Going to be going on vaca and would like to take my pistol. Is it a major headache to do this? The only hard case I own is the case it came in. A springfield armory xd case that has provision for a padlock. I dont know if it would be TSA approved or not.
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Flying with a pistol.
- Thread starter Nuke Man
- Start date
That case will work. It will need to be opened at check in, declared and tagged. Then you will lock it and put it in your checked luggage. There can be no ammo in the same bag as the handgun. I believe that there is a limit on the amount of ammo that can be carried in a separate checked bag. It's been a while since I have done it and things may have changed. It's best to call the airline that you are flying with and ask them.
It should be. Just get a couple locks, NOT TSA locks, and lock it up and I personally would put it in my checked suitcase. You will have to declare it to the ticket counter when checking in and sign the small tag saying it's not loaded and put it in the case. Then lock it up and follow their directions as every airport is different in their luggage scanning.
You can fly with ammo in the same hard case per the TSA as long as it's in it's original boxes or plastic cases but some airlines make their own rules. I fly with it in my rifle case with the rifle and pistol. Never had a problem with any airline. 11.5 pounds of ammo is all that is allowed in the luggage.
+1. Do check the airline's rules as well. I use an XDm case, with two matching, non-TSA padlocks. I also tape a white 3x5 card bearing my name and cell phone number to the outside of the locked case, and bury the case beneath clothes in the suitcase.
Also be aware that different airports may have slightly different procedures. Leaving Las Vegas, the ticket agent simply had me sign the declaration that it was unloaded and I tucked a corner of that card under the card with my name / # on top of the locked case, in my luggage - the case was never opened. I waited around for 15 minutes before going through the security line just in case they called wanting to open / inspect (they didn't).
In Raleigh, the ticket agent sent me to a special TSA screening area after I signed the declaration form. The TSA agent never opened the case, but swabbed everything in and around my suitcase for residue... and he gave the suitcase back to me, with instructions to give it to a dedicated baggage handler who was standing right there. The baggage handler was logging each of the "special" suitcases. Again, the actual gun case was never opened.
Both ticket agents treated it as absolutely routine - it was no biggie to them. This is an excellent video by Mike Seeklander: The Best Defense: Traveling with firearms | Down Range TV
Go online for the TSA rules for checking a firearm and ammunition in checked baggage as well the rules of the airline you are flying with. Additionally, the destination you are to arrive at has to be considered as well.
The XD case should be fine. Any ammo you bring has to be in the original container. I have a Pelican pistol case I put several things into when I travel: Guns, mags, ammo for each, knives, multi tool. All fit, though it is a little snug.
You must tell the counter person (At baggage check counter) that you want to check a firearm. They will give you a short form ( A card really) to fill out, ask you a question or two and then tell you to put the card in the bag with the case. Then you will be escorted to the TSA scanner bank where a nice TSA person may ask you about the lock you have on the box, whether you have the key, or perhaps another question. They'll tell you to stand by while they send it through the XRay and if everything is copacetic, they'll give you a thumbs up.
This is how it works at Tampa intl and Shuttlesworth Intl (Birmingham, Alabama {Roll Tide!}) Airports.
On the XD, My daughter liked my 40 Sub compact so much, I bought her a 9mm! The .40 was just a little too snappy for her but the 9mm is perfect!
I hope you enjoy your vacation!
Here's the TSA rules : Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration
The XD case should be fine. Any ammo you bring has to be in the original container. I have a Pelican pistol case I put several things into when I travel: Guns, mags, ammo for each, knives, multi tool. All fit, though it is a little snug.
You must tell the counter person (At baggage check counter) that you want to check a firearm. They will give you a short form ( A card really) to fill out, ask you a question or two and then tell you to put the card in the bag with the case. Then you will be escorted to the TSA scanner bank where a nice TSA person may ask you about the lock you have on the box, whether you have the key, or perhaps another question. They'll tell you to stand by while they send it through the XRay and if everything is copacetic, they'll give you a thumbs up.
This is how it works at Tampa intl and Shuttlesworth Intl (Birmingham, Alabama {Roll Tide!}) Airports.
On the XD, My daughter liked my 40 Sub compact so much, I bought her a 9mm! The .40 was just a little too snappy for her but the 9mm is perfect!
I hope you enjoy your vacation!
Here's the TSA rules : Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration
After I declare the pistol and it gets tagged and such at the counter, I put the pistol a locked case and that locked case has a cable lanyard that gets looped around the spine of the suitcase and secured.
So the pistol is locked in the case and the case is secured to the suitcase via a cable to prohibit the casual lazy TSA dirtbag thief from taking my chit.
So the pistol is locked in the case and the case is secured to the suitcase via a cable to prohibit the casual lazy TSA dirtbag thief from taking my chit.
Ok thanks guys! I have been emailing the airline and never got a good answer about how I had to handle rhe case after declaring it. I was wanting to be able to put it in my checked luggage. That makes me feel better. I didnt want a small pistol case going around the luggage claim by itself! I hate flying!!
In my note above, I referred to ammo in the original case; I meant to say box. They specify fiber board I believe which I take to be a standard cardboard package. I just bring a single box of ammo for each pistol (Rifle or shotgun ammo would be the same) and empty magazines.
The gun can not be loaded, nor may the magazines.
I suggest you print a copy of the TSA rules as well as those of the airline you are flying with and have them with you if there is any doubt or question about what to do or say if you hit a obstacle. You should be fine.
The gun can not be loaded, nor may the magazines.
I suggest you print a copy of the TSA rules as well as those of the airline you are flying with and have them with you if there is any doubt or question about what to do or say if you hit a obstacle. You should be fine.
I fly a lot with a pistol, and have these two bits of advice. One-do not forget to declare the pistol at the ticket counter! Got busy and did that once, luckily they caught the bag before it got to the scanner. Two-make darn sure you know the rules on carrying weapons where you are going, this gets many folks in trouble, and ignorance is no excuse, so be certain before you get there. Good luck.
I love flying with any weapon. No matter how long the lines are, go up to the first airline employee that you see and tell them that you have a gun to check; you go right to the front or to the special screening area where there is no line. I usually depart from Ohare in Chicago and it's never been an issue. And we're talking about one of the MOST anti-gun cities in the United States.
Well guys I want to say thank you! Got back yesterday afternoon. Had absolutely 0 issues checking my handgun. We flew into Orlando-Sanford and with the Zimmerman trial I wasnt sure how the locals were going to be. Anyway followed all your advice, everything went smooth! My wife had a small bag of sand in her carry on, TSA had to take it out and run samples. I joked with her it was easier to bring the gun than the damn sand!
Hope you enjoyed your stay here in the cloudy, rainy, soggy, steamy, Sunshine state!
It's been pretty damn wet this summer...
It's been pretty damn wet this summer...
We had a great time! We stay in Titusville. Hit Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island. It rained everyday but only for an hour or so. Ate plenty of fresh sea food!
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