Hi all, just back from my airplane trip to and from Springfield MO to visit my brother.
Wanted to let you all know about my experiences flying with firearms....
Tell ya what...if I am ever flying somewhere my NH or PA permit allows me to carry, I am always gonna pack my guns. I was concerned that at Chicago's O'Hare airport I would be stuck in BIG lines waiting to check in. Not true...I walked in the door, told them I had firearms to declare in checked baggage. They escorted me to a private check in counter (passed lines 5 or 6 rows deep) They had me open my suitcase and unlock my gun case. (I have a 4-6 gun hard aluminum case which I put inside my large wheeled bag). I showed them the guns were unloaded they had me sign a card which went into the gun case and relocked. After that the counter person walked me to the TSA screening area and they took my bag and went behind a screen to check things out. That was one of two things that happened that I protested about. I wanted to keep close and watch as the TSA guy reopened my gun case and they kept shooing me back. I wouldn't go as I had understood the law the firearms were not to be out of my sight until they were on the baggage line. The second thing was when the TSA guy said the 3 boxes of factory packaged ammo could not be inside the same case as the firearms and had to be relocated elsewhere inside my suitcase. I was set to argue that point but figured it was not a big deal, however I did mention that the law did not state that. And had the law to back it up. (below)
All in all less than 15 minutes to check in and 5 on the way back home...a great trip....and I did manage to put MissouriCarry in their favorites on my brothers computer. Take care all, stay safe....mack

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts may only be transported in checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.

There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers (LEOs) who are authorized to fly armed by meeting the requirements of 49 CFR § 1544.219.

Following is a summary of key regulatory requirements to transport firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage:

All firearms must be declared to the air carrier during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked.
The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared. Any ammunition transported must be securely packed in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
Firearm magazines/clips do not satisfy the packaging requirement unless they provide a complete and secure enclosure of the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
The ammunition may also be located in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it is properly packed as described above. Black powder and percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

I've had similar good experiences with guns at airports. I ALWAYS call ahead to see what the particular airline requires. They have all been consitent - ammo cannot travel in the same case as the firearm and it must be in the original ammo manufacturers box. The firearm case must have a lock. The firearm case must be hard-sided.

That is some great information and I'm going to make it a sticky, so it doesn't get lost.

thanks!

That is good practical info. Thanks guys. "Man, I love this site!!"

Regarding the shipping case - the airlines are somewhat particular about the integrity of the case used to ship firearms. The case manufacturers whose products are "approved for use on airlines" advertise them as such. If there is a question, ask the manufacturer before you buy. What you don't want to do is get to the airport and discover they won't ship your guns because of the case. I have also purchsed "gun shippers" from the airline. They are cardboard with foam lining and essentially a throw away. I think I paid $20 for it at the time.

Mine is made by SKB in Orange, CA. It is called a double but I have had as many as four guns it it at one time. The inside is the interlocking egg-carton foam so once the case is closed nothing shifts about. They get knocked about pretty good by the gorilla baggage handlers so they have to be stout. Mine is a heavy wall plastic over an aluminum frame with lots of strength members molded into it. It has held up remarkably well. It also has wheels and a spring folded handle at the opposite end. That's real handy because when the case is loaded with guns it's heavy. The all-aluminum ones look nice but dent pretty easily if they are mishandled. You might want to consider that when you make your purchase.

When I handload I store my ammo in plastic containers made for the specific cartridge (just like everyone else who handloads). These are NOT acceptable to airlines for shipping ammo. I save factory ammo boxes and use them when going on trips.

I also wonder how the individual airlines rate. What is your experience and with which airline.

I also wonder how the individual airlines rate. What is your experience and with which airline.

All my travel with firearms has been domestic travel. I have transported firearms on Southwest, Delta, and United air lines. No problems with any of them. Actually, they were down right accomodating.

I also wonder how the individual airlines rate. What is your experience and with which airline.
RD, I flew United Express, and the airline itself was quite accomodating. No issues, the TSA at O'Hare seemed a bit mis-informed on the law as I had mentioned the issue with the ammo was no biggie, however them handling my firearms behind a screen without me present was...I would do it again no problem. Beats standing in a long check in line any day. Just be sure to have the TSA rules and the airline that you are flying rules hard available. Through my research, I have found most domestic airlines require a "hard sided" luggage case which is lockable. That's it....

