Flying United Airlines

[bluejay71]

You guys are such a wealth of knowledge, and I did do a search before submitting this question. I am flying on United next week and am reading on their website and am somewhat confused.

"The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site."
and, another bullet point:
"Handguns must be packed in hard-side lockable luggage. Baggage containing handguns must be locked at the time of acceptance by United Airlines and the key or combination retained in the passenger's custody."

So, does this mean double locked inside 2 hard side, lockable containers? I was planning to put it in a locked metal container, cabled to the aluminum of my soft sided rolling container. Do I need to get a new suitcase?

Thanks in advance!
bluejay71

[Hoosier Daddy]

So, does this mean double locked inside 2 hard side, lockable containers? I was planning to put it in a locked metal container, cabled to the aluminum of my soft sided rolling container.

That's exactly what I do, assuming you don't mean a rolling duffel. My lock box goes inside a normal roller bag with firm sides when I fly. Most recently on United earlier this year.

[tool4daman]

Several years ago (but after 9/11), TSA (not the airline) refused to allow my baggage through security because I had a firearm in a zipped softside case inside of a locked hardside luggage. I declared the firearm at the counter; the reservation clerk inspected the unloaded firearm and gave me the the tag/form. I then proceeded to drop the bag at TSA inspection. The TSA team stopped me and made me remove the firearm from luggage. They told me that although the luggage was hardside and locked, the firearm itself had to be in a locked hardside case. I had printed the information regarding carrying firearms from the airline website, and I showed it to them. The information on the website back then only stated something the effect of handguns being required to be in hardside lockable luggage. They still refused to allow my bag through with the firearm, so I had to return it to my vehicle.

I have not travelled with a firearm since, but if I were to do it now- I would definitely put it inside a locked hardside case in a locked hardside luggage.

[Crossfire]

I frequently travel with a firearm. I have never had a problem with putting my handgun, and ammo, in a hardsided lockable case and then, after checked by TSA, placing that in my softsided luggage.

[E.Marquez]

It depends, on who and how the TSA agent is understanding and enforcing the regulations.

I would submit, that big max size hard sided case IS my weapons case, I just happen to pack other stuff like clothes with my gun..

Personally, I use a small pelican case, double locked to secure my gun, magazines and ammo. That case goes in my luggage… which can be anything from a soft sided duffel type to a large double locked pelican case if I’m taking something more than just clothes.

[Keith B]

Several years ago (but after 9/11), TSA (not the airline) refused to allow my baggage through security because I had a firearm in a zipped softside case inside of a locked hardside luggage. I declared the firearm at the counter; the reservation clerk inspected the unloaded firearm and gave me the the tag/form. I then proceeded to drop the bag at TSA inspection. The TSA team stopped me and made me remove the firearm from luggage. They told me that although the luggage was hardside and locked, the firearm itself had to be in a locked hardside case. I had printed the information regarding carrying firearms from the airline website, and I showed it to them. The information on the website back then only stated something the effect of handguns being required to be in hardside lockable luggage. They still refused to allow my bag through with the firearm, so I had to return it to my vehicle.

I have not travelled with a firearm since, but if I were to do it now- I would definitely put it inside a locked hardside case in a locked hardside luggage.

I have heard the reason they want the firearm in hard-sided locked case is the lock should be one that is NOT TSA approved, so TSA or baggage handlers don't have a master key for it, and there is no chance that a hard-sided case would 'accidentally' tear and the gun 'just happen to fall out'. That way if the case DOES get opened it would have had to have been forced and there is no question it was intentional. The person who passed this info to me is a supervisor for baggage handlers. Sounds feasible to me.

[sjfcontrol]

Several years ago (but after 9/11), TSA (not the airline) refused to allow my baggage through security because I had a firearm in a zipped softside case inside of a locked hardside luggage. I declared the firearm at the counter; the reservation clerk inspected the unloaded firearm and gave me the the tag/form. I then proceeded to drop the bag at TSA inspection. The TSA team stopped me and made me remove the firearm from luggage. They told me that although the luggage was hardside and locked, the firearm itself had to be in a locked hardside case. I had printed the information regarding carrying firearms from the airline website, and I showed it to them. The information on the website back then only stated something the effect of handguns being required to be in hardside lockable luggage. They still refused to allow my bag through with the firearm, so I had to return it to my vehicle.

