Early flights with firearms

[WillametteWill]

I'm not positive but I think the always staffed south location (near Alaska) opens at 0430. So anything before 0600 is going to be close time wise to rely on this location (flying Thursday so I'll confirm the time and post here). If you don't have it you may wish to consider TSA PreCheck which makes flying (at most airports) faster and easier. The longest wait I have had at PDX has been about 15 minutes from hitting the line to walking away from screening, usually its about 5-8 minutes. On busy days the regular screening line can be 30 minutes plus. This is another issue with early flights; PreCheck does not (usually) open early enough for the 0500-0600 flights. That can place you in a loooong screening line.

 

[L84Cabo]

When flying with firearms I have always taken later flights. I figure it gives me extra time should something happen, and at PDX they always open your suitcase and look through it.

I would like to start taking much earlier flights-like leaving between 5:00am and 7:00am. Has anyone done this when flying with firearms? Any problems? Does it leave enough time to get through the process, or am I better off sticking with later but less convenient flights?

I can't vouch for PDX but with regards to early flights in general, I've never had a problem. Whether or not you have enough time is pretty relative to what time you arrive at the airport...although if you're on a first flight of the day the airline usually has a set time as to when they open their counters. And it's a good idea to contact the airline to understand this and then plan accordingly. You may want to arrive prior to the counters opening to get a better spot in line if you think things are going to be tight.

To this end, and when I'm bringing a firearm, I always try to allow for 15 minutes of "hangout" time after I've checked the gun/bag and before I go through security...in case TSA has any issues with the bag. But note that there are two types of airports.

Type #1 is where you check in at the counter and then are directed to a specific secondary TSA check-in with your bag and firearm. I've never had any problem with these once I've dropped my bag.

Type #2, however, is where you check in at the main counter and hand your bag/gun over there. The TSA check...if it happens...happens in back. And in this situation in particular, it's good to hangout for a good 15 minutes or so in case TSA has a problem and pages you.

Note that the check-in process is usually set by the individual airport, not the specific airline you're on. At least that's the way it appears to me. The same can be said for picking up your bag on the other end. Some airports will pull your bag and have it behind the manned counter where the oversized bags are. Sometimes it's out on the carousel. And sometimes your bag is all zip tied together...their attempt (I assume) to make sure you don't access your firearm at the airport.

Pro Tip: It's legal to carry EMT shears on board and they're wonderfully useful for cutting all sorts of the things you might encounter during air travel from clothes to lap belts to zip ties. And they make smaller, 5 inch shears that fit very nicely into a carry on and take up less space than the full sized 7 inch ones...but will still cut through most things you're likely to need it for. Check the TSA page on this and print a copy to take with you...just in case TSA does say anything. But recognize that TSA can still take anything they want to. So take a pair of shears you won't be too upset about if TSA does decide to take them.

 

[Eric in Oregon]

I'm not positive but I think the always staffed south location (near Alaska) opens at 0430. So anything before 0600 is going to be close time wise to rely on this location (flying Thursday so I'll confirm the time and post here).

Subscribed to hear what you find. I have a 0500 flight out of PDX soon. Shipping is an option but $$.

 

[WillametteWill]

Sorry for the delay. The south oversized TSA station opens at 0400 now. The helpful officer advised they can call at the ticket counter for an agent to come up if you need screening earlier. He did not know how long the wait would be though. From what I remember the one or two times I have used it there wasn't a long wait.

The issue with early flights is that the south screening area is not always open, nor is TSApre (consistentaly) so it can be a bit of a rush early due to the long lines.

 

[Caveman Jim]

A Delta ticket counter person insisted I load my magazines before checking my gun. So, in front of everyone, I loaded 5 17-round magazines. Kinda funny in a way. Dont mind me folks, just getting ready to fly.

Frontier Airlines requirements where to tape loaded magazines so I used duct tape. I kind of thought that was weird but I did it anyways with no problems whatsoever....

 

[mikemenzie]

Unfortunately, each airport, each airline, each airline worker, and each tsa agent are different.

I have flown from PDX to PHX and back a few times, and from SeaTac to PHX.

I prefer PDX in every way, fyi.

I've taken a truck toolbox as an oversized baggage and broke down my rifles to take that way. And taken a small rifle case.

Last trip a month ago, i called Southwest. Their policy states "Gun cases made for not more than 2 rifles or shotguns are exempt from oversized fees" so i bought a big 2 rifle case and stuffed it with 3 rifles and a few handguns, some mags and a box of ammo.

Anywhoo, PDX has a special checking counter. Never a problem. Folks there are super nice and used to it. Never open my case. In baggage claim, just goes to oversize claim and i just grab it, nobody to talk to - somewhat alarming.

SeaTac was a bit more confusing and involved, but not terrible.

PHX - special pickup area, with free waiting and twiddling your thumbs for 45 extra minutes after everyone else has their baggage.
Checked baggage area, open gun case with hundreds of people around you at counters and in line, packed pretty tightly. Close and re-lock and must get escorted to TSA area. TSA person does the same as any other and doesn't want it opened, then they send it back to your airline checkers to get it on your plane.

 

[LaVbRef]

Unfortunately, each airport, each airline, each airline worker, and each tsa agent are different.

Last trip a month ago, i called Southwest. Their policy states "Gun cases made for not more than 2 rifles or shotguns are exempt from oversized fees" so i bought a big 2 rifle case and stuffed it with 3 rifles and a few handguns, some mags and a box of ammo.

Missed out bringing home a really good deal($25 @ Goodwill) on a mint Pelican wheeled two-gun case for me because the Southwest CSA didn't know this when I called Customer Service before flying home. At least my grandson benefited from their ignorance.

 

[mikemenzie]

Missed out bringing home a really good deal($25 @ Good Will) on a mint Pelican wheeled two-gun case for me because the Southwest CSA didn't know this when I called Customer Service before flying home. At least my grandson benefited from their ignorance.

I called 3 times before flying. First rep said cant bring a gun case. Hung up. Called back. Second rep said have to pay if it's oversized. I said every rifle case is oversized. No joy. Hung up. Called back. Pleasant southern sounding woman answered, looked for 10 seconds, read me the policy and offered to email me a screenshot of it.
Smooth sailing from there.