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The TSA and traveling with a firearm
1/2/2012 3:40:06 PM
My title is indicative of two separate but related topics.
I am planning on getting married the tail end of August and honeymooning either immediately after or within a week or two. We have pretty much decided we are not leaving the 'States for several reasons including budget namely, and also I really don't want to leave the country right now for any reason.
I have seen a lot on the news about the TSA's goings-on, and have begun cruising through their website. We will likely be flying out O'Hare airport in Liberalville; eh I mean Chicago. It has been quite a few years since I have flown anywhere. So to you who travel more than I do, I was wondering how the security is there now. How likely will we be patted down or put through the body scanners? Both of which I feel are extremely unconstitutional and violate us on many levels. This, considering we are two working tax paying Americans simply looking to travel to a relaxing destination.
The other issue is, is it worthwhile to bring one of my weapons with me. We will likely be going somewhere low key, though it is not decided exactly yet. (Still researching). It would be my small .38 J frame to sleep with near by. I know we are going to honeymoon but I would rather be prepared than not. I see the TSA allows many weapons to be checked as long as they are declared and securely locked up. How often do guns disappear in transit? Can you recommend a good case to check said weapon?
The more I learn about how this socialist government runs things, the more I am disgusted by the trampling of our God given rights and the related things declared by the Constitution. (Something I thought was important and to be respected at all times.)
I am just looking for serious replies. If I am asking over-asked questions let me know where else to look, because search did not help. I am fairly uneducated on things like this and am just looking to be prepared for what we will face, whether pleasant or otherwise.
Thanks!
I am planning on getting married the tail end of August and honeymooning either immediately after or within a week or two. We have pretty much decided we are not leaving the 'States for several reasons including budget namely, and also I really don't want to leave the country right now for any reason.
I have seen a lot on the news about the TSA's goings-on, and have begun cruising through their website. We will likely be flying out O'Hare airport in Liberalville; eh I mean Chicago. It has been quite a few years since I have flown anywhere. So to you who travel more than I do, I was wondering how the security is there now. How likely will we be patted down or put through the body scanners? Both of which I feel are extremely unconstitutional and violate us on many levels. This, considering we are two working tax paying Americans simply looking to travel to a relaxing destination.
The other issue is, is it worthwhile to bring one of my weapons with me. We will likely be going somewhere low key, though it is not decided exactly yet. (Still researching). It would be my small .38 J frame to sleep with near by. I know we are going to honeymoon but I would rather be prepared than not. I see the TSA allows many weapons to be checked as long as they are declared and securely locked up. How often do guns disappear in transit? Can you recommend a good case to check said weapon?
The more I learn about how this socialist government runs things, the more I am disgusted by the trampling of our God given rights and the related things declared by the Constitution. (Something I thought was important and to be respected at all times.)
I am just looking for serious replies. If I am asking over-asked questions let me know where else to look, because search did not help. I am fairly uneducated on things like this and am just looking to be prepared for what we will face, whether pleasant or otherwise.
Thanks!
1/2/2012 5:13:05 PM
Hey the first question is do you have a CCW from out of state ei. Utah or Florida?
Because if not really why would you take a gun with you?
Not to say having a gun isn't good with you but if you can't carry it with you it may be a higher liablity then its worth.
Also what state or states you are visiting?
Because even with a CCW you may not be able to go.
If you do have a CCW from Utah or Florida or even both then....
Make sure where you go its reconized in that state.
Pelican 1170 Case. Good price.
Look at this: BHPhoto: Pelican 1170 Case
It is the same case I have for my Glock 19 on of my carry gun. It fits the Gun, one mag, and a Hornady Critical Defense 9mm box (25 rounds).
If you read the TSA's rules this is the way you have to have a check gun cased.
And you MUST have a lock on the case. And it MUST lock the case so it can't even be opened with the lock on it. ei. if the latches are opened but the lock is on the case they can't open the case still.
