I'm about to fly Southwest Airlines with declared firearms, let's hear your stories..

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I'm about to fly Southwest Airlines with declared firearms, let's hear your stories.. (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:23:44 AM EDT

I'm about to take a flight from JAX, FL to Denver, CO.. Just curious about other people's experiences in flying with checked firearms.. I'm bringing two pistols (HK 45C and Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II) and a box of 50 rounds of ammo for CCW. Going to use my Pelican 1490 case.

Would like to hear good or bad experiences..

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:29:37 AM EDT

[#1]

Getting them on isn't the issue, it's them not getting stolen. Best of luck my friend.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:30:39 AM EDT

[#2]

flew from PHX to IAD with an Enfield #4 mk1 and a remington 22 rifle on southwest. zero problems, very impressed with their professional attitude. even the tsa were cool about it

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:35:54 AM EDT

[#3]

I flew out west with a checked firearm. It made it there ok, but they lost the bag it was in on the way back. I got it back the next day, but they cared not that there was a gun in the lost bag and I had a sleepless night worrying who had it and what they might be doing with it.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:36:08 AM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
zero problems, very impressed with their professional attitude. even the tsa were cool about it

View Quote

On a scale of 1-10, how many fingers did they put up your ass.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:40:10 AM EDT

[#5]

ZZZZ. No problems - except one time my routing got changed, and the bags flew without me on another flight, so I had to drive to the orginal airport to pick up my bags, with Glock 19 inside.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:41:38 AM EDT

[#6]

I've only done it once, and it wasn't much of a problem. They seemed a bit confused.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:42:05 AM EDT

[#7]

If you check long guns expect to have to show ID/bag ticket at your destination to retrieve, especially if its a pelican, etc. (something that screams gun)

If its a hand gun and you toss it in a duffle, it will just roll out on the pickup carousel with all the other luggage.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:44:37 AM EDT

[#8]

not southwest, but my brother was a bit apprehensive about checking a couple of handguns on a delta flight 2 years ago. airline didn't even bat an eye, and he was amazed at the total absence of any sort of inconvenience.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:47:54 AM EDT

[#9]

I've never flown Southwest with one, but I've flown Delta.

Follow the rules. Unloaded firearm in a locked hardsided case. YOU keep that key. I say again YOU keep that key. That case can go in a softsided piece of checked luggage.

Ammunition separate.

Declare it at the ticket counter/baggage check. You'll sign a declaration tag and that'll go in the luggage with the gun case (not IN the gun case).

Every time I've done it, it was just work-a-day activity for everyone involved.

Good luck.

YMMV

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:51:27 AM EDT

[#10]

Never had any major problems, except for one time the clerk was making a big deal because my case could have two locks and I only used one.
On the whole most people don't care as long as you're not an ass.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:51:52 AM EDT

[#11]

Follow the rules, am easy way to reduce theft is only use a rifle case even for a pistol. I have had success every time so far . My brother actually watched the baggage handlers try to steal his pistol case once. I always use a single rifle case and it goes well.

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Posted: 9/8/2013 11:57:00 AM EDT

[#12]

My only hiccup flying with a firearm was when I flew Southwest out of McCarran with my Saiga SBS. The lady at the counter went through all the motions with the tag and everything, but said I couldn't transport ammo in the same case as the firearm. Now, the ammo was fully enclosed and the storage complied with the airline's and TSA's policies. So this Southwest ticket minion went and got the TSA.

When the TSA 'professional' showed up, I explained my position and that the ammo was packaged appropriately. She said that transporting ammo in the same case was against the rules. I then offered to show her the TSA's policy regarding ammunition transportation, to which she responded that they don't follow those rules, they have their own rules. I then requested to see the rules she referenced, and was informed that they were law enforcement sensitive and that I couldn't see them. I offered to provide her with a SIPRnet e-mail address to which any sensitive or classified information could be e-mailed. She said she didn't know what that was. So, after insisting that she go check with a supervisor and waiting about 15 minutes, she was conciliatory and allowed me to proceed. The shotgun popped out the other side of the flight with no hiccups.

