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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)
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Seattle International Airport (SEA)
Dallas International Airport (DFW)
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)
- Airline: United
- Forms or Questionnaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
- Show the Airline Representative the Case: No
- 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.
- Total Time: Less than 8 minutes
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Airline: United
- Forms or Questionnaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration, Additional One Page Screening and Approval Questionnaire
- Show the Airline Representative the Case: Yes
- 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.
- Total Time: Approx 20 minutes
Seattle International Airport (SEA)
- Airline: Various- Alaska, United, Southwest
- Forms or Questionaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
- Show the Airline Representative the Case: No
- 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.
- Total Time: Less than 10 minutes
Dallas International Airport (DFW)
- Airline: Various - Alaska, Southwest, United
- Forms or Questionaires: Orange TSA Firearm Declaration
- Show the Airline Representative the Case: Yes
- 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.
- Total Time: Less than 5 minutes