The TSA's website has a good picture about what I'm talking about.
TSA Airline with Firearms
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
Please get the idea of what the TSA is doing in the lines and "Pat downs" is not that bad and under stand that if you travel with a gun know you may be the subject of more "consideration".
Be polite at the ticket agent. Make sure you find out the Airlines own rules and regs. Some airlines just follow TSA's rules and some have more rules.
Here is a old website about traveling with Firearms: Joehuffman.org traveling with firearms
http://www.joehuffman.org/firearms/gunsplanes.htm
Has a lot of links for different airlines and other info. I'm sure there are better ones but it works.
Also flying out of O'Hare is not that bad with a firearm. Just make sure to keep the firearm unloaded (ofcourse), in the case and in the checked bag. And you CANNOT curb side check your bags.
You tell the Airline Ticket agent that you are checking a firearm with your bags. You have to fill out some paper work that will fly with you and some paperwork that will fly in the firearms case. You will prob walk over to the TSA and hand over your checked bags with the firearm and then pray your firearm is there when you get to your destination.
Now about firearms being stolen. Well it has happened and I'm sure it will continue to happen. Make sure you record your SN of your gun, a pictures, and how and where it was pack and in what case and luggage. I think NRA's firearm insurance will work for stolen firearms from airlines. Think of taking a gun that is not a big loss to you. (Not that a stolen gun is not a big loss, hope you understand what I mean about that.)
Because if not really why would you take a gun with you?
Not to say having a gun isn't good with you but if you can't carry it with you it may be a higher liablity then its worth.
Also what state or states you are visiting?
Because even with a CCW you may not be able to go.
If you do have a CCW from Utah or Florida or even both then....
Make sure where you go its reconized in that state.
Pelican 1170 Case. Good price.
Look at this: BHPhoto: Pelican 1170 Case
It is the same case I have for my Glock 19 on of my carry gun. It fits the Gun, one mag, and a Hornady Critical Defense 9mm box (25 rounds).
If you read the TSA's rules this is the way you have to have a check gun cased.
And you MUST have a lock on the case. And it MUST lock the case so it can't even be opened with the lock on it. ei. if the latches are opened but the lock is on the case they can't open the case still.
The TSA's website has a good picture about what I'm talking about.
TSA Airline with Firearms
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
Please get the idea of what the TSA is doing in the lines and "Pat downs" is not that bad and under stand that if you travel with a gun know you may be the subject of more "consideration".
Be polite at the ticket agent. Make sure you find out the Airlines own rules and regs. Some airlines just follow TSA's rules and some have more rules.
Here is a old website about traveling with Firearms: Joehuffman.org traveling with firearms
http://www.joehuffman.org/firearms/gunsplanes.htm
Has a lot of links for different airlines and other info. I'm sure there are better ones but it works.
Also flying out of O'Hare is not that bad with a firearm. Just make sure to keep the firearm unloaded (ofcourse), in the case and in the checked bag. And you CANNOT curb side check your bags.
You tell the Airline Ticket agent that you are checking a firearm with your bags. You have to fill out some paper work that will fly with you and some paperwork that will fly in the firearms case. You will prob walk over to the TSA and hand over your checked bags with the firearm and then pray your firearm is there when you get to your destination.
Now about firearms being stolen. Well it has happened and I'm sure it will continue to happen. Make sure you record your SN of your gun, a pictures, and how and where it was pack and in what case and luggage. I think NRA's firearm insurance will work for stolen firearms from airlines. Think of taking a gun that is not a big loss to you. (Not that a stolen gun is not a big loss, hope you understand what I mean about that.)
1/2/2012 5:41:16 PM
1/2/2012 6:13:44 PM
i traveled with my 1911. when you check in your bags. you disclose you have it . needs to be in a locked case. they will ask you to open the case. they see it. they will affix an orange tag.to it. case gets locked up you keep the key. then the case needs to go into another piece of luggage. and that gets locked... easy as that.
i only fly US AIRWAYS and they made it VERY VERY simple.
i only fly US AIRWAYS and they made it VERY VERY simple.
