Heads up guys....if possible, please post your checked gun / (air) travel experiences.
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http://www.packing.org/community/flying_with_guns/listview/7129
NYSP checking permits for inbound travelers?
There is a post on Glock Talk, where a guy round-trip from Syracuse to WA state nine days ago. On his return, he was greeted by LE officers in baggage claim who wanted to verify his NY permit. He asserts that his bag had no outward markings.
Just a friendly reminder to have your NY permit with you if you travel with your handguns...I cannot attest to the veracity of his posting...I will be flying the 2nd week in January. If I were to speculate, I would say this is tied into
1. The recent police shootings in NYC
2. Pataki announced a NYSP/BATFE task force where NYSP would be granted federal police powers.
In any event, exercise due caution. One minute spent in cuffs because of a *honest* or *simple* mistake is sixty seconds too long.
'Drew
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HFD190
Member
Registered: Dec 2005
Location: Central NY State
12-29-2005 01:19 AM
9 days ago I flew Syracuse, NY to Seattle, WA on Northwest Airlines. I have concealed carry licenses in both states. I simply researched both TSA and NWA online and followed their requirements. I also used a lot of the info from: http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=413514 which cjlandry already referenced in the post. I found that this information was very helpful and I was grateful for finding it before I flew for the first time with a weapon.
Syracuse is a relatively small airport, the TSA guys were not familiar with TSA’s policy regarding my G23 that was appropriately packed in my suitcase. This included ammo in the mag as detailed in the post linked above… They however were an absolute pleasure to work with when I produced my printed copy of the information that I had obtained from their webpage. I simply told them that I am an armed citizen that is doing my best to follow the rules, and that seemed to go a long way with them. I thanked them for working hard and doing a good job and I was through their security checkpoint with a smile in about 3 minutes. No problems at all. When I arrived in Seattle, nothing but smiles…
When I arrived on my return trip to Syracuse, there was a slight delay with the city police dept. that wanted to check my license which I had expected due to the crazy laws here in NY. Otherwise my entire experience was very positive.
Lessons Learned: Expect some minor delays and do your homework. The folks at the airlines and TSA are not familiar with the regs regarding CCW, but they seem very easy to work with…
Good luck, BE SAFE!
And
HFD190
Member
Registered: Dec 2005
Location: Central NY State
12-29-2005 09:56 PM
quote:
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Originally posted by MIch_Packer
So they were waiting for you? Is there any more detail about this part of the trip?
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Yes, the police basically were waiting for me to claim the bag. When I proceeded to the baggage claim area there were 3 officers that were in the area just observing, this seemed normal to me, increased police presence in the airport, etc. When I retrieved my bag, one officer approached me and asked to see my NYS pistol license. I have read stories in the local newspaper detailing travelers that had flown into NY State airports that have been arrested and charged for illegal possession, this is why I was not entirely surprised to speak to the police. I have no idea who notifies who, or how the local police where able to pick me out of the crowd. I’m sure that they are probably violating my rights in some manor. When I arrived, I was late and in a hurry. I was legal, it took ten seconds and I didn’t want to spend any more time than I absolutely had to. Pretty much smiled, yessir’d a lot and left.
As I said, I have no idea how they identified me. There were no stickers on the outside of my suitcase. Oh well. Part of the issue probably has to do with the fact that you can’t legally posses a handgun in NY State without a NY State license and they don’t issue non-residents. Maybe they look at everyone entering the state by air who has declared a gun? I was thinking of emailing the airport administrator to just inquire about the policy, if there is one.
Anyone that has any info on this, I would be interested.