Author Topic: Flying with Handguns (Read 541 times)

45Spades · « **on:** January 23, 2006, 03:31:13 PM »

I am planning a hunt this winter and I have to fly commercial to get there. The airline in question is NW. My question is should I ship my revolvers via UPS Overnight or is it reasonable to assume that my firearms & baggage will make it with me if checked with the airline? The flight has one plane change.

Thanks

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2006, 05:27:51 PM »

I put my handgun in my luggage locked in a case. I declared the handgun at the check in counter along with my rifle. I went from Philadelphia to Alaska and my luggage and firearms made it OK. When I take my Encore rifle or handguns, I like to put my the guns in the bottom of my gear bag. It is one of the Cabelas duffel bags with the separate bottom. I carry my ammo in the top of the bag with my clothing & gear and the guns in the bottom. I like to keep my guns out of sight of them luggage handlers. They like to throw of guns when they get a chance. I have never had a problem travling with my handguns on NW airlines or any other airlines for the matter.

corbanzo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2006, 06:38:38 PM »

I take guns with me quite a bit on flights, and haven't had any problems. I called to make sure of the regulations, and they said you can have up to 5 pistols in a locked case.

PaulS · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2006, 07:53:36 PM »

You need to clear any firearms with the airlines you will be traveling on. Do this far ahead of your travel dates and follow their instructions.

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2006, 02:05:59 AM »

You guys must not have had as much problem with lost luggage as me. Now I've not flown in many a year since I've been retired now for over ten years. But back when I was still working I had to fly fairly often. Seemed they lost something of mine going or coming home close to 50% of the time over a period of several years. I finally got to the point if it was an over week long trip and the drive wasn't more than two days I'd just drive rather than chance it. Sure glad it wasn't my guns they were losing. I don't trust airlines even with my suitcases much less my guns.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2006, 02:07:09 AM »

Please check with all the airlines you intend to travel with for their policies on traveling with guns. Also, check to see if they declare that you are carrying firearms if they land at different cities along the way. There are states, and cities, that will confiscate your guns because you are not a resident of that state/city whether you are legal in your state or not. New York is one such state, as is neu joisey and although I am not sure about chicago, I would bet my guns on being able to get out of the airport with my baggage and not be arrested.

I had a friend whose Dad gave him a WWII Walther he brought back - it was registered and licensed. My buddy licensed it in Colorado where he lives and checked with the NY State authorities who said it was ok to fly with it to Colorado. However, the plane stopped in Newark, the pilot stated that a passanger had a gun in his luggage, he was taken off the plane, arrested, the gun confiscated and it cost him 2 grand to get out of it and he lost the pistol - which is now probably riding in some NJ cop's back pocket.

Don't lose your guns to misinformation. Mikey.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2006, 02:13:02 AM »

Quote from: Mikey

Please check with all the airlines you intend to travel with for their policies on traveling with guns. Also, check to see if they declare that you are carrying firearms if they land at different cities along the way. There are states, and cities, that will confiscate your guns because you are not a resident of that state/city whether you are legal in your state or not. New York is one such state, as is neu joisey and although I am not sure about chicago, I would bet my guns on being able to get out of the airport with my baggage and not be arrested.

I had a friend whose Dad gave him a WWII Walther he brought back - it was registered and licensed. My buddy licensed it in Colorado where he lives and checked with the NY State authorities who said it was ok to fly with it to Colorado. However, the plane stopped in Newark, the pilot stated that a passanger had a gun in his luggage, he was taken off the plane, arrested, the gun confiscated and it cost him 2 grand to get out of it and he lost the pistol - which is now probably riding in some NJ cop's back pocket.

Don't lose your guns to misinformation. Mikey.

I don't think I was giving him misinformation. Yes indeed check with the airlines you are traveling on. On problem you might also encounter is, if you are going to Alaska with a handgun and then have to land in Canada. Now you have a problem with a handgun in Canada. It is wise to check all your stops and inquire about the gun laws.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2006, 04:11:25 AM »

Flying with firearms really isn't any sort of a hassle... If flying with NWA it is really simple. First off, the handgun must be in a locked case INSIDE your normal luggage. When you go to check in, tell the agent that you need a "firearm tag". This is a bright orange tag that you sign that declares your weapon is unloaded. When flying with long guns, this tag is placed inside the case. With handguns, this is usually placed in the luggage near the locked pistol case. That's it...just that simple. Stick around with your keys if the TSA wants to take a gander inside the case.

Jim

NWA ESE

jgalar · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2006, 02:21:57 AM »

The gun must be declared to the carrier they will give you a notification note to place with the firearm. The gun must be unloaded. Ammo must be in original packaging or packaging designed to hold ammo. Rounds in a detachable magazine (clip) are not acceptable. There used to be a 11lb limit for ammo, but that has been removed so there is no poundage limit for ammo.
The gun must be in a locked hardsided case. You can put a locked handgun case in your soft luggage or you can have the gun packed with your underwear as long as the luggage is hardsided and locked.
These are Federal regs, carriers must meet these requirments, but may have their own stricter ones - so check with the carrier.
If your connecting flight has the bags sent to the next flight without the bags going up to the waiting passengers you will only need to have the gun checked once. If the carrier does not maintain control of the bag but allows public access than you will need to have your baggage reinspected.