1/2/2012 9:01:30 PM
Originally Posted By JSzabo:
Hey the first question is do you have a CCW from out of state ei. Utah or Florida?
Because if not really why would you take a gun with you?
No I don't. I have never pursued the class because I spend an overwhelming majority of my time in this Godforsaken state. It would not be a whole lot of benefit. Also, because it's my constitutional right, perhaps?
Not to say having a gun isn't good with you but if you can't carry it with you it may be a higher liablity then its worth.
This is something I am coming to realize, based upon my time to be spent where we are going. About a week, in reality, might not be long enough to justify the trouble.
Also what state or states you are visiting?
Because even with a CCW you may not be able to go.
Most likely Florida or somewhere else on the south-eastern coast. We pretty much just want somewhere with a beach and related activities for her. I am not overly concerned with where we end up, as I will be glad to be with her anywhere we go...
If you do have a CCW from Utah or Florida or even both then....
Make sure where you go its reconized in that state.
Pelican 1170 Case. Good price.
Look at this: BHPhoto: Pelican 1170 Case
That looks like a good case. I would need a nice locking piece of luggage to put that in as well.
It is the same case I have for my Glock 19 on of my carry gun. It fits the Gun, one mag, and a Hornady Critical Defense 9mm box (25 rounds).
If you read the TSA's rules this is the way you have to have a check gun cased.
And you MUST have a lock on the case. And it MUST lock the case so it can't even be opened with the lock on it. ei. if the latches are opened but the lock is on the case they can't open the case still.
The TSA's website has a good picture about what I'm talking about.
TSA Airline with Firearms
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
Please get the idea of what the TSA is doing in the lines and "Pat downs" is not that bad and under stand that if you travel with a gun know you may be the subject of more "consideration".
Be polite at the ticket agent. Make sure you find out the Airlines own rules and regs. Some airlines just follow TSA's rules and some have more rules.
Here is a old website about traveling with Firearms: Joehuffman.org traveling with firearms
http://www.joehuffman.org/firearms/gunsplanes.htm
Has a lot of links for different airlines and other info. I'm sure there are better ones but it works.
I have read through and have a pretty good idea of what the TSA's website says they will allow/not allow.
Also flying out of O'Hare is not that bad with a firearm. Just make sure to keep the firearm unloaded (ofcourse), in the case and in the checked bag. And you CANNOT curb side check your bags.
Understandable. I just have a distaste for Chicago in general.
You tell the Airline Ticket agent that you are checking a firearm with your bags. You have to fill out some paper work that will fly with you and some paperwork that will fly in the firearms case. You will prob walk over to the TSA and hand over your checked bags with the firearm and then pray your firearm is there when you get to your destination.
Now about firearms being stolen. Well it has happened and I'm sure it will continue to happen. Make sure you record your SN of your gun, a pictures, and how and where it was pack and in what case and luggage. I think NRA's firearm insurance will work for stolen firearms from airlines. Think of taking a gun that is not a big loss to you. (Not that a stolen gun is not a big loss, hope you understand what I mean about that.)
If I do ever travel with one, it will likely be the .38 J frame. Easily replaceable if it does disappear, but still decent punch should it be needed.
Hey the first question is do you have a CCW from out of state ei. Utah or Florida?
Because if not really why would you take a gun with you?
No I don't. I have never pursued the class because I spend an overwhelming majority of my time in this Godforsaken state. It would not be a whole lot of benefit. Also, because it's my constitutional right, perhaps?
Not to say having a gun isn't good with you but if you can't carry it with you it may be a higher liablity then its worth.
This is something I am coming to realize, based upon my time to be spent where we are going. About a week, in reality, might not be long enough to justify the trouble.