Mike, thanks for making this a sticky...saves on research for others.
mack

RD - knowing you fly for SWA means you probably know the rules for them inside out.

Last time I flew to "Yupper" Michigan, went NWA from Sky Harbor. No hassles with the firearms, but lots of hassles going through the regular passenger inspections. Don't know if the checked firearms singled me out, or not.

I flew on NW to Anchorage, and unfortunately back, last September. I had a revolver with me and had no problems of any kind getting through the airports. I followed the rules just as everyone else. I had the revolver in a locked metal container that was airline approved inside my baggage and opened it when asked...that was all. They did mention that the ammo had to be packed outside the case which it was.

When leaving AK there where lots of hunters, the ones I saw with rifle cases had ammo in them and where not told to do otherwise. I would imagine more guns go through the Anchorage airport, per traveller, than about any other place on earth..so it would be likely they are up on the rules.

I travel by air quit a bit to matches with my son. The only complaint I have had is the lack of security at one airport when his case was left unsupervised with other over sized baggage. Anyone could have walked off with them before we located them. On the opposite side we have had airline personnel hand deliver them to us.
The biggest concern I have is when your firearms are out of your sight and left in the hands of the baggage handlers. We had one shooter that had a forklift fork run through the case destroying the rifle inside.

I travel by Alaska Airlines and their partners throughout the state with firearms a lot. I've never had any problems with because of the firearms. I've always used gun cases approved by airlines for transport. Outside the State of Alaska, I've flown with Alaska Airlines, Northwest, Continental and American and have not any problems with them either.

For the trip to Africa in September, I have picked up a Tuff-Pak gun case and will be the first time I've traveled internationally with firearms. I know many do so each year, but I am anxious about the greeting I may receive in RSA or Zimbabwe, or even returning to the States after a trip abroad and bringing the firearms back into the country.

RD - knowing you fly for SWA means you probably know the rules for them inside out.

Actually kdub, as one of the fellows sitting up front I know absolutely nothing about what happens on the checkin, ticketing, baggage end of the operation.

A word of warning, don't bring firearms over here unless you are sure you have all the paperwork in order. A while ago our international small bore team was detained and all but thrown in gaol on their return from compation. It seams the rules changed while they were away.
Also some of the bagage handlers may not be all that trustworthy. They tend to use luggage as a meens to transport drugs interstate, which may be the reason one young Australian is serving 20 years in Indonesia.

I have been flying with firearms for about 20+ years. Years ago they REQUIRED the 'Unloaded Firearm' tag be placed on the OUTSIDE of the bag. That is when I came up with a method, which I sill use and the TSA things is the 'best' they have seen, to secure the weapon to the suitcase and lock it so it could not be fired even if they had ammo. :cool:
I took a 1/4 I-bolt and placed it through the bottom of the suit case with backing plates on both sides. I used nuts I had bent and made locking on both sides and I flattend the end of the bolt and buggered the threads. If you have the right tools and and the time you can take the I-bolt loose. BUT there is a chain which goes THROUGH the box and has a paddel lock through the chain and through the trigger guard BEHIND THE TRIGGER. It comes out ot the box and it is then wraped in a X pattern and paddel locked again, which lockes the box. So you have three locks, one inside the box locking the chain to the gun and keeping the trigger form being pulled, the second lockes the chain securely around the box locking the box, and the third locks the entire chain and box to the I-bolt secured to the bottom of the suit case. :D

Seems to me yougot a bear proof method,good idea and bet the airports love that,do they make you open the case?

I have been flying with firearms for about 20+ years. Years ago they REQUIRED the 'Unloaded Firearm' tag be placed on the OUTSIDE of the bag. That is when I came up with a method, which I sill use and the TSA things is the 'best' they have seen, to secure the weapon to the suitcase and lock it so it could not be fired even if they had ammo. :cool:
I took a 1/4 I-bolt and placed it through the bottom of the suit case with backing plates on both sides. I used nuts I had bent and made locking on both sides and I flattend the end of the bolt and buggered the threads. If you have the right tools and and the time you can take the I-bolt loose. BUT there is a chain which goes THROUGH the box and has a paddel lock through the chain and through the trigger guard BEHIND THE TRIGGER. It comes out ot the box and it is then wraped in a X pattern and paddel locked again, which lockes the box. So you have three locks, one inside the box locking the chain to the gun and keeping the trigger form being pulled, the second lockes the chain securely around the box locking the box, and the third locks the entire chain and box to the I-bolt secured to the bottom of the suit case. :D

Flashhole,

You mentioned that ammo must be in the original ammo manufacturers box. What do they do about reloads?



