Good to hear experiences from a more seasoned traveller. When I tried to unlock my bag or case the TSA agent would not let me. Maybe it was just the individual and not any kind of policy.
I had a tag put in the case but I also had a tag on my bag...that wasn't on it when I got off the plane. Maybe it is something our local airport does...or maybe I just associated the wrong things.
I haven't filled out an orange tag. Unique to airports or airlines?
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Return to “Checking a firearm while flying”
- Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:43 am
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Checking a firearm while flying
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3781
- Mon Jun 11, 2007 5:13 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Checking a firearm while flying
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3781
Checking a firearm while flying
I'm sure this has been covered but I felt it may be timely to bring it up again as vacation season is upon us and our firearms may be flying with us.
Others have mentioned it in other topics and forums but I will reiterate it here; First, make sure you know the requirements for both the airlines and TSA and follow them to a T. If you don't understand a part, start calling. I have found "they" are happy to clarify things. I haven't found any major differences, if any, in policies.
Second, it doesn't hurt to have the airline's and TSA policy concerning firearms printed off. If you get a newbie, they may not be up to the regs. and a copy will help move things along. Don't expect them to take your word or your copy as gospel but it will get them moving in the right direction. Carry a copy and have a copy in the case.
BTW, TSA is real picky about letting you touch anything once the case is in their possession. If they need it unlocked, more than likely you will have to give them your key/combo.
A nice touch is to have the action open (showing an empty chamber) with a cable lock running through the cylinder or grip/slide. I also unload my magazines. I figure anything I can do to show the firearm unloaded/inoperable the better things will go. It may be overkill but I don't see it hurting anything.
Here is what has worked for me (in my limited experience)
Firearm in the case it came in.
Unloaded action open with cable lock through action.
Unloaded mags in case
Cartridges in a box in the case. (Not necessarily the same box they came in. I have a plastic Federal box that is nice but carry Speers in it. Any box will do. My understanding is they just don't want loose rounds rolling around.)
My business card in the case
Copy of regs in case
Double check
Lock case with small padlock
Pack in suitcase
Lock suitcase
I cut out some of the foam in the case to fit the mags and ammo box. It makes everything fit nice and snug.
When I get to the counter I present my DL and flight information and tell the agent I need to "declare a firearm". They will ask if it is unloaded and have you fill out some documentation with name, address, phone, and, IIRC something about the firearm being unloaded, etc. The agent will then do one of two things, either check the firearm themselves or have you walk/follow the bag to the TSA where they check it. At some point someone will attach a tag to the suitcase. I'm not sure what it says or means.
At Love Field the SWA agent checked it and the TSA just looked at it as it went through xray. I was instructed to standby in case TSA needed to check it. TSA wondered why I was standing around...go figure.
At Lubbock the counter agent had me walk my bag over to TSA.
I flew out of Houston Hobby one time and the TSA agent wanted to check my bag before I got to the counter. I politely told him that I had to make a declaration and would come back to see him in a few minutes. I guess he got the point and when I went back to see him we had a nice conversation about handguns and CHL.
Maybe we can start a sticky about how different airports in Texas and out of state handle firearm declarations.
If you are flying out-of-state, make sure you know the firearms laws where you are going.
M
Others have mentioned it in other topics and forums but I will reiterate it here; First, make sure you know the requirements for both the airlines and TSA and follow them to a T. If you don't understand a part, start calling. I have found "they" are happy to clarify things. I haven't found any major differences, if any, in policies.
Second, it doesn't hurt to have the airline's and TSA policy concerning firearms printed off. If you get a newbie, they may not be up to the regs. and a copy will help move things along. Don't expect them to take your word or your copy as gospel but it will get them moving in the right direction. Carry a copy and have a copy in the case.
BTW, TSA is real picky about letting you touch anything once the case is in their possession. If they need it unlocked, more than likely you will have to give them your key/combo.
A nice touch is to have the action open (showing an empty chamber) with a cable lock running through the cylinder or grip/slide. I also unload my magazines. I figure anything I can do to show the firearm unloaded/inoperable the better things will go. It may be overkill but I don't see it hurting anything.
Here is what has worked for me (in my limited experience)
Firearm in the case it came in.
Unloaded action open with cable lock through action.
Unloaded mags in case
Cartridges in a box in the case. (Not necessarily the same box they came in. I have a plastic Federal box that is nice but carry Speers in it. Any box will do. My understanding is they just don't want loose rounds rolling around.)
My business card in the case
Copy of regs in case
Double check
Lock case with small padlock
Pack in suitcase
Lock suitcase
I cut out some of the foam in the case to fit the mags and ammo box. It makes everything fit nice and snug.
When I get to the counter I present my DL and flight information and tell the agent I need to "declare a firearm". They will ask if it is unloaded and have you fill out some documentation with name, address, phone, and, IIRC something about the firearm being unloaded, etc. The agent will then do one of two things, either check the firearm themselves or have you walk/follow the bag to the TSA where they check it. At some point someone will attach a tag to the suitcase. I'm not sure what it says or means.
At Love Field the SWA agent checked it and the TSA just looked at it as it went through xray. I was instructed to standby in case TSA needed to check it. TSA wondered why I was standing around...go figure.
At Lubbock the counter agent had me walk my bag over to TSA.
I flew out of Houston Hobby one time and the TSA agent wanted to check my bag before I got to the counter. I politely told him that I had to make a declaration and would come back to see him in a few minutes. I guess he got the point and when I went back to see him we had a nice conversation about handguns and CHL.
Maybe we can start a sticky about how different airports in Texas and out of state handle firearm declarations.
If you are flying out-of-state, make sure you know the firearms laws where you are going.
M