Flying with a Firearm - Airport Experience Thread

[UnionMillsNW]

Hey Folks,

I was flying back from D.C. last week and came across the idea to have a thread that rates and reviews the experience of checking a bag containing a firearm by airport. I've had a lot of flying experience but will limit my reviews to my most recent flights. As forum members want to contribute to the thread I'll update the post until we have as accurate a list as possible.

For those wishing to travel with a firearm please know and follow the TSA guidelines:

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

For reference I generally fly with one pistol in a double locked hard case. Inside the case is the condition 4 pistol and two loaded magazines. I generally travel with an additional box of 50 rounds of factory ammunition in the original case. These are just my experiences, I'm sure the situation can vary. Hopefully with enough responses in this thread we can give each other a general idea of what to expect (or which airports to avoid).

Airport Reviews:

Portland International Airport (PDX)

1. Airline: United
2. Forms or Questionnaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: No
4. Additional Screening: Walked to the end of the United help desks to the TSA screening location. TSA agent had me unlock the case and place it on the counter. The case was swabbed. The detecting machine flagged the case as having an unidentified substance. A supervisor was called. The supervisor conducted a visual inspection of the case and then gave me approval to proceed before directing me to lock the box. The Orange TSA Firearm Declaration was placed on top of the case, the suitcase closed, and the TSA agent took possession of the bag.
5. Total Time: Less than 8 minutes

Dulles International Airport (IAD)

1. Airline: United
2. Forms or Questionnaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration, Additional One Page Screening and Approval Questionnaire
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: Yes
4. Additional Screening: Once declaring the firearm the agent called over a supervisor. I filled out the Orange TSA declaration and the agent filled out the one page screening questionnaire. I don't remember all the questions beyond being asked if I were military or law enforcement. A second supervisor had to be called to review and approve the one page form. The agent asked me to unlock (but not open) the case. The agent then got on the phone and called for another IAD security agent to come and take the suitcase to the TSA screening. After a prolonged wait an IAD representative appeared, directed me to lock the case, and then we walked to the opposite end of the airport for screening. I gave my suitcase to a TSA agent who placed it on a conveyor belt for a large machine. The original IAD agent and I then walked around the corner where the TSA agent handed me back the suitcase. Then the suitcase was brought back to the United desk and placed on the conveyor out to the plane.
5. Total Time: Approx 20 minutes

Seattle International Airport (SEA)

1. Airline: Various- Alaska, United, Southwest
2. Forms or Questionaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: No
4. Additional Screening: I've flown out of Seattle many times on numerous airlines. The agents are professional and know the drill when declaring a firearm. After filling out the Orange TSA declaration they'll ask you to place it on top of the firearm case inside your bag. After you are checked in and ticketed you'll be directed to the TSA screening area, usually around the corner from the Airline's help desk. Place the bag on the counter. The TSA agent will ask you to open the bag and ask if the firearm is unloaded. They will not ask you to unlock the case. (however they will try to pry the case open and if you have a flimsy lock or one corner unlocked they will not accept the bag and tell you to come back with a stronger lock). They will swab the case and sometimes the luggage. After the swab comes back negative they'll ask you to zip up the suitcase. At this point TSA will take the bag and you're good to go.
5. Total Time: Less than 10 minutes

Dallas International Airport (DFW)

1. Airline: Various - Alaska, Southwest, United
2. Forms or Questionaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: Yes
4. Additional Screening: No. The representative has always asked if the firearm is unloaded and the case is locked. I am then directed to place the Orange TSA Declaration on top of the case. I close the bag and the airline representative takes possession.
5. Total Time: Less than 5 minutes

Read More

 

[solv3nt]

Be careful about flying with loaded magazines in the same case, some states, such as Hawaii, it's illegal to do so. Also, unless you have a CWL in Oregon, it's also illegal in Portland to have a loaded magazine.

Know the laws ...