I've had similar good experiences with guns at airports. I ALWAYS call ahead to see what the particular airline requires. They have all been consitent - ammo cannot travel in the same case as the firearm and it must be in the original ammo manufacturers box. The firearm case must have a lock. The firearm case must be hard-sided.

Flashhole,

You mentioned that ammo must be in the original ammo manufacturers box. What do they do about reloads?

They don't know the difference between a handload and factory loads if they are in factory ammo boxes. They feel it's the safest way to ship it. I save factory ammo boxes just for this purpose and fill them with handloads.

Thanks guys. My son and I are traveling to San Antonio next week (from Kansas City). Using Delta Airlines. Have never flown with guns before so the info you provided will help a great deal. Thanks again.

They have had me open it a time or two, most of the time it goes directly to TSA x-ray. They have come and got the key form me once and came back saying that was the coolest thing they had ever seen! :cool:

My two cents,

In April 05 I flew San Antonio to Indianapolis on Delta with handgun in an Armloc II pistol case (http://store.botachtactical.com/frariipica.html). Declared firearm to counter clerk, she processed my ticket and took me straight over to the TSA guy without checking it herself. I opened the bag, unlocked the case, and Mr TSA looked at the revolver and the 50 rounds in original manufacturer's box that was inside the pistol case with the revolver. He looked at the gun and the ammo, just said OK, and I locked everything back up, and flew to Indy. Only problem was my luggage bag's zipper jammed at first, and it took me and Mr. TSA about 5 min to get it unjammed! - he was very patient (and it was very early morning, no crowds.).

I had called the airline ahead of time to check currency of the rules on Delta's website. I also had a copy of the airline regs and all the TSA rules I could find on the internet, including the statement that TSA says ammo can be in the same case with the gun. Since the airline did not even look at the gun, I didn't have any problems with them. I also wrapped the ammo box with clear packing tape so it would hold together. I think the business about ammo being shipped in original cartons being "safer" is nonsense -- I'll bet the real reason has to do with liability in case something goes wrong.

Anyway, it was not a big deal. Thankfully.

elb

Oh, and p.s.

I quietly wrote down the name of the TSA guy and the counter clerk so I would have a better starting point later on just in case anything went astray... :)

Since there has been so much conflicting information, especially concerning if ammo can be packed with the firearm, I thought I'd look at some of the airlines website policies, along with TSA.

Rather than post each policy, I thought I would provide the appropriate links. It does appear that ammunition can be packed with the firearm. Ammunition does not have to be in then original manufacturer's box, but must be in a box designed for ammunition. The box may be fiber (cardboard like a manufacturer's box), wood, metal, or other secure material designed to transport ammunition, fully containing the ammunition without exposure.

It is advisable to visit the particular airline's website for which you will be traveling, print their policies and TSA's policies for inspection should you have any problems at the check-in counter.

While this is not a comprehensive listing, it is easy to do a search on your favorite search engine by typing the air carrier's name and firearms policy (ex. Delta Airlines firearms policy).

Transportation Security Agency
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1666.xml

Delta Airlines
http://www.delta.com/travel/plan/baggage_info/special_baggage/sporting_goods/index.jsp

Alaska Airlines
http://www.alaskaair.com/www2/help/faqs/SportRelatedItems.asp

KLM/Northwest Airlines
http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/specialitems.html#fire

United Airlines
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1035,00.html

American Airlines
http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/baggage/restrictedArticles.jhtml

Continental Airlines
http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/baggage/sports.asp

Southwest Airlines
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/guns.html

South African Airways
http://ww4.flysaa.com/travel_support/baggage_information/za_FAQs.html

British Airways
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/genconcarr1/public/en_gb#8d

I see you did not have America-West listed.
They allow 11 lbs of ammo in the same bag as the firearm.

11 lbs (5 kg) is the standard for airlines. If you look at most of the airlines websites, all state the 11 lb or 5 kg limit.

Some airlines are more liberal with how many firearms they allow you to check. I noticed Continental allowed up to 5 long guns, while United and a few others put the limit at 2. South African Airways, due to Republic of South Africa's policy, does not allow more than 1 firearm per caliber. Whether this means you are not allowed to carry a 30-30 and a 30-06, or if it means you are not allowed more than one 30 caliber firearm, I do not know. My suspicion is they mean no more than one rifle chambered for each cartridge, but like so many have used the word caliber to be synonymous with cartridge.