Posted: 9/8/2013 11:57:39 AM EDT

[#13]

I traveled from Seattle to Wichita with a disassembled AK-47 (gift from a friend) and four 30 rd mags back in 2010 on Delta (I think... might have been United). Airline had zero issued. TSA didn't give a shit and didn't even ask for a look/unlock. I really psyched myself up for it too.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:00:11 PM EDT

[#14]

Back in the late 90's I took a friend to LAX, we were both in the military at the time.
He was heading to Florida.
He's a big black dude.

He had declared his handgun in his checked baggage.
The girl at the counter asked him some questions and then asked to see the handgun to ensure it was not loaded.

He placed his bag on the counter, pulled out the handgun, ensured it was not loaded and was about to hand over the handgun to the counter girl when one of the people in line screamed "He's got a gun!!"
Me and my buddy looked around to see who had the gun before it dawned on both of us "who" had the gun.

The counter girl freaked out and quickly told him to put the gun back.

Two LAX port police had heard the commotion and came running, one guy was on the radio and the other guy was getting ready to draw has weapon.
The counter girl was yelling at the cops "it's OK, it's OK and she kept repeating what must have been the code word for it's OK.

The two cops came over and asked what was going on, the lady that started the commotion was still yammering on about the fact that my friend had a gun.
They pulled my friend aside and spoke with him and the counter girl.
Her supervisor came over and the port cops supervisor came over.

In the end we had a laugh about it, the counter girl was told never to have a customer pull a firearm out at the customer service counter.

The lady that started the commotion asked one of the cops if he was going to arrest my friend, when he told her that there was no issue she became agitated to the point where the cop told her that if she didn't settle down he was going to "detain" her.
She shut the fuck up pretty quick after that.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:01:24 PM EDT

[#15]

I've flown Southwest twice with a firearm and never had any problems. Very professional and courteous.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:02:26 PM EDT

[#16]

Southwest is the easiest airline to fly with in my experience.

Just follow the rules-you will have zero issues

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:11:06 PM EDT

[#17]

Worst problem i had was not bringing two locks for my case the first time. The lazy as hell TSA guy insisted that I have two locks (not like they sell them at the counter), and some guy who walked like he was a peg legged pirate went to get me one. Fifteen minutes later I had a complimentary lock and the guy could continue checking my firearms. The guy did not do one thing while we waited including checking through a guy (don't know what dept) was carrying on the plane. The guy behind us was not a happy camper. That was the worst of it other than my neighbor having the corner knocked off his aluminum case and a chunk of plastic broken off my Cabelican (cabelas boyt case). I would give yourself an extra half hour.

Each airline has it's own rules about how you can bring ammo so check ahead. If I remember correctly SW only has a rule about loose ammo, if it's in a box or in a loaded mag it is okay as long as said magazine isn't inserted in the firearm.

The fort meyer's ladies have always wanted to see the guns and both times said "Very nice" before handing me my check paper.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:11:20 PM EDT

[#18]

Have flown southwest with firearms many times. No problems, very easy.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:13:34 PM EDT

[#19]

Put a Sparks or Nano GPS tracker in your bag, or attached to the butt of your gun. Cover it with a sissy pad if necessary. You can normally be present when TSA accepts your weapon case so you can answer any questions they might have about it. X-ray will show the device is not a hazard.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:13:57 PM EDT

[#20]

Took two rifles half way round the world, in and out of two African countries with no problem.

YMMV.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:37:40 PM EDT

[#21]

Bring one pistol, the cheaper the better.
Your firearm will pass thru:
TSA 1-4 people
airline1-4 people
baggage handlers 1-????? people
the person that drives the tug to the plane
cargo stuffer ( in the plane )
cargo stuffer ( off loading the plane )
The guy that drives the tug to the terminal
baggage handler 1-??? people
.
my suitcase went missing for a week, no one really gave a shit, NO ONE.
Get the names of all people, check in person at the terminal, TSA baggage screener.
put extra locks inside your case, in the open position, if they need to cut your lock off they will have a spare.
AMMO....i would not bring any. The ammo is what sets off the alarm at the X-ray station, this is why they need to open your bags.
Print out the TSA rules and bring them with you
Print out the airline rules and bring them with you
put your cell phone number on the outside of your gun case and suit case, take pictures of both, from every angle.
Bring a copy of proof of ownership, with serial numbers.
Get the phone numbers of local and destination air port security personnel, once you have a problem these people seem to vanish.
use a bright colored case, it shows up better on the closed circuit monitors, ask me how I know.
I was traveling on the East coast, my bag sat in Denver for 5 days. Name all over it, phone number all over it. tags still attached. I had to do the legwork to track it down, I found it in denver, thats right, not the airlines.
Put nothing of value in your checked bag, NOTHING!!!!!!!
A T F told me to ship it to myself next time I fly, ship it to my hotel with my name on it.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:38:50 PM EDT