 

[Alexx1401]

Not that this kind of thread is a bad idea but, I always cringe when I read people say "I just flew from xyz, to cbg, on Airline nmj, and it was a snap". The reason is the rules were set up to be easy to follow. The problem is not the rules, its the moron you may encounter when you try to fly. When people say some airline or airport is a snap some my think it's always that way and not show up early. The unlucky one who meets some robot who "thinks" no one should have a gun, or that they are experts in the rules, and things can get real fun. If you do not allow plenty of time to wait for the robots boss to show up and miss your flight? Well not fun. So yes read and follow the rules but, give plenty of lead time. Take something to entertain yourself on the other side of the screening.

 

[solv3nt]

Agreed, it's the fella behind the counter that is the problem, but always know the laws.

 

[P7M13]

I do not recall how many times I've flown with firearms this year, but speculate it has been > 10.
I will typically travel with 1-2 rifles and 1-2 pistols

• I always use a Pelican / Boyt. Locks vary based on case. NONE are "TSA Approved" locks.
• I will ALWAYS ship with my case weighing in at just under 50 lbs. Guns, mags, knives, and BOXED ammo.
• Most airlines will limit the amount of ammo you can bring to a weight limit. I look it up and if I can, will hit the max. Last time it was 11 lbs.

Portland International Airport (PDX)

1. Airline: Southwest / Alaska / Delta / United
2. Forms or Questionnaires: TSA Firearm Declaration. Color varies.
3. Airline Rep asks me to open Case: No (Yes at Delta)
   When you fly Delta, your case will arrive at the destination ziptied completely shut.
4. Additional Screening: Carry your gear to Oversize Baggage TSA screening location. Delta escorted me. SOP is TSA agent has me unlock the case and place it on the counter. Swab case and the open. They then pull out and inspect all levels. Detecting machine has flagged my case once. I have experienced TSA agents being trained at the Oversize counter 2x, where supervisor needs to be called over.
5. Time : Shortest - 15 minutes. Longest 35 minutes.

Philadelphia International (PHL)

1. Airline: Southwest / Delta
2. Forms or Questionnaires: TSA Firearm Declaration. Color varies.
3. Airline Rep asks me to open Case: Yes to place declaration. They don't ask to see the contents.
4. Additional Screening: Lock it up, then wait at ticket counter for courier to come collect your firearm to deliver to TSA. From when they collect to when you can head to the gates is 20-30 minutes.
   TSA once paged me at the gate to request my lock combinations. Nothing was out of order.
5. Time : Shortest - 20 minutes. Longest 45 minutes.

San Antonio (SAT)

1. Airline: Alaska
2. Forms or Questionnaires: TSA Firearm Declaration. Color varies.
3. Airline Rep asks me to open Case: No
4. Additional Screening: Wait at ticket counter for courier to come escort you to TSA screening area. Very strange, ~10 minutes of walking stairs and corridors to have my bag inspected. I was a tired, sweaty m'fer when done.
5. Time : 40 minutes

Salt Lake City (SLC)

1. Airline: Alaska / Delta
2. Forms or Questionnaires: TSA Firearm Declaration.
3. Airline Rep asks me to open Case: No.
4. Additional Screening: Escorted over to TSA screening station. Case is opened, inspected and swabbed. Flagged once, supervisor was right there. No big deal.
5. Time : 15 minutes

Other airports I have flown in and out of with firearms in the last 12 months, but no recollection of anything stupid:

• Boise, ID
• Billings, MT
• Dallas, TX - Love Field
• Houston, TX - Hobby Field
• Pittsburgh, PA

 

[leadcounsel]

Tagged and following. I used to fly a lot, but haven't needed to in several years. Curious to see if things have changed much. In general, I recall the routine:

1. Unload weapon, put in hard box and lock. Put in checked bag.
2. Ammo separate, not in magazines, but in factory or aftermarket ammo box.
3. Be VERY careful not to bring contraband magazines or ammo into a state that bans that item(s).
3. Declare at counter. Fill out some paperwork.
4. Follow instructions, generally sent to TSA for field testing.
5. TSA will test and then take bag.
6. Retrieve bag immediately upon landing. Do not dilly dally. Go immediately to baggage retrieval and secure bag.

 

[Freakshow]

I have never had the same experience twice.
Airlines, airports, and employees are all different.

