting Abloy locks (securitysnobs.com). I got one good one that is strong enough to resist bolt cutting and one that is keyed the same. It was a way to save a little. I would recommend looking at some good locks at some point.

I plan on buying good locks. But I'd rather them have to cut the case open if they need to get into it or just call me with the key:DDo the Abloy locks weigh a lot? Haven't checked bag weight limit yet. Just curious how much room I am going to have left after I put a gun and case in there and my wife fills up "MY SUITCASE" because hers will be full. Lol
 
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I always carry a copy of the TSA literature, and have it pulled up on my phone (I have both hard copy and electronic, but it's almost always faster to get to the phone than to dig through documents). I've never needed it, but it can quell an argument FAST to pull out where certain things are written out in black and white. Things like lock issues, marking the bags - both of which have once or twice been a point of confusion, and are spelled out explicitly.

I've rarely run across a ticket agent with an authority complex - many will concede the point when politely educated on the matter, especially when you can back up your words and they can leave the conversation *knowing* that they did their job correctly.
 
I plan on buying good locks. But I'd rather them have to cut the case open if they need to get into it or just call me with the key:DDo the Abloy locks weigh a lot? Haven't checked bag weight limit yet. Just curious how much room I am going to have left after I put a gun and case in there and my wife fills up "MY SUITCASE" because hers will be full. Lol
The larger one is 1.0 lb. the small one is a lot less. Here are the specs: https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-330-Padlock.html
 
Don't know what size case you are looking for but I have a Pelican 1500 and a Pelican 1520 you can borrow for the trip. Just need to figure out if it's worth shipping back and forth from way down here
 
Don't know what size case you are looking for but I have a Pelican 1500 and a Pelican 1520 you can borrow for the trip. Just need to figure out if it's worth shipping back and forth from way down here

I appreciate the offer but I believe it's probably cost half the case. I've looked at both. Which you recommend for a XDS plus 2 mags and a small box of ammo?
 
:eek: If I buy 2 of them and a case that's more than I have in the XDS. Lol. But it'll be secured. Hopefully!!!
Get one of those and one if the model 230 I think it is under small pad locks. That will save you some $ for almost as much security. If they can get through the large one, a second one isn't going to slow them down much. They will need some serious tools to do so in any case.
 
I appreciate the offer but I believe it's probably cost half the case. I've looked at both. Which you recommend for a XDS plus 2 mags and a small box of ammo?
The 1500 series Pelicans are way oversized for an XDS, mags and ammo, although it would certainly work. I have six 1911-size pistols in my 1500 and a complete four barrel set of Dan Wesson 15-2 in the 1520.
One of the smaller cases would work better if the plan is to put the gun-holding case inside of your checked baggage. The 1500 would be checked as a bag on its own.
 
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