Flying w/ your expensive rifles - Tips?

[LongRangeJunky]

I have scoured the web for help on how to insure/guarantee my expensive Bolt rifle (DT SRS + Conversion kits + Vortex Razor + a lot more) will arrive safe and sound on my next hunting trip. I can't seem to find a solid answer on insuring the cases or anything of the sort. Do any of you guys have methods & tricks that you use to ensure all goes as planned when you fly with your gear?
I have a lot of money tied up in this trip and even more in the case so I get a bit nervous thinking about what could go wrong. I have read many posts that all say the same generic BS.
I will be flying Southwest and United btw.
If this has been discussed elsewhere and I've missed it, please point me there!
Thank you

 

[jda2631]

I have never done it, so take my advice with a grain of salt and someone else may a better idea with their experiences.

But a good solid case like a Pelican and some padlocks may be your best bet. But a little outside the box, you said you have a lot tied up in the hunt. Have you looked into shipping it? Not sure how remote your hunt will be, but may be worth it to look into it if it's possible. Could ship it insured with tracking number to the place that you are hunting, still have it locked in a case.

 

[pga43]

I have never done it, so take my advice with a grain of salt and someone else may a better idea with their experiences.

But a good solid case like a Pelican and some padlocks may be your best bet. But a little outside the box, you said you have a lot tied up in the hunt. Have you looked into shipping it? Not sure how remote your hunt will be, but may be worth it to look into it if it's possible. Could ship it insured with tracking number to the place that you are hunting, still have it locked in a case.

While most people think the airlines are responsible for lost baggage, there is a limit and unless you pay for extra insurnace, your rifle, scope, etc won't be fully covered should it get lost or damaged. A lost rifle case is a real possibility so I'd get trip insurance too in case your hunt is ruined. Shipping your rifle case via UPS or FedEx is a solid alternative.

Good luck!


Greg

 

[_Windrider_]

I also take the scope off and carry it with me. Probably totally unnecessary but why not.

 

[LongRangeJunky]

I have a good Pelican case. I have flown several times with it all without issue, but since I have about $4,000 into the trip so far I am extra nervous. I suppose all I can do at this point is try to pay for additional coverage but form me research that doesn't always work.

 

[AMGtuned]

I sticker bomb all my Pelican cases, coolers, tool boxes, etc. So I'd be a dead give away. LOL. Only have one case unstickered, and its yellow.

 

[Supersubes]

I have a good Pelican case. I have flown several times with it all without issue, but since I have about $4,000 into the trip so far I am extra nervous. I suppose all I can do at this point is try to pay for additional coverage but form me research that doesn't always work.

Just get yourself an insurance policy for replacement value on the items you’re taking, and roll with it.

 

[nbutze]

Pelican Case with the "Storm latches" and extra foam.

 

[mercracing]

I use a Pelican case and cut the center foam to fit very snug. I used 4 combination locks with different combinations for each. One thing I did after I saw lots of others doing it was put the scope up towards the latches.

 

[Precisiondada]

Any reason why people put the scope side by the latches?

 

[THEIS]

Any reason why people put the scope side by the latches?

Hi,

Because when lifting and carrying the case by the handle that puts the scope on the side that will not hit the ground first.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[mb121]

Baggage personnel will more than likely grab it by the handles available. If they handle it roughly the impact will not be absorbed into the optic or muzzle end. This is the reason why I do the same with any of my pelican cases.

 

[Badfinger]

When I was shooting trap I took my $17K Krieghoff all over the country by air using a Pelican case and Sportsman Insurance. Use TSA locks so they can open it if necessary without cutting your locks. I never got a mark on the gun and just a little rash on the case.

* Some clubs will allow you to ship your gun to them ahead of the event so you don't have to take it through TSA and travel with it.

Not shown in the Pelican case:

Sportsman Insurance

 

[Rob01]

Use a good case. Don't pack a ton of crap in the case to take away from the foam for protection. Insure your rifles with a good company. That's about it. I have flown a lot and have used a Starlight case and also a Plano Mil Spec Field Locker. Never any damage. Below is how I set up my rifle to fly. Notice the set up with scope up and plenty of padding around everything. Also the extra crap adds weight and you won;t have much to spare.