Plan extra time. Plan extra scrutiny. Plan on your entire suitcase to be dumped out. Plan on every single employee/TSA Agent to have zero idea of what they are doing.

Read the TSA and individual airline Regs. Have them on your phone, and be prepared to inform them of what their own policy is.

Have your cell number, and flight info, taped on the outside of your firearms case, I know of one guy that had his vacation ruined, because TSA couldn't locate him before takeoff, and his bag was held up for several days.

 

[Spitpatch]

It is my understanding that TSA has re-written its ammunition transport requirements since my two rodeos with them some years ago:

At that time their regs said ammunition must be transported in "its original factory container".

As a handloader, TWICE I was confronted with my choice of containers for my ammunition (MTM or RCBS latching plastic boxes). In both instances the process and discussion took over a half-hour with multiple "Supervisors" involved. One even suggested that I obtain used factory boxes and place my handloads in those. I pointed out that this would be a specifically dishonest violation of their rules. I also advised that my brass "originally from the factory" came in plastic bags and I was certain that is NOT what anyone wanted. Severe inconsistency was displayed, since multiple trips were completed with no questions whatsoever.

As a preventative measure after the first rodeo, I actually e-mailed TSA describing my previous difficulty and asking for their solution, listing specific questions I desired to be answered. Their reply was merely a "cut and paste" copy of their problematic and ignorant regulation with no effort to answer my concise questions.

In both rodeos I maintained a calm demeanor, reacting to their elevated tones of voice with even quieter and calmer speech and repeating my simple questions. This behavior infuriated more than one of them.

Here's the extremely frustrating part: Abandoning all sense or pretense of integrity, on both instances they "folded". After putting me through all this (which included inordinate "inspection" of my firearms and all luggage) they actually finally allowed me to travel just as I had arrived, stating something to the effect of. "We'll let you go this time but in the future you should familiarize yourself with the regulations and comply." Again in a calm and quiet voice I advised them that in not defending their (patently indefensible) position they held no personal integrity and therefore were deserving of no personal respect from me.

I would like to believe that my encounters (and most probably similar encounters and reactions by others) played some small part in their re-writing of ammunition transport rules.

 

[STEELE]

May 2019, American Airlines, Phoenix. Thirty-plus years flying as a federal LEO, now retired. Checked he TSA video to see what was new and followed the video carefully using the SAME case/lock shown. Having flown into PHX on American with same gun case with NO problems, the two female ticket agents decided they didn't like my case, saying it was plastic and easy to break open. I explained the TSA video, my history, showed my retired credentials, etc. They REFUSED to let me board. I asked for a TSA agent and they refused, suggesting I go buy a "better case." All this about 6:30 AM, so a trip back to town to buy it would be impossible to make a 7:45 flight. The American agents were rude, full of themselves and NOT friendly at all. This from PHX, the "Friendly" city/airport. I went to ALASKA Airlines where I was treated very kindly and put on a later flight to Paine Field. I lost 6 hours, disrupted my ride home...all due to the American Idiots and will NEVER fly American again! I wrote a detailed letter to American's HQ and received a "We will attempt to improve our customer services" letter. I cannot understand why an airline can add/change TSA procedures, making it difficult or impossible for the passenger to get on any airline following TSA regulations.

 

[Caveman Jim]

Hey Folks,

I was flying back from D.C. last week and came across the idea to have a thread that rates and reviews the experience of checking a bag containing a firearm by airport. I've had a lot of flying experience but will limit my reviews to my most recent flights. As forum members want to contribute to the thread I'll update the post until we have as accurate a list as possible.

For those wishing to travel with a firearm please know and follow the TSA guidelines:

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

For reference I generally fly with one pistol in a double locked hard case. Inside the case is the condition 4 pistol and two loaded magazines. I generally travel with an additional box of 50 rounds of factory ammunition in the original case. These are just my experiences, I'm sure the situation can vary. Hopefully with enough responses in this thread we can give each other a general idea of what to expect (or which airports to avoid).