Also what state or states you are visiting?
Because even with a CCW you may not be able to go.
Most likely Florida or somewhere else on the south-eastern coast. We pretty much just want somewhere with a beach and related activities for her. I am not overly concerned with where we end up, as I will be glad to be with her anywhere we go...
If you do have a CCW from Utah or Florida or even both then....
Make sure where you go its reconized in that state.
Pelican 1170 Case. Good price.
Look at this: BHPhoto: Pelican 1170 Case
That looks like a good case. I would need a nice locking piece of luggage to put that in as well.
It is the same case I have for my Glock 19 on of my carry gun. It fits the Gun, one mag, and a Hornady Critical Defense 9mm box (25 rounds).
If you read the TSA's rules this is the way you have to have a check gun cased.
And you MUST have a lock on the case. And it MUST lock the case so it can't even be opened with the lock on it. ei. if the latches are opened but the lock is on the case they can't open the case still.
The TSA's website has a good picture about what I'm talking about.
TSA Airline with Firearms
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
Please get the idea of what the TSA is doing in the lines and "Pat downs" is not that bad and under stand that if you travel with a gun know you may be the subject of more "consideration".
Be polite at the ticket agent. Make sure you find out the Airlines own rules and regs. Some airlines just follow TSA's rules and some have more rules.
Here is a old website about traveling with Firearms: Joehuffman.org traveling with firearms
http://www.joehuffman.org/firearms/gunsplanes.htm
Has a lot of links for different airlines and other info. I'm sure there are better ones but it works.
I have read through and have a pretty good idea of what the TSA's website says they will allow/not allow.
Also flying out of O'Hare is not that bad with a firearm. Just make sure to keep the firearm unloaded (ofcourse), in the case and in the checked bag. And you CANNOT curb side check your bags.
Understandable. I just have a distaste for Chicago in general.
You tell the Airline Ticket agent that you are checking a firearm with your bags. You have to fill out some paper work that will fly with you and some paperwork that will fly in the firearms case. You will prob walk over to the TSA and hand over your checked bags with the firearm and then pray your firearm is there when you get to your destination.
Now about firearms being stolen. Well it has happened and I'm sure it will continue to happen. Make sure you record your SN of your gun, a pictures, and how and where it was pack and in what case and luggage. I think NRA's firearm insurance will work for stolen firearms from airlines. Think of taking a gun that is not a big loss to you. (Not that a stolen gun is not a big loss, hope you understand what I mean about that.)
If I do ever travel with one, it will likely be the .38 J frame. Easily replaceable if it does disappear, but still decent punch should it be needed.
Originally Posted By thinice:
Just saw this today.
Julie Golob
Flying with firearms
That's a good read.
Just saw this today.
Julie Golob
Flying with firearms
That's a good read.
Originally Posted By bushmaster1:
i traveled with my 1911. when you check in your bags. you disclose you have it . needs to be in a locked case. they will ask you to open the case. they see it. they will affix an orange tag.to it. case gets locked up you keep the key. then the case needs to go into another piece of luggage. and that gets locked... easy as that.
i only fly US AIRWAYS and they made it VERY VERY simple.
I'll have to remember them. That does sound very simple!
i traveled with my 1911. when you check in your bags. you disclose you have it . needs to be in a locked case. they will ask you to open the case. they see it. they will affix an orange tag.to it. case gets locked up you keep the key. then the case needs to go into another piece of luggage. and that gets locked... easy as that.
i only fly US AIRWAYS and they made it VERY VERY simple.
I'll have to remember them. That does sound very simple!
By the way, thank you guys for the informative replies. I am getting frustrated with the hoops this gov't wants us to jump through, and I have found my best course is to ask those who have been there before about the hoops so I can at least have an idea what to expect and do.
1/2/2012 9:10:25 PM
Body scanners at O'Hare are only up if it's not busy. In the last 3 months of flying for work they've sent me through just the metal detectors.
