out of state & out of country

[1s1k52]

I have a two part "problem" so to speak. I think it is fair to say NO ONE here likes going places armed. I have a bit of time so I want to see how I can hopefully pull of staying armed in the next couple of months.

I have to possibly go to Pennsylvania for a few days. The people I am going with don't know I carry. We will be flying. I may be sharing a hotel room with someone. How can I legally and discretely stay armed and transport my firearm legally.


My wife would like to plan a 5 day cruise for the vacation we have never had. This cruise will leave Galveston somewhere and go out of the US borders according to her. Same questions as above.

I have a feeling I am out of luck on a lot of this..

[JCole]

Well, it looks to me like Pennsylvania honors a Texas CHL, if you have one, so I guess you could just check the firearm in with your baggage (check with the airline for the proper procedure,) and do your best to keep it hidden. http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/pennsylvania.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Out of the country? I bet you're right; you're out of luck.

[seamusTX]

Pennsylvania honors Texas CHLs, so legally you have no problem there.

In fact, Pennsylvania has fewer ridiculous prohibited places than Texas. See http://handgunlaw.us/states/pennsylvania.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. However, some of the favorite tourists sites such as Pennsylvania Hall are federal.

When flying commercially you have to declare firearms in your checked luggage and have them inspected by TSA personnel. I think you would have to be a master of distraction to do that without your traveling companions noticing.

You can't carry a weapon on a commercial cruise ship, period. The security precautions are about the same as flying on a commercial airliners. Also you can't legally carry a weapon in most of the countries that a cruise out of Galveston would travel to. Even Puerto Rico has severe weapons laws.

- Jim

[RottenApple]

PA does have reciprocity with TX so you're good to carry there (check the laws first for signage, etc, of course). To transport it, just follow the TSA (LINK) and airline procedures.

As for the cruise, you'll have to do what my wife and I (we both carry) do when we cruise: leave it in a lock box in the car. You can't carry out of the country and the cruise line won't allow you to bring them aboard. We carry down to Galveston, lock our pieces up in a couple of small safes that are secured (cable lock) and make sure they are well out of sight. As soon as we get back in port and back to the truck, we both rearm. We've not had any trouble so far.

[PUCKER]

PA does have reciprocity with TX so you're good to carry there (check the laws first for signage, etc, of course). To transport it, just follow the TSA (LINK) and airline procedures.

As for the cruise, you'll have to do what my wife and I (we both carry) do when we cruise: leave it in a lock box in the car. You can't carry out of the country and the cruise line won't allow you to bring them aboard. We carry down to Galveston, lock our pieces up in a couple of small safes that are secured (cable lock) and make sure they are well out of sight. As soon as we get back in port and back to the truck, we both rearm. We've not had any trouble so far.

Wife and I have cruised quite a bit. Every cruise ship I've been on has metal detectors at the initial port of departure and then also on the ship once you board from visiting ports of call. With that said, it might be nice to carry some less-than-lethal looking items that would slide under the radar (ie - metal tactical pen for one). I remember seeing something about diving knives being permitted but they had to be checked in, or something along those lines (it was in the "Cruise Rules/Etiquette" section).

[RottenApple]

Wife and I have cruised quite a bit. Every cruise ship I've been on has metal detectors at the initial port of departure and then also on the ship once you board from visiting ports of call. With that said, it might be nice to carry some less-than-lethal looking items that would slide under the radar (ie - metal tactical pen for one). I remember seeing something about diving knives being permitted but they had to be checked in, or something along those lines (it was in the "Cruise Rules/Etiquette" section).

I've taken my Kimber PepperBlaster II with us on all our cruises.

[PUCKER]

I've taken my Kimber PepperBlaster II with us on all our cruises.

I like that option. Do tell you how you get it aboard: wear it on your person or put it in a bag and through the x-ray? Enough metallic components to set off the metal detectors, etc? I've brought butane on-board (for my cigar lighter, ran out mid-trip on a 15 nighter...), went through my bag in the x-ray, they weren't paying attention apparently, as it's a no-no too.

According to RC, pepper spray is a no-no...not that I care, as my safety (and that of my family) is above a company's "policy."

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customers ... jectId=333

Just a little snip from above link: Prohibited items: Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.

[seamusTX]

I don't know what happens if you try to board a cruise ship with a prohibited item that is not illegal, like pepper spray or a knife. My guess is they confiscate it.

There's a looooong list of stuff that cruise lines prohibit, including alcoholic beverages, various electrical and electronic devices, and sporting equipment that might be used as a weapon.

Most of the criminal or shady activity on cruise ships involves people who have overindulged in alcohol or other drugs, and that is mostly fighting or sexual assault. I know passengers sometimes get busted when their ship arrives in Galveston.

The real problem is what to do in foreign ports. The cops there are not likely to be friendly to Americans carrying weapons, even if the person was a crime victim. Sometimes they seem to think local criminals are a "protected class." That said, tourists are rarely victims of crimes other than purse-snatching or scams.

- Jim

[TexasCajun]

Here's a link that I bookmarked a while back regarding flying with a handgun.

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1202384

[PUCKER]

Wife and I were touring Cartagena, Spain, and we overhead an older gentleman talking to another about being mugged/rolled when there last.

[1s1k52]

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry I have not responded. Semester started again, working 13 hour days, and the Super Bowl led me astray from my internet "hobbies".

I don't believe the cruise we are planning to go on will port anywhere. As far as flying goes I will look at the information provided and return with any questions.

[tommyg]

The cops in Philadelphia are notorious for harassing gun carriers.. The cases and arrests are thrown
out but think of the harassment and legal bills.. A friend who lived in Pensylvania warned me.

[blackdog8200]

PA is actually an open carry state....except Philly.

Problem with the tourist stuff in Philly is some are federal buildings. Just across the bridge is new jersey...a wrong turn and you are in big trouble.

Also if your flight is diverted and you wind up in new York or jersey, do not take possession of your firearm. Make the airline hold it until they get you back into a state that allows you to have it.

For more info

http://www.pafoa.org/law/carrying-firea ... aled-carry" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[1s1k52]

thanks for all the replies. Thus far I find the link to the glocktalk provided above to be the best and most hopeful. He states not to be nervous but I think I will be. As far as open carrying that's good to know but I will still choose to conceal.