Airport Reviews:

Portland International Airport (PDX)

1. Airline: United
2. Forms or Questionnaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: No
4. Additional Screening: Walked to the end of the United help desks to the TSA screening location. TSA agent had me unlock the case and place it on the counter. The case was swabbed. The detecting machine flagged the case as having an unidentified substance. A supervisor was called. The supervisor conducted a visual inspection of the case and then gave me approval to proceed before directing me to lock the box. The Orange TSA Firearm Declaration was placed on top of the case, the suitcase closed, and the TSA agent took possession of the bag.
5. Total Time: Less than 8 minutes

Dulles International Airport (IAD)

1. Airline: United
2. Forms or Questionnaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration, Additional One Page Screening and Approval Questionnaire
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: Yes
4. Additional Screening: Once declaring the firearm the agent called over a supervisor. I filled out the Orange TSA declaration and the agent filled out the one page screening questionnaire. I don't remember all the questions beyond being asked if I were military or law enforcement. A second supervisor had to be called to review and approve the one page form. The agent asked me to unlock (but not open) the case. The agent then got on the phone and called for another IAD security agent to come and take the suitcase to the TSA screening. After a prolonged wait an IAD representative appeared, directed me to lock the case, and then we walked to the opposite end of the airport for screening. I gave my suitcase to a TSA agent who placed it on a conveyor belt for a large machine. The original IAD agent and I then walked around the corner where the TSA agent handed me back the suitcase. Then the suitcase was brought back to the United desk and placed on the conveyor out to the plane.
5. Total Time: Approx 20 minutes

Seattle International Airport (SEA)

1. Airline: Various- Alaska, United, Southwest
2. Forms or Questionaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: No
4. Additional Screening: I've flown out of Seattle many times on numerous airlines. The agents are professional and know the drill when declaring a firearm. After filling out the Orange TSA declaration they'll ask you to place it on top of the firearm case inside your bag. After you are checked in and ticketed you'll be directed to the TSA screening area, usually around the corner from the Airline's help desk. Place the bag on the counter. The TSA agent will ask you to open the bag and ask if the firearm is unloaded. They will not ask you to unlock the case. (however they will try to pry the case open and if you have a flimsy lock or one corner unlocked they will not accept the bag and tell you to come back with a stronger lock). They will swab the case and sometimes the luggage. After the swab comes back negative they'll ask you to zip up the suitcase. At this point TSA will take the bag and you're good to go.
5. Total Time: Less than 10 minutes

Dallas International Airport (DFW)

1. Airline: Various - Alaska, Southwest, United
2. Forms or Questionaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
3. Show the Airline Representative the Case: Yes
4. Additional Screening: No. The representative has always asked if the firearm is unloaded and the case is locked. I am then directed to place the Orange TSA Declaration on top of the case. I close the bag and the airline representative takes possession.
5. Total Time: Less than 5 minutes

The airline has a site that shows their rules for gun travel, that is what you need to follow.
I have gone through the system many times and as long as I adhered to the different airlines policies I never had one problem.

 

[Caveman Jim]

It is my understanding that TSA has re-written its ammunition transport requirements since my two rodeos with them some years ago:

At that time their regs said ammunition must be transported in "its original factory container".

As a handloader, TWICE I was confronted with my choice of containers for my ammunition (MTM or RCBS latching plastic boxes). In both instances the process and discussion took over a half-hour with multiple "Supervisors" involved. One even suggested that I obtain used factory boxes and place my handloads in those. I pointed out that this would be a specifically dishonest violation of their rules. I also advised that my brass "originally from the factory" came in plastic bags and I was certain that is NOT what anyone wanted. Severe inconsistency was displayed, since multiple trips were completed with no questions whatsoever.

As a preventative measure after the first rodeo, I actually e-mailed TSA describing my previous difficulty and asking for their solution, listing specific questions I desired to be answered. Their reply was merely a "cut and paste" copy of their problematic and ignorant regulation with no effort to answer my concise questions.

In both rodeos I maintained a calm demeanor, reacting to their elevated tones of voice with even quieter and calmer speech and repeating my simple questions. This behavior infuriated more than one of them.