State or federal (national) laws still apply. So, even though the airlines may not limit the transport of a particular type of firearm, there may be problems if trying to collect that firearm in a state or country where it has been banned.

I forgot to repost after my trip. Went to San Antonio earlier this month. Left from Kansas City.
Really no problems in Kansas City except with the lady behind the ticket counter. When I told her I had a firearm to declare, her response was "YOU HAVE WHAT!?!" I repeated it to her and she immediately pushed my riflecase back across the baggage opening and told me to take it. She then just stood there for a short time looking at the case in my hand. At first I did not think she was going to let me take it on the airplane. She then had me follow her to the TSA Desk where they opened the case, had me sign an "UNLOADED TAG", then closed it and sent it on its way to the plane. I had read this site and was prepared to show them the rule about placing ammo with the firearm, but they had no beef with that.
On the way back from Texas my only problem was with the TSA people in San Antonio- they MADE me give them the key to open my locks. The guy there refused to use his access key "It wastes too much of my time".
All in all, it was a good time with minimal problems. Would not hesitate to do it again.

Flashhole, I wonder if the plain white cardboard box for ammo would be acceptible. Midway sells boxes and styrofom inserts?

Flashhole, I wonder if the plain white cardboard box for ammo would be acceptible. Midway sells boxes and styrofom inserts?

Other information posted indicates it would be acceptable but in the half dozen or so times I have had firearms transported in conjunction with my air travel I have been required to use factory ammo boxes. I keep a few boxes around and fill them with handloads when I travel.

I think alyeska338 has the best advice. Contact the air carrier you intend to uses and see what their policies are.

Wow brings back memories...
Back when Braniff was still around mid to late 80's maybe, I hopped on a puddle jumper from Kansas City to Omaha for a day trip. On the return I remember'd that I had my Colt Cobra in my briefcase. Upon check-in I informed the desk and we boxed it, I had already unloaded it at that point and they dropped it in the nose. I had to show my ID to retrieve it at landing. Wow how times have changed. That was even before CHL's or CCW's existed. I am one blessed man.
God bless,
Greg

An update on this thread.

I traveled from Anchorage to Seattle, Seattle to Atlanta, Atlanta to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Johannesburg to Bulawayo Zimbabwe. My ammunition was packed in my checked luggage. My 300 H&H ammo was packed in those clear plastic cartridge boxes you can get from reloading supply stores, but I made labels indicating the cartridge and load info (along with my name and address). The 338 Win Mag were packed in some old Federal 338 Win Mag cardboard boxes I had. There was never any problems. I was asked how I had them packed and told them the truth. I was also asked how many rounds I had entering into Zimbabwe and stated the true amount (60 rounds of each). Exiting, they asked how many I was leaving with. Told them and that was that. No one ever pulled the ammo from the boxes.

I had no problems at any airport because of my firearms or ammo. By the way, the Tuff-Pak guncase was mistaken at both Johannesburg, Seattle and Anchorage as being a hard case for golf clubs. Something you might want to consider to keep people from stealing your firearms. When my rifles did finally arrive, neither of them needed the scopes adjusted. I'm a firm believer in the Tuff-Pak now.

By the way, the Tuff-Pak guncase was mistaken at both Johannesburg, Seattle and Anchorage as being a hard case for golf clubs. Something you might want to consider to keep people from stealing your firearms.


Might work if they want to steel guns but what if they are looking for a new set of golf clubs?

By the way, the Tuff-Pak guncase was mistaken at both Johannesburg, Seattle and Anchorage as being a hard case for golf clubs. Something you might want to consider to keep people from stealing your firearms.


Might work if they want to steel guns but what if they are looking for a new set of golf clubs?
Well, if someone is just looking to steal something, it's not going to matter at all. However, there are enough anti-gun, anti-hunting people working the airports throughout the U.S. and many other parts of the world, hunters are reporting stolen or damaged guncases at a much higher rate than other stolen or damaged luggage. A guncase that doesn't appear to be a guncase has it's merits.

Hi there, just here to say "Hi", as was asked at some webpage in the beginning of the forum. I'm already a big fan of this site. Just for I got a real helpful answer very quickly on how to identify a Winchester 94 Trapper .357 Mag. This is the reason I will be heading towards the local gunshop and claim the lovely one. Also happens to be a SRC version, yahoo, very nice! that's all for now, greetings,

Louis AKA Lotje.