I have not travelled with a firearm since, but if I were to do it now- I would definitely put it inside a locked hardside case in a locked hardside luggage.

I have heard the reason they want the firearm in hard-sided locked case is the lock should be one that is NOT TSA approved, so TSA or baggage handlers don't have a master key for it, and there is no chance that a hard-sided case would 'accidentally' tear and the gun 'just happen to fall out'. That way if the case DOES get opened it would have had to have been forced and there is no question it was intentional. The person who passed this info to me is a supervisor for baggage handlers. Sounds feasible to me.

According to this TSA page, TSA locks are not "required" on firearm cases, but may be used if desired.

Q. What is the proper lock that I should use to secure my hard-sided firearms case?
A. Travelers can use a single key or combination lock to which only the traveler has the key or combination, or a TSA-recognized lock. For more information about traveling with firearms, please read our Firearms and Ammunition Web page.

Q. Are TSA-recognized locks permitted for securing firearms in a hard-sided case?
A. Yes. For more information, please visit Traveling with Special Items.

[E.Marquez]

[According to this TSA page, TSA locks are not "required" on firearm cases, but may be used if desired.

Q. What is the proper lock that I should use to secure my hard-sided firearms case?
A. Travelers can use a single key or combination lock to which only the traveler has the key or combination, or a TSA-recognized lock. For more information about traveling with firearms, please read our Firearms and Ammunition Web page.

Q. Are TSA-recognized locks permitted for securing firearms in a hard-sided case?
A. Yes. For more information, please visit Traveling with Special Items.

Posted previously..

Just to add a twist to the opinions posted, and TSA non binding interpitation of the law..
49 C.F.R. § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals.
Title 49 - Transportation

States in part:

(c) In checked baggage. A passenger may not transport or offer for transport in checked baggage or in baggage carried in an inaccessible cargo hold under §1562.23 of this chapter:
(1) Any loaded firearm(s).
(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless—
(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally or in writing, before checking the baggage, that the passenger has a firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded;
(ii) The firearm is unloaded;
(iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and
(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

To use the words found in this thread.. "Pretty clear there"

The Federal regulation states clearly, info that is contradictory to what TSA posted on line.

When I sent a request for information to TSA I was replied with.

The Federal regulation 49 C.F.R. § 1540.111 is the basis for the information on our FAQ page. Information on that FAQ page is provided to assist travelers in understanding of the federal guide lines for transporting a fire arm on a commercial carrier. It is not a replacement for the Federal regulation nor does it supersede. At all times travelers must conform to the specific regulations contained in 49 C.F.R. § 1540.111

of course, that is a non binding opinion from whoever is tasked to answer official and formal requests for information at the TSA... Could be their legal counsel, or someones 13 year old son on a "Take your Son to work day"
Never the less... it is in black and white.. NO TSA type locks allowed.

[sjfcontrol]

Only the passenger has the key or combination to a TSA lock, too. TSA has a master key, or master combination.

[RoyGBiv]

I frequently travel with a firearm. I have never had a problem with putting my handgun, and ammo, in a hardsided lockable case and then, after checked by TSA, placing that in my softsided luggage.

I have had the same experience...

Metal gun case, with keyed lock and I retain the key.
Metal case goes inside Soft luggage.

Check in at counter, declare firearm, sign card.
Take card and luggage and gun to TSA screener (special area usually).
TSA checks luggage thoroughly, makes sure signed card is in luggage, closes soft luggage.
Never had to open the metal case for the TSA.

After TSA finishes inspecting, I give them a TSA-approved lock to put on the soft luggage.
They always seem happy to lock the soft luggage, but, I believe this is not required.
After TSA checks the bag you cannot touch it, so, TSA will need to add the final lock.
Just ask nicely. I've never been refused.

[TxDrifter]

During the Continental/United seek our identity phase. I brought a separate hardsided case that had two locks, one for each latch. I had three of them in it with some ammo, knives, flashlights, etc. Each firearm I put a lock through the chamber and magazine chamber. They opened it, looked, and then asked questions like who makes that, how does it shoot, etc?

Once they were done checking it, I secured the locks and kept all of the keys. At the time we were traveling to Las Vegas and at that location I had to go to the luggage claim office to pick them up, but not every airport does that.

[Oldgringo]

Anybody remember the old goose cartoon vis-a-vis flying united?