Here's the extremely frustrating part: Abandoning all sense or pretense of integrity, on both instances they "folded". After putting me through all this (which included inordinate "inspection" of my firearms and all luggage) they actually finally allowed me to travel just as I had arrived, stating something to the effect of. "We'll let you go this time but in the future you should familiarize yourself with the regulations and comply." Again in a calm and quiet voice I advised them that in not defending their (patently indefensible) position they held no personal integrity and therefore were deserving of no personal respect from me.

I would like to believe that my encounters (and most probably similar encounters and reactions by others) played some small part in their re-writing of ammunition transport rules.

I too once had my reloads in plastic boxes and them were damaged from the gorillas at the loading area. They were in a snug fit lock box with foam inserts so it must have been an angry one...

 

[P7M13]

The American agents were rude, full of themselves and NOT friendly at all.

That is consistently my experience with American, and why I have never attempted to fly with a firearm with them. Plain and simple, they $uck.

 

[clearconscience]

Last time we flew, I can't remember what airport it was but we were waiting for our connecting flight and there was a group of kids from Montana who were a part of a competition group.
they were watching the airport workers handle their cased rifles putting them on the new plane and they were just tossing the cases.

I made the comment, you may want to check your zero when you get back.
they were all pizzed about that.

so if you pack guns, get a really good case, if it's in your suitcase check it when you arrive so it's not stolen.

 

[Ratfink]

Kind of off topic but not. I flew as Air Marshal one year to Vegas from Sac to a LEO conference. Everyone was great (Southwest) and took me to board the plane first, stopping to intro me to the pilots. The pilots shook my hand, then proceeded to show me their EDC. One had a beauty, a King Cobra 357 which he was very proud of. He asked to see my weapon and we talked as he followed me to my seat, right behind the cockpit. He pointed to the cockpit door and said, "up to that door, they're yours after that, their bubblegum belongs to me". He smiled and closed the cockpit.

 

[AMT]

Last time we flew, I can't remember what airport it was but we were waiting for our connecting flight and there was a group of kids from Montana who were a part of a competition group.
they were watching the airport workers handle their cased rifles putting them on the new plane and they were just tossing the cases.

I made the comment, you may want to check your zero when you get back.
they were all pizzed about that.

so if you pack guns, get a really good case, if it's in your suitcase check it when you arrive so it's not stolen.

Not just to make sure it isn't not stolen, but that it wasn't used either.

Many years back, a buddy of mine (who i consider a brother and would take a bullet for) was heading out for his annual hunting trip with is family (Wyoming).

He packed his rifle in a Pelican case, locks, etc. just like he always did. He always takes the bolt out of the rifle when transporting it and this time was no different. I the same case he packed one of those 20 round plastic cases with his hand loads.

He gets to his destination and gets his bags and case. He opens the case to see if everything made it safely.

First thing he noticed was the bolt was in the rifle. He thought that was odd as he swears he took it out like he always does. Then he notices that 3 rounds are missing from his ammo case.

He immediately is pissed and starts trying to talk to anyone that he can report it to. He was pretty much told that he was mistaken and nobody would ever do anything like he was claiming.

Needless to say, check everything as soon as you get it back into your possession.

 

[WillametteWill]

Great thread idea...been thinking about doing this for a while. Glad you did it.

 

[Ratfink]

Not just to make sure it isn't not stolen, but that it wasn't used either.

Many years back, a buddy of mine (who i consider a brother and would take a bullet for) was heading out for his annual hunting trip with is family (Wyoming).

He packed his rifle in a Pelican case, locks, etc. just like he always did. He always takes the bolt out of the rifle when transporting it and this time was no different. I the same case he packed one of those 20 round plastic cases with his hand loads.

He gets to his destination and gets his bags and case. He opens the case to see if everything made it safely.

First thing he noticed was the bolt was in the rifle. He thought that was odd as he swears he took it out like he always does. Then he notices that 3 rounds are missing from his ammo case.

He immediately is pissed and starts trying to talk to anyone that he can report it to. He was pretty much told that he was mistaken and nobody would ever do anything like he was claiming.

Needless to say, check everything as soon as you get it back into your possession.

Hummm...that wasn't about November 22nd, 1963 was it?