Well, if someone is just looking to steal something, it's not going to matter at all. However, there are enough anti-gun, anti-hunting people working the airports throughout the U.S. and many other parts of the world, hunters are reporting stolen or damaged guncases at a much higher rate than other stolen or damaged luggage. A guncase that doesn't appear to be a guncase has it's merits.

Excellent advice alyeska. I recently shipped my 444 back to Marlin to be rebarreled via UPS. Sent it in the original box, but I packed it real tight with foam, and wrapped the box in brown wrapping paper, then fully taped it with packing tape. I wanted to make sure that none of the red type on the box could be read and no movement could occur.

I'm just hoping they are equally careful when they ship it back.

Does anyone have any experience with pistols and reloaded ammo? Does it have to be factory ammo?

Does anyone have any experience with pistols and reloaded ammo? Does it have to be factory ammo?
You can pack reloads (handloads). You do need to have it in a container made specifically for ammo, whether that is some factory boxes, some of the plastic ammo boxes, or other. It's a good idea to label the outside of the box as well with the cartridge. Make sure the labels match the gun and ammunition (ie don't put 44 mag ammo in a box labeled 38 special while checking a 45 ACP).

By the way, the Tuff-Pak guncase was mistaken at both Johannesburg, Seattle and Anchorage as being a hard case for golf clubs. Something you might want to consider to keep people from stealing your firearms.


Might work if they want to steel guns but what if they are looking for a new set of golf clubs?

...I bought a TUFF-Pak specifically for my trip to Africa.

I packed a 376/Stey-Scout and EVERYTHING-else I needed for 10-days in the bushveldt inside that puppy...It's a good bit-of-kit. HOWEVER...Some places in and out of CONUS require that not your ammo not only be packed EXACTLY how alyeska338 stated, but also in a completely-SEPERATE container from the weapon. Something I learned from the Rangers...It's OK to be surprised...but unprepared is unforgivable. Fortunately I don't learn EVERYTHING the hard-way, and I had secondary container that was acceptable, and my ammo went checked with the tobacco and other "American" gifts for my hosts.

I travel with weapon[s] regularly inside CONUS borders...and the best thing to do is not only check FAA-Regs regularly...but also check the Airlines you are flying with to make sure they have no additional regs, or updates that exceed or differ from basic FAA-Regs.

For the trip to Africa in September, I have picked up a Tuff-Pak gun case and will be the first time I've traveled internationally with firearms. I know many do so each year, but I am anxious about the greeting I may receive in RSA or Zimbabwe, or even returning to the States after a trip abroad and bringing the firearms back into the country.

I've traveled to Canada to hunt for the last 3 years. Each year the actions of the Canadian and U.S. customs were different after we declared we had rifles. In all 3 years we paid the Canadian firearms registration fee at the border to the customs agent.

Three years ago neither the Canadian nor the U.S. agents asked to see the rifles or ownership paperwork on them.

Two years ago the Canadian customs measured the barrel lengths and the U.S. agents did not ask to see the rifles or or ownership paperwork.

Last year both the Canadian and U.S. customs agents asked to see paperwork showing that we had registered the rifles with U.S. customs before leaving the U.S., but neither asked to see the rifles.

Last year both the Canadian and U.S. customs agents asked to see paperwork showing that we had registered the rifles with U.S. customs before leaving the U.S., but neither asked to see the rifles.

Irv,
I presented my Customs forms at each TSA and customs stations. Except in Zimbabwe and the return to Atlanta those were merely glanced at. I think the only reason the forms were looked at in Zimbabwe was because my luggage didn't make it with me and they needed the bag type, firearms descriptions and serial numbers for the lost luggage claim. Departing Zimbabwe, I had to pull each firearm and the customs agent checked the customs form against the rifles' chambering and serial number. Same upon entering the U.S.

Upon entering the U.S. in Atlanta from Johannesburg, the Customs officials were very thorough, though quick and efficient. If leaving the U.S., better have those forms for the return.