[#22]

I went to baggage check and declared I had a firearm to check, they took my other bag then had me take the bag with the gun to a TSA security booth. The guy took the pistol case out of my bag, opened it and took the pistol out. He didn't even clear it just looked it over for a second and then swabbed it (for explosives I guess?

) and put it back in the case. He then said I was good to go and he'll take care of the bag.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:39:12 PM EDT

[#23]

BTW, I have flown 30 times with a firearm, only one issue, but what a mess.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:49:54 PM EDT

[#24]

flown with checked firearms lots of times

never had any issues with Delta or American

however one of the TSA guys at Philadelphia didn't like the case I had my Winchester Model 70 in. It was a plastic case with the latch locks, but according to him I should have had a padlock added since he thought the latch locks were too flimsy. He then asked what kind of gun I had in it. Told him a bolt action .30-06, his response was "ok, that's fine then."

God forbid I had an uber evil scary black rifle in the case

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:50:07 PM EDT

[#25]

Flown many times, southwest, us airways, airtran, never a problem.

Except TSA in Phoenix swabbed my gun box and said it flagged for explosives or some shit. Eventually got out of there without a major incident.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:51:17 PM EDT

[#26]

Good ruck

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:53:40 PM EDT

[#27]

Ive flown almost 2 dozen times with a firearm on southwest. Ive never had any drama at all.

For more info on flying with firearms:

click here:

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:53:53 PM EDT

[#28]

I've never had any drama.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:55:10 PM EDT

[#29]

Dozens of flights with them with checked firearms. Zero problems.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:56:07 PM EDT

[#30]

My dad has checked 2 Weatherby's and an auto 5 all at different times on Jetblue with no issues. Hand guns are probably more of a target then rifles though

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:58:12 PM EDT

[#31]

Done it many times, never had a bad experience. However, I always print out copy of their firearms policy and bring it with me in case I run into an ignorant employee.

Posted: 9/8/2013 12:59:28 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've never flown Southwest with one, but I've flown Delta.

Follow the rules. Unloaded firearm in a locked hardsided case. YOU keep that key. I say again YOU keep that key. That case can go in a softsided piece of checked luggage.

Ammunition separate.

Declare it at the ticket counter/baggage check. You'll sign a declaration tag and that'll go in the luggage with the gun case (not IN the gun case).

Every time I've done it, it was just work-a-day activity for everyone involved.

Good luck.

YMMV

View Quote

This was my experience as well. And Southwest is supposed to be one of the best airlines at just about everything.

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:02:12 PM EDT

[#33]

Its easy as pie.

Told a lady I needed to declare "something" and she immediately asked "what caliber?".

Filled a short form out and I was done.

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:07:10 PM EDT

[#34]

My final trip while moving I was going to LAX from Richmond. I had 5 handguns, an M1A, a Mini 14, tactical Reminton 1100, a Randall bowie, SOG bowie, my great grandfathers dress sword and a war hammer in a 4 gun safari case. I knew I was going to jail when I landed eventhough everything was within CA's idiotic laws.

After landing I found a helper at the baggage claim and told her I had two kids, a pregnant wife and firearms and needed help. She told me that firearms always come to oversize baggage so they can check ID's. After a wait the belt started turning and the first thing that came out was my big silver safari case. I told her "there are my firearms." She said, "that is NOT suppose to happen." "Not my problem I said and grabbed it and went to the shuttle."

