Posted: 7/28/2011 11:20:09 AM EDT
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I'll be flying to Idaho next month (a first since my high school days, I always prefer to drive home but I've built up enough points for a couple free tickets and my girlfriend hates the drive) and plan on taking my AR. Flying via Horizon on a Q400, direct flight. I've got a hard case from Sports Authority and have thoroughly reviewed both Alaska Air's policy and TSA policy regarding flying with them. Any other tips?
Also, my dad offered to give me my grandfather's Colt Woodsman, I can't seem to find anything regarding two guns in one case. I think I might make a phone call to clear it up. Considering the sentimental value of the Woodsman, I probably won't risk it unless I get a very clear answer from an authority. |
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Two guns in one case are ok. I've done it and never been challenged. TSA isn't going to take them from you anyway and the only time they should be handling your luggage at all is when they check it in front of you.
My advice would be to show up a little early and be prepared to be polite but firm about the rules. I've never had trouble at Seatac, but I have run into some very ignorant airline employees and TSA people at other airports. Number one rule is they don't get to keep the keys to your lockbox for any reason and they don't get to take your firearms to inspect in some other location without you. Get a supervisor involved if necessary. They should have a screened off area near check-in for this. I heard a story from a Police Officer who had his duty weapon disappear in DC when the TSA guy took the luggage out of sight to a back room to inspect and then came back with just the keys to the lock box saying he already checked the bag. When the Officer got to Seatac he found out his gun was gone. They also shouldn't put any marking on the outside of your luggage. You're going to Idaho, so it probably won't matter, but remember that local gun laws can be applied as soon as you take possession of your gun. There's a pretty good horror story out of NJ about that. |
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Whenever i fly with guns, i never seem to have any problems. They no longer open the cases to check for residue like they used to.
I normally have anywhere between 4-5 firearms in one case and i have never had an issue. (Pelican case with an AR and 3-4 pistols) I would just make sure that you have a good case to fly with. |
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Quoted:
Two guns in one case are ok. I've done it and never been challenged. TSA isn't going to take them from you anyway and the only time they should be handling your luggage at all is when they check it in front of you. My advice would be to show up a little early and be prepared to be polite but firm about the rules. I've never had trouble at Seatac, but I have run into some very ignorant airline employees and TSA people at other airports. Number one rule is they don't get to keep the keys to your lockbox for any reason and they don't get to take your firearms to inspect in some other location without you. Get a supervisor involved if necessary. They should have a screened off area near check-in for this. I heard a story from a Police Officer who had his duty weapon disappear in DC when the TSA guy took the luggage out of sight to a back room to inspect and then came back with just the keys to the lock box saying he already checked the bag. When the Officer got to Seatac he found out his gun was gone. They also shouldn't put any marking on the outside of your luggage. You're going to Idaho, so it probably won't matter, but remember that local gun laws can be applied as soon as you take possession of your gun. There's a pretty good horror story out of NJ about that. No worries there. It's an extremely small town with good acceptance and understanding of Idaho's fantastic gun laws, and I fly straight into town. |
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I have rarely had any problem flying with guns in checked luggage. The ticket agent used to never touch the gun cases, not even to weigh them, so I would cram my largest case with as many guns and silencers as I could fit. But these days they weigh everything. Airlines vary on how many and what types guns can be checked, ammo limits vary from 11 to 50 pounds domestic and some even less than that. Every airline has guidance on their websites.
Depending on the airport, TSA will inspect in a secure area where you are not allowed to watch them open your case. SEATAC still inspects in front of you. But be prepared to be called back if there is a problem later on. This happened to me when the TSA person failed to recognize the silencers until he x-rayed he case, then he got nervous and called the SEATAC police and airport security. They had picked my locks before I got back and after some back and forth talking, I showed them the registration forms and the case went on the plane. If your locks are unpickable, they will cut them off and you will have to replace them before the case goes any further. The TSA will open any luggage they want even if you are not present and there is nothing you can do about it. If you want to ensure your guns get on the plane, carry registration forms (if any) with you as well as a spare set of locks. TSA locks suck, every time they got opened by the TSA they broke, get good ones instead. Ranb |
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Get a lockable hard case and put all your guns and everything you travel with that's valuable and lock it with a $90 fuck-you puck lock that cant be cut or picked. It does not have to be "TSA approved" lock for firearms. In fact, they are not supposed to open it without you present. |
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Quoted:
Get a lockable hard case and put all your guns and everything you travel with that's valuable and lock it with a $90 fuck-you puck lock that cant be cut or picked. It does not have to be "TSA approved" lock for firearms. In fact, they are not supposed to open it without you present. Not even close to being correct. TSA can and will screen whatever bag they want and the traveler does not need to be present. Use a $90.00 fuck-you lock and you be out the $90.00 you spent on the and whatever it costs to fix the damage to your luggage to get around the lock. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/damagedlocks.shtm |
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Quoted: THat's for general baggage... firearms; not so much.Quoted: Get a lockable hard case and put all your guns and everything you travel with that's valuable and lock it with a $90 fuck-you puck lock that cant be cut or picked. It does not have to be "TSA approved" lock for firearms. In fact, they are not supposed to open it without you present. Not even close to being correct. TSA can and will screen whatever bag they want and the traveler does not need to be present. Use a $90.00 fuck-you lock and you be out the $90.00 you spent on the and whatever it costs to fix the damage to your luggage to get around the lock. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/damagedlocks.shtm Q. What is the proper lock that I should use to secure my hard-sided firearms case?
A. Travelers can use a single key or combination lock to which only the traveler has the key or combination, or a TSA-recognized lock. For more information about traveling with firearms, please read our Firearms and Ammunition Web page. |