Airline travel with firearms?

[Viper GTS]

Anybody here flown recently with a firearm?

I'm debating whether it's worth it to take a handgun home with me on vacation (haven't found time or company to shoot with yet here, need to get my fix 😀). I know the basics, declare it, locked case + locked bat, disassembled, etc.. I also know that in theory they can stop your bag at any time if they don't like something, & if you aren't there to open everything your baggage goes nowhere.

I'm also considering buying something there & bringing it home with me...

Anybody done this lately? How much of a hassle is it? I'm not even going to bother trying to transport ammo too, just the gun itself. I do have a good locking case, so that's not a problem.

Viper GTS

 

[Evadman]

No way in hell ammo would ever get though, but a firearm is not a HUGE hassle. There is more security and about a billion extra questions then there used to be.

 

[Kipper]

I believe the NRA has some information concerning this...

 

[Krk3561]

google?

http://www.tsa.gov/public/inte...ial/editorial_1666.xml

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms - There are specific regulatory requirements to transport a firearm:

* Firearms and firearm parts must be checked with the air carrier as luggage. Firearms and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
* The firearm must be declared orally or in writing in accordance with the air carrier's procedures (contact your air carrier for their specific procedures).
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked.
* The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.

If the passenger is not present during screening, and the container must be opened, the air carrier is required to locate the passenger so that the passenger will be present during screening.

Ammunition is NOT allowed through security checkpoints as a carry on item

A passenger may transport small arms ammunition for personal use or for law enforcement purposes in checked baggage, but only if securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

 

[FoBoT]

i thought you just had to check it and declare it. ammo seperate or none seems like common sense

i dunno

 

[jtusa]

From what I understand, checked baggage in a locked case, preferably no ammo, but if there is it needs to be in a seperate locked case. But like Evadman said, I don't think it's a major hassle assuming you follow the regulations/rules.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Evadman
No way in hell ammo would ever get though, but a firearm is not a HUGE hassle. There is more security and about a billion extra questions then there used to be.

You can take up to 11 lbs of ammo. I have no intention of taking ammo with me, I will buy it when I get there. Not worth having to have them separate, etc.

And yes, I did google it. I know HOW it's done, & what the laws are, I want to hear personal experience as to how much hassle it will add to my trip.

Viper GTS