1/3/2012 4:41:53 PM
No idea about the body scanners.
I checked a gun flying to Portland OR several months ago. Everyone involved was quick, polite and it was generally painless.
Make sure ammo is in a factory box / container (not in mags)
Make sure gun is empty and in a locked case. (removing the slide / partial disassembly would be easy to show it's not functioning).
Case-wise, I used a case the gun came in - no need for extra expenses - though the Pelican is nice.
Honestly, you're getting worked up over nothing. Flying sucks. It always has. We have had limited rights at airports for decades due to hijacking concerns. Don't let the .gov control your life so much that you're unwilling to get on a plane and enjoy a wonderful honeymoon with your new bride.
Also - don't be afraid to leave the country - it's a big world out there and there are amazing things to see and experience. I would consider Europe anytime. Plus, you can always find a knife to carry
I checked a gun flying to Portland OR several months ago. Everyone involved was quick, polite and it was generally painless.
Make sure ammo is in a factory box / container (not in mags)
Make sure gun is empty and in a locked case. (removing the slide / partial disassembly would be easy to show it's not functioning).
Case-wise, I used a case the gun came in - no need for extra expenses - though the Pelican is nice.
Honestly, you're getting worked up over nothing. Flying sucks. It always has. We have had limited rights at airports for decades due to hijacking concerns. Don't let the .gov control your life so much that you're unwilling to get on a plane and enjoy a wonderful honeymoon with your new bride.
Also - don't be afraid to leave the country - it's a big world out there and there are amazing things to see and experience. I would consider Europe anytime. Plus, you can always find a knife to carry
1/4/2012 10:22:58 AM
Originally Posted By xmikex:
No idea about the body scanners.
I checked a gun flying to Portland OR several months ago. Everyone involved was quick, polite and it was generally painless.
Make sure ammo is in a factory box / container (not in mags)
Make sure gun is empty and in a locked case. (removing the slide / partial disassembly would be easy to show it's not functioning).
Case-wise, I used a case the gun came in - no need for extra expenses - though the Pelican is nice.
Honestly, you're getting worked up over nothing. Flying sucks. It always has. We have had limited rights at airports for decades due to hijacking concerns. Don't let the .gov control your life so much that you're unwilling to get on a plane and enjoy a wonderful honeymoon with your new bride.
Also - don't be afraid to leave the country - it's a big world out there and there are amazing things to see and experience. I would consider Europe anytime. Plus, you can always find a knife to carry
No idea about the body scanners.
I checked a gun flying to Portland OR several months ago. Everyone involved was quick, polite and it was generally painless.
Make sure ammo is in a factory box / container (not in mags)
Make sure gun is empty and in a locked case. (removing the slide / partial disassembly would be easy to show it's not functioning).
Case-wise, I used a case the gun came in - no need for extra expenses - though the Pelican is nice.
Honestly, you're getting worked up over nothing. Flying sucks. It always has. We have had limited rights at airports for decades due to hijacking concerns. Don't let the .gov control your life so much that you're unwilling to get on a plane and enjoy a wonderful honeymoon with your new bride.
Also - don't be afraid to leave the country - it's a big world out there and there are amazing things to see and experience. I would consider Europe anytime. Plus, you can always find a knife to carry
I'll be honest, that's one of the best replies I could have received. I pretty much have lived a sheltered life and the more I learn I get frustrated. I have a pretty good handle on right from wrong and know there is a lot wrong in the world. It is tiring complying with bogus rules.
I will have to look into the knife idea. I have a few but none compact and travel worthy. According to the TSA website they just have to be checked with luggage, sheathed and secured. I think I will go this route.
As for leaving the country it is mostly an issue of finances. We are receiving a lot of premarital counseling and assistance and are making a point right off the bat of being careful with money. We have dreams of visiting Europe, myself being interested in WW2 historical sites.