Becareful of Egg Crate foam and gun solvents. I've seen Several instances of someone taking a gun that's been wiped down with a nitro-solvent and putting it in an egg crate foam case only to find later that the blueing had discolored- In one case a Browning BAR had turned into what looked like a Holstein Cow with patches of bare metal splotched. A friend of mine and I tested a piece of a take-off rifle barrel with Outers Nitro solvent and wrapping it in the egg crate foam lightly with a piece of tape. It took the blueing off in 12 hours, at the same time melting the foam and turning it brown. I always wipe my guns down dry as possible after a light coat of oil (if needed), and slide them into flannel gunsocks before packing them in a hard case. Just an FYI

HI all,
just one word of caution when flying with firearms....2 years ago, an FBI dude followed every rule except he forgot to unload the semi-auto pistol. His total fine & penalty came out to a figure just over $5000. The feds did get their firearm back, but the agent still had to pay the fine.
ALWAYS double and tripple-check to make sure its unloaded. (DUH?) I know it is an elementary rule, but people do forget or think they've unloaded and............stuff happens.

Others were asking about reloaded ammo. It is fine, but remember that if they are black powder loads (if they find out) that will net you the same fine the FBI guy had to pay. I checked w/TSA. Seems their fobidden items list is firm.

I have never had trouble getting my firearms on the plane. However, I worked for a guide in Alaska to get through school. One time I landed in Anchorage and my rifles stayed on the plane as it continued on to the then Soviet Union. It was weeks before I got them back and then they were in pieces. The airlines had a gunsmith put them back together and check them out.

I travelled to Russia to hunt a couple of times back in the 90's and had only one problem with an airline employee. That was in NYC (surprise, surprise) and it was an intentional delaying tactic to make sure I missed my outgoing flight to SF. It cost me $50 in cab fare to get over to La Guardia and catch a flight with a layover in Chicago in the middle of the night. So, if I ever fly with guns again I'll at least try to avoid the Big Apple.

See where Air Canada is going to be charging $50 each way on checked firearms and ammunition of their flights. Other air carriers are studying to see if they will copy.

Sorry state of affairs, eh?

I need to move 4 rifles* from the Northeast to California. Absolutely nothing that would violate Kalifornia's wonderful restrictions. I'm trying to decide between checking in the rifles during my flight back to California or just ship them using UPS.

I've heard that checking them in for the flight requires the airline to paste a big yellow "FIREARMS" sticker to the case(s) which pretty much screams "STEAL ME" to the theives working the baggage.

UPS may have the same problem. I've had repeated ammo orders shipped via UPS stolen en route but for the rifles they may be the easiest, safest path with insurance.

Any thoughts? Any links to more appropriate forums for the same questions?

* Ruger M77 .270, Ruger 77/22 .22mag, Rem 870 12 guage, Ruger 10/22. Scopes on the first two.

Secondly, are 4 rifle hard cases available and reasonable?

Thanks.

There are 2 threads that are stuck to the beginning of this forum regarding flying with firearms and insurance. Might want to read them, first.

There are 2 threads that are stuck to the beginning of this forum regarding flying with firearms and insurance. Might want to read them, first.

Thanks. I'm not around here much and I want to get to shooting again.

Edit: clarity

Remington has a brief summary on airline tips for hunters and shooters at http://www.remington.com/library/remington_country_magazine/air_travel_tips_for_hunters_and_shooters.asp

Most airlines will limit each person to 2-3 firearms per flight, even if they are packed in the same case (you can put 3 in a Tuff-Pak).

Read through the pinned thread at the start as kdub suggested. Lots of good info there.

I have traveled a couple of times domestically and never had a real problem so far. I buy a cheap plastic gun case and a pair of locks for it, in fact the last time I traveled to Tucson from NY I put 3 locks on the gun case,, a trigger lock on the action and removed the barrel from the receiver (shotgun). I am sure it can be a PITA but get there early and if you follow the rules of the airlines, chances are you won't have that much of a problem. Get a copy of their "rules" and carry them with you,, just in case you run into a baggage handler that really doesn't KNOW the rules..

Most airlines will limit each person to 2-3 firearms per flight, even if they are packed in the same case (you can put 3 in a Tuff-Pak).

Wow. The Tuff-Pak looks good but $$$.

I'm not experienced enough to tell you all the details of flying with guns, but I do know that Federal law forbids the carrier from placing any notification of a firearm on the exterior of the case. It goes inside. Check with your airline before you fly and they'll tell you their policies.

One other thing to consider about flying with a gun that I just saw in a Sundra article in Shooting Illustrated is take the action out of stock and use a take-down shotgun case, it is more compact and easier to handle