checked handgun at airport question
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checked handgun at airport question
This is a question for anyone who has ever flown with one of those discount airlines that charge a lot of money for every checked bag. I already know what the TSA requires as far as flying with a handgun, declared at the counter, unloaded, locked in a hard case, and has to be part of checked baggage not carry on. What I'm wondering is about Airlines like Allegiant that charge a fee for every checked bag, is it possible to, after declaring the handgun and going through the required procedure, inspection, etc. for that locked hard case to be put inside the regular luggage bag so that you are only checking in one bag instead of two?
Also to keep a small handgun box from ending up coming out with all the other checked bags, luggage, etc at the end.
Also to keep a small handgun box from ending up coming out with all the other checked bags, luggage, etc at the end.
- evan price
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
I put my handgun in a factory style small hard plastic case and use a padlock to lock it shut. Then that goes into my regular suitcase and I use a gun safety cable lock like you get free when buying a gun, from operation child safe iirc, to secure the case to the internal frame of the suitcase.
Never had an issue.
Never had an issue.
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- JustaShooter
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
This is also what I recommend.evan price wrote:I put my handgun in a factory style small hard plastic case and use a padlock to lock it shut. Then that goes into my regular suitcase and I use a gun safety cable lock like you get free when buying a gun, from operation child safe iirc, to secure the case to the internal frame of the suitcase.
Never had an issue.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
Yes. That's how I've always done it.M-Quigley wrote:This is a question for anyone who has ever flown with one of those discount airlines that charge a lot of money for every checked bag. I already know what the TSA requires as far as flying with a handgun, declared at the counter, unloaded, locked in a hard case, and has to be part of checked baggage not carry on. What I'm wondering is about Airlines like Allegiant that charge a fee for every checked bag, is it possible to, after declaring the handgun and going through the required procedure, inspection, etc. for that locked hard case to be put inside the regular luggage bag so that you are only checking in one bag instead of two?
Also to keep a small handgun box from ending up coming out with all the other checked bags, luggage, etc at the end.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
Note, some airports are very specific about the locked case (PHX for certain). They require both sides of the case to lock, basically they said if they can pry one side up and look inside it is not secure.
Returning for GRPC this year tripped me and another guy up because both of our cases only had a lock hasp on one side. We were only able to get through after cramming both guns in my small case, taking my knife and cutting extra holes on other side and applying his lock in the second set of holes. Had to trash 20 hollow points because the box they were in wouldn't fit in case with both guns and my box of ammo.
Gate agents first suggested that we go to one of the airport stores and buy a hard sided suitcase was not paying $800 for a suitcase at the airport
JLE
Returning for GRPC this year tripped me and another guy up because both of our cases only had a lock hasp on one side. We were only able to get through after cramming both guns in my small case, taking my knife and cutting extra holes on other side and applying his lock in the second set of holes. Had to trash 20 hollow points because the box they were in wouldn't fit in case with both guns and my box of ammo.
Gate agents first suggested that we go to one of the airport stores and buy a hard sided suitcase was not paying $800 for a suitcase at the airport
JLE
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
I'm still a believer in printing out hard copies of both the TSA regs and the airline firearms policy, and highlighting the pertinent portions before you get to the airport. I know, I know, you can always pull it up on your device, but there's something about pulling out an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, with very readable print, putting it in front of them, and saying, "Well, THAT'S where it says so." It's saved me a couple of times, particularly where I had a Southwest ticket agent who was clearly an anti-, and I think just didn't want me to be able to take my Walther. Did everything in his power to screw things up.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
That's a good point. I'm considering flying out of CVG (cincinnati) not sure of their policy. Is that controlled by TSA at the airport? I should make sure it locks on both sides anyway, just to be covered.JEaton wrote:Note, some airports are very specific about the locked case (PHX for certain). They require both sides of the case to lock, basically they said if they can pry one side up and look inside it is not secure.
Returning for GRPC this year tripped me and another guy up because both of our cases only had a lock hasp on one side. We were only able to get through after cramming both guns in my small case, taking my knife and cutting extra holes on other side and applying his lock in the second set of holes. Had to trash 20 hollow points because the box they were in wouldn't fit in case with both guns and my box of ammo.
Gate agents first suggested that we go to one of the airport stores and buy a hard sided suitcase was not paying $800 for a suitcase at the airport
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
I'll probably do that, unfortunitely my question isn't covered in what I read on the TSA site or Allegiants general policy on firearms transport. Also not in the FAQ either.docachna wrote:I'm still a believer in printing out hard copies of both the TSA regs and the airline firearms policy, and highlighting the pertinent portions before you get to the airport. I know, I know, you can always pull it up on your device, but there's something about pulling out an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, with very readable print, putting it in front of them, and saying, "Well, THAT'S where it says so." It's saved me a couple of times, particularly where I had a Southwest ticket agent who was clearly an anti-, and I think just didn't want me to be able to take my Walther. Did everything in his power to screw things up.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
Since we are talking about this...