Insurance is important too as the airlines won't give you barely anything. I have used the NRA policy but make sure whatever you go with that they cover the rifles while traveling out of the house as well as in it.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Badfinger,
The last time I flew with a firearm, they specifically told me TSA locks were not authorized because they are not secure.

I had to use my personal locks because only myself would have access inside the case.

I'm pretty sure the rules haven't changed, but I'd look at TSA on line to verify.
Also, the carrier might have more stringent rules and I would look at their website for guidance.

Lastly, I would print the rules out and carry them with me.

 

[Supersubes]

Badfinger,
The last time I flew with a firearm, they specifically told me TSA locks were not authorized because they are not secure.

I had to use my personal locks because only myself would have access inside the case.

I'm pretty sure the rules haven't changed, but I'd look at TSA on line to verify.
Also, the carrier might have more stringent rules and I would look at their website for guidance.

Lastly, I would print the rules out and carry them with me.

Last time I flew without tsa locks the case got stopped at a layover because they couldn’t get inside it after it failed some sort of a sniff test. Had they been able to inspect it, it would have just gotten on the plane with me. Took 4 days to get it back to me. Fortunately it was on my return trip. This was an international flight. I think the person you get makes a difference.

Good advice on their posted rules though. I always carry them.

 

[mercracing]

Badfinger,
The last time I flew with a firearm, they specifically told me TSA locks were not authorized because they are not secure.

I had to use my personal locks because only myself would have access inside the case.

I'm pretty sure the rules haven't changed, but I'd look at TSA on line to verify.
Also, the carrier might have more stringent rules and I would look at their website for guidance.

Lastly, I would print the rules out and carry them with me.

This is exactly what I did also.

 

[Badfinger]

My experience is about eight years old and I found every airport was different in how they handled long guns. At that time the TSA rep at Dayton International told me if for example they saw something at x-ray they needed to examine they would cut my locks and the case would proceed without any locks. YMMV

Here's the TSA wording:

Firearms

• When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
• If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
• Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
• Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
• Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

Not to sound like a smart ass but what do you think "TSA recognized locks" are? As I said earlier I hit a lot of airports and they almost all handled it differently. At Dayton you checked in at the airline counter and they gave you an orange card to be put in the case with the gun then YOU carried it through the AP to TSA. At Tuson after you put the card in at the counter you didn't touch the case TSA picked it up at the counter.

 

[Rob01]

I don't use and would never and have never used a TSA lock on my rifle cases. You can if you want as it's your rifle but I would advise to bring regular locks if you do as you might have to change them out.

 

[Lowlight]

I use TSA Locks every time ...

Been called back several times prior to switching to TSA locks and yes they WILL CUT YOUR Locks if you don't hear them call you.

Several airports bring the rifles into rooms you have no access too, and if they have to open it, they will call you back via loudspeaker if you don't hear it, too bad. In some of the airports, they tell you to wait a 1/2 hour at the counter in case they have to get into the case.

They always open the case... especially if you shot it and didn't clean it.

The TSA Is NOT A PERSON it's part of the system so using TSA locks does not break the rules in fact at the TSA Portal for firearms in DIA it specifically says USE TSAS LOCKS and they all have the keys which prevent you from having a problem. if you don't give them the key, they will cut the locks in front of you. A SilencerCO Marketing Team refused to give them the keys, they missed their flight and still had all the locks cut off. Clue right there.

I fly a lot, so much so I sit up front and my rifles fly with me just about every time. Never any drama.

if anyone is gonna STEAL your rifle they are taking the entire case and not gonna "slide" your long gun out of the case.

99% of the time TSA will say thanks for using TSA locks, only once in the last 2 years did one say otherwise. And when I said they will steal the entire case she agreed. TSA and Baggage claim are two different things, Baggage handlers don't have the keys and before you claim 3D Printed keys, etc, you can go on YT and find 1000s of videos on how to defeat a Master Lock with a piece of soda can. You can break into anything within seconds using everyday items.

I even carry a few extras just in case one breaks off.