Re: Going to fly with my gun (Final Update)

[wgoforth]

Fly with your gun? Wow, neat trick! Saves on airfare I guess!

[USA1]

Fly with your gun? Wow, neat trick! Saves on airfare I guess!

..an air rifle maybe.

[wgoforth]

Fly with your gun? Wow, neat trick! Saves on airfare I guess!

..an air rifle maybe.

OK, you topped me!

[Skaven]

Thanks for all the input everyone.

To be honest, at first I was a little hesitant to even try to take a gun with me on my trip... mostly because of the thought it might get lost more than anything else. But once I started thinking about being unarmed while in three other states, I knew I had to have it with me.

I'll post a "TSA" report from my phone once I make it through security at the airport. (this coming Tuesday)

BTW..The last time I flew was 1989. Back then I just walked through a metal detector and boarded the plane.
.........Things sure are different these days.

You are actually less likley to loose your gun because any bag that contains a firearm gets escorted by the TSA to the jet, and then from the jet to the baggage claim at your arrival airport. I have read many places that professional photographers will purchase a starter pistol and place it in their bags with photo equipment so it will get special treatment.

[jimlongley]

You are actually less likley to loose your gun because any bag that contains a firearm gets escorted by the TSA to the jet, and then from the jet to the baggage claim at your arrival airport. I have read many places that professional photographers will purchase a starter pistol and place it in their bags with photo equipment so it will get special treatment.

When did TSA start that?

[Skaven]

You are actually less likley to loose your gun because any bag that contains a firearm gets escorted by the TSA to the jet, and then from the jet to the baggage claim at your arrival airport. I have read many places that professional photographers will purchase a starter pistol and place it in their bags with photo equipment so it will get special treatment.

When did TSA start that?

I had been reading about it in a few places, and then when I went through to get my bag screened, the TSA guy and I were talking and he was telling me horror stories about how ignorant people are. He basically gave me the run down that they are required to do. It may just be in San Antonio but I have heard it else where as well. Also when I flew home, AirTran never even touched my bag. I had to take it to the special TSA checkpoint, where they screened it for explosives, and then threw it into a little cart they had and drove off with it.

[jimlongley]

You are actually less likley to loose your gun because any bag that contains a firearm gets escorted by the TSA to the jet, and then from the jet to the baggage claim at your arrival airport. I have read many places that professional photographers will purchase a starter pistol and place it in their bags with photo equipment so it will get special treatment.

When did TSA start that?

I had been reading about it in a few places, and then when I went through to get my bag screened, the TSA guy and I were talking and he was telling me horror stories about how ignorant people are. He basically gave me the run down that they are required to do. It may just be in San Antonio but I have heard it else where as well. Also when I flew home, AirTran never even touched my bag. I had to take it to the special TSA checkpoint, where they screened it for explosives, and then threw it into a little cart they had and drove off with it.

Interesting, in the three years that I was a TSA agent, that was not the way we operated. Yes, I do agree with him that most travelers are ignorant, but it doesn't sound to me, from your description, that TSA escorted the bag anywhere, just screened it and sent it on its way.

[Jumping Frog]

I actually didn't carry any ammo. I would guess you would want to carry your personal defense rounds, but with how much airlines charge for weight in bags now I would say it would be better to just buy ammo on the other end. (Assuming you can get it) .

When I flew with my 1911 last month, I had 250 rounds with me.

Continental says you are allowed 11 lbs of ammo. My luggage wasn't anywhere near the weight limit.

The hardest part flying with a handgun is having to deal with checked luggage. Standing in line to check your bag, waiting at the other end to claim your bag.

[sjfcontrol]

BTW..The last time I flew was 1989. Back then I just walked through a metal detector and boarded the plane.
.........Things sure are different these days.

Wow! Just an FYI -- the planes don't have props anymore!

[The Annoyed Man]

Thanks for all the input everyone.

To be honest, at first I was a little hesitant to even try to take a gun with me on my trip... mostly because of the thought it might get lost more than anything else. But once I started thinking about being unarmed while in three other states, I knew I had to have it with me.

I'll post a "TSA" report from my phone once I make it through security at the airport. (this coming Tuesday)

BTW..The last time I flew was 1989. Back then I just walked through a metal detector and boarded the plane.
.........Things sure are different these days.

BTW, thank you for the very nice text message yesterday.

[USA1]

BTW, thank you for the very nice text message yesterday.

Don't feel too special TAM, I accidentally sent terryg the same text.

To fill everyone in..I was texting my wife a little message but due to my fat fingers and being distracted, the message ended up going to a few other folks as well.

Back on topic.... Going wheels up tomorrow. Gun and ammo are secured in my NanoVault with the cable attached to the inside of my luggage. I'll post the results if...I mean after I make it through security.

Wish me luck.

[stevo]

I'm confused, so does the ammo need to be in a separate container? It cannot be in the magazines locked in the Nanovault that I have? I want to understand this completely so I won't end up being embarrassed at the airport.

[sjfcontrol]

I think it is fairly clear that magazines are not an acceptable container, although it seems it's not universally enforced. If it were me, I'd leave it in the original cardboard boxes.

Usually, it can be packed with the firearm, but the airlines may override this. Check with the airline for specific rules.

[USA1]

Update: just went through security and it was quick and smooth. The lady at the baggage desk didn't blink about the gun.

To my surprise I didn't have to go through a scanner or get searched ...just had to walk through a metal detector.

[74novaman]

have a safe trip!!