Sunday, August 20, 2017

How To Fly with a Gun

how to bring a gun on a plane, tsa, flying with a gun, airport 
So, you want to fly with a gun? Well, get the idea of strolling past first class with your handgun tucked in your waistband out of your head, because if you guessed you can just walk on a plane with a gun, that’s just impossible.

The only way to fly with your firearm is to check it in, and here’s how to do it. First off, please consult your airline or the TSA for any questions or clarifications. This is current as of August of 2017, and I’m not responsible if you get busted.

First off, know the laws and regulations of the state you are traveling to regarding your firearm. Next, prep your gun before you get to the airport. Your firearm and all magazines must be unloaded. No ammunition can be in the magazines, even if they are out of the firearm.

Next, make sure your firearm is in a lockable hard case. The lock doesn’t need to be a TSA lock, but it can’t be easily pried open.

If you’re shipping ammunition, it must be in that case, or another case that follows the same guidelines as above. Ammunition must be in its original box, or a box specifically designed to carry ammunition. It can’t be thrown in the case, or even loose in a plastic bag.

Got that? To recap… Unloaded, and in a hard locked case.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over what to do once you actually get to the airport.

The first thing you have to do is check that bag. When you get to the counter, you MUST declare that you have a firearm. Once you say that, the person behind the counter will give you a small firearms declaration card to fill out. It varies from airline to airline, but it usually will have you fill out your basic flight and personal information, and it also makes you sign a disclaimer stating you followed what I just told you to do. You’re welcome.

The card will be placed on to, or taped to your case. Depending on the airline, they may do a visual inspection of the case, or firearm right there. After, or sometimes only, your luggage, or you and your luggage, will be escorted to the oversized baggage area.

There they will either x-ray your luggage and say you’re fine, or some places (like Atlanta) will perform a visual and manual inspection. It could take some time, so make sure you get there early.

If TSA discovers a problem, they may ask you to unlock the case, or if it’s not a TSA lock, they may cut it open, ask questions later, and your firearm won’t be able to fly because your case isn’t locked anymore.

If you followed the steps above, you should be fine. Your bag will be checked in from there, and you’re ready to get on your flight. When you land, just pick up your luggage like normal.

There you have it. Just follow those steps, and you’ll be set. Again, call your airline or the TSA if you are unsure. I’m just a hobbyist. Safe travels, everyone!

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