Does the locked case have to match the firearm? Or can you use a long gun case for a pistol?
If so, is it allowed to put other stuff in the case with the firearm? ie buy a rifle case, put your pistol and ammo in one end, remove foam from rest of case and put what you would normally put in your suitcase in there; clothes, jewelry, toiletries, etc. That way once TSA is done inspecting your firearm then you don't have to worry about anyone rifling (no pun intended) through your skivvies later.
Does the locked case have to match the firearm? Or can you use a long gun case for a pistol?
If so, is it allowed to put other stuff in the case with the firearm? ie buy a rifle case, put your pistol and ammo in one end, remove foam from rest of case and put what you would normally put in your suitcase in there; clothes, jewelry, toiletries, etc. That way once TSA is done inspecting your firearm then you don't have to worry about anyone rifling (no pun intended) through your skivvies later.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
Nothing says you can't use an oversized case. I've contemplated using a rifle case for my pistol to secure other valuables and make it even harder for someone to just walk off with my firearm.WY_Not wrote:Since we are talking about this...
Does the locked case have to match the firearm? Or can you use a long gun case for a pistol?
If so, is it allowed to put other stuff in the case with the firearm? ie buy a rifle case, put your pistol and ammo in one end, remove foam from rest of case and put what you would normally put in your suitcase in there; clothes, jewelry, toiletries, etc. That way once TSA is done inspecting your firearm then you don't have to worry about anyone rifling (no pun intended) through your skivvies later.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
You’ll need to check, but I thought the locked gun case could only hold the gun and ammo?
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
The TSA site doesn't say that you can't put other stuff in it. I've read where people have put a handgun in a lockable rifle case or other large lockable case along with clothes, etc. I did not want to go that route however if I could avoid it.Mr. Glock wrote:You’ll need to check, but I thought the locked gun case could only hold the gun and ammo?
My wife already has a locking box, I guess technically it meets the TSA definition. It's called a car pistol safe. It only has one lock but it's in the center, and made of metal, so you can't easily just pry up one side to gain access.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
I used one of those and had no trouble.
I also found a way to use the cable to attach it to the interior of the hard shell luggage - helps prevent easy pilfering of the box from the suitcase.
I also found a way to use the cable to attach it to the interior of the hard shell luggage - helps prevent easy pilfering of the box from the suitcase.
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
I didn't notice that earlier when I read this the first time, but regarding ammo, if I read the TSA and Allegaint sites correctly, a box of ammunition is not required to be in the same hard case as the handgun, it can be in the regular checked luggage. Is that correct?JEaton wrote:Note, some airports are very specific about the locked case (PHX for certain). They require both sides of the case to lock, basically they said if they can pry one side up and look inside it is not secure.
Returning for GRPC this year tripped me and another guy up because both of our cases only had a lock hasp on one side. We were only able to get through after cramming both guns in my small case, taking my knife and cutting extra holes on other side and applying his lock in the second set of holes. Had to trash 20 hollow points because the box they were in wouldn't fit in case with both guns and my box of ammo.
Gate agents first suggested that we go to one of the airport stores and buy a hard sided suitcase was not paying $800 for a suitcase at the airport
JLE
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Re: checked handgun at airport question
That is correct. You are allowed up to 11 pounds of ammo, and it does not have to be in a locked case. That was probably a situation where the airline agent wasn't aware of the airlines rules and enforced their own opinion. Great reason to have printouts of both the TSA *and* airline rules for transport of firearms and ammunition when traveling.M-Quigley wrote:I didn't notice that earlier when I read this the first time, but regarding ammo, if I read the TSA and Allegaint sites correctly, a box of ammunition is not required to be in the same hard case as the handgun, it can be in the regular checked luggage. Is that correct?JEaton wrote:Note, some airports are very specific about the locked case (PHX for certain). They require both sides of the case to lock, basically they said if they can pry one side up and look inside it is not secure.
Returning for GRPC this year tripped me and another guy up because both of our cases only had a lock hasp on one side. We were only able to get through after cramming both guns in my small case, taking my knife and cutting extra holes on other side and applying his lock in the second set of holes. Had to trash 20 hollow points because the box they were in wouldn't fit in case with both guns and my box of ammo.
Gate agents first suggested that we go to one of the airport stores and buy a hard sided suitcase was not paying $800 for a suitcase at the airport
JLE
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