Looking to fly with firearm for the first time, suggestions?

[riflejunky]

Find out exactly where you need to take the guns because normally its a special location, have a good case and padlock, show up early because you will need to let TSA inspect the gun and case before boarding. They really just want to confirm the integrity of the locking case. Also as best I remember you may have to pack the ammo separate but you can find that out ahead of time. Find out where you have to claim your guns at your destination airport as they will not come out on the carousel and you probably don't want them sitting around the baggage office longer than necessary. Depending on where you fly into it may be very easy to claim them as most airports other than Denver or Salt Lake City are pretty small and most are used to people with guns. The bigger the airport the more uptight the security. I flew out of Anchorage once on a commercial plane so small the guns and the bird dog went in the passenger cabin.

 

[wolfmanrogers]

Find out exactly where you need to take the guns because normally its a special location, have a good case and padlock, show up early because you will need to let TSA inspect the gun and case before boarding. They really just want to confirm the integrity of the locking case. Also as best I remember you may have to pack the ammo separate but you can find that out ahead of time. Find out where you have to claim your guns at your destination airport as they will not come out on the carousel and you probably don't want them sitting around the baggage office longer than necessary. Depending on where you fly into it may be very easy to claim them as most airports other than Denver or Salt Lake City are pretty small and most are used to people with guns. The bigger the airport the more uptight the security. I flew out of Anchorage once on a commercial plane so small the guns and the bird dog went in the passenger cabin.

You don't have to pack ammo separately. It can be int he same case, and needs to be in a factory box(es). All lockable locations on the case need to have a non-tsa padlock. What they are truly concerned about is whether or not the firearm is loaded, they aren't testing the durability of the case. This now happens via x-ray, not via inspection at the counter, although they will ask you to open the case.

 

[Chipshot]

Flying with the guns and gear is not a problem. I have a large SKB case that will hold all the guns my wife and I need for a match. Even if I could fly with the ammo. I don't want to lug it through the airport.

Appreciate that insight because all I have ever taken was a sidearm .

 

[Psilloh1]

You don't have to pack ammo separately. It can be int he same case, and needs to be in a factory box(es). All lockable locations on the case need to have a non-tsa padlock. What they are truly concerned about is whether or not the firearm is loaded, they aren't testing the durability of the case. This now happens via x-ray, not via inspection at the counter, although they will ask you to open the case.

From TSA
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. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. 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.
Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.
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.

United States Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, firearm definitions includes: any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; and any destructive device. 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.

Ammunition
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.
Please check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.

 

[riflejunky]

Have fun