The next time I brought some more handguns to LAX they popped out on the belt again and the lock came off. I looked. Everything was there. Stupid TSA didn't lock the TSA lock back up correctly

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:12:31 PM EDT

[#35]

not soutwest..

one time i was on my way back from atlanta (visiting at Glock HQ), and as i checked in the guy behind the counter wanted me to open the box so he could visually inspect they were packed properly. this is typical, so i unsnapped the latched, and open it. inside was 4 glocks nestled down in their foam compartments.

he then asked me to show him the chambers were empty on each one. im looking from him, then over my shoulder at all the people standing in line behind me, then back to him... "as you sure thats a good idea, i dont want to cause alarm..."

he said "oh dont worry, i wont be alarmed".

that was the most unprofessional thing i ever encountered.

other than that, be prepared for every airline to have their own individual and varying interpretations of TSA rules.

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:15:29 PM EDT

[#36]

Many times, three different airlines, zero issues.

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:29:59 PM EDT

[#37]

I have flown from SFO to BNA (San Francisco to Nashville) twice, and back, with a Glock 19.

My set up. Glock 19 and two mags in a pelican 1170 case, with two pelican key locks on it. The TSA stresses that they want you to use your own key locks, nothing TSA approved. That way you are the only person who can open/close your gun case.

Flying out of SFO is weird. I have used two different airlines. Both times I end up getting escorted to a TSA back room by whoever is checking tickets. Once there I end up waiting 15-30 minutes with the ticket agent until a TSA guy shows up. They then proceed to rifle through every individual item in my luggage. Including all the individual bits in my shave kit. They swab them and stick the swabs in a machine that makes a noise. They never ask me to unlock my gun and show it is unloaded, at SFO my gun stays locked the entire time. After the TSA puts everything back in my luggage the ticketing agent takes control of my bag and tells me to have a nice day. They also put a slip saying something like "This Firearm is Unloaded" in my bag, loose. I go through security etc. like any other flight.

Flying out of Nashville is the tits. I declare a firearm. (Also the same two different airlines) The ticketing agent tells me to pop open the pelican case, I show them my glock is unloaded. They give me the firearm unloaded slip, I put it in the pelican case with the gun and lock it up. The ticketing agent slaps on the proper luggage tags and sends me on my way.

I thought this shit was supposed to be standard everywhere.

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:31:14 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
My final trip while moving I was going to LAX from Richmond. I had 5 handguns, an M1A, a Mini 14, tactical Reminton 1100, a Randall bowie, SOG bowie, my great grandfathers dress sword and a war hammer in a 4 gun safari case. I knew I was going to jail when I landed eventhough everything was within CA's idiotic laws.

After landing I found a helper at the baggage claim and told her I had two kids, a pregnant wife and firearms and needed help. She told me that firearms always come to oversize baggage so they can check ID's. After a wait the belt started turning and the first thing that came out was my big silver safari case. I told her "there are my firearms." She said, "that is NOT suppose to happen." "Not my problem I said and grabbed it and went to the shuttle."

The next time I brought some more handguns to LAX they popped out on the belt again and the lock came off. I looked. Everything was there. Stupid TSA didn't lock the TSA lock back up correctly

View Quote

You aren't supposed to use TSA locks. As per TSA guidelines.

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:35:59 PM EDT

[#39]

Never had a problem flying SW with declared handguns and ammo out of midway (Shitcago).

Posted: 9/8/2013 1:37:15 PM EDT

[#40]

I fly SW all the time and have never had a problem checking my fire arm. They are gun friendly.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:07:10 PM EDT

[#41]

Flew out of Phoenix to Austin...no problem.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:10:13 PM EDT

[#42]

How many prozacs did you take ??

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:14:56 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
I'm about to take a flight from JAX, FL to Denver, CO.. Just curious about other people's experiences in flying with checked firearms.. I'm bringing two pistols (HK 45C and Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II) and a box of 50 rounds of ammo for CCW. Going to use my Pelican 1490 case.

Would like to hear good or bad experiences..

View Quote

I've flown so many times with guns I guess I just don't have anything "Exciting." I can say, without hesitation, if you fly Delta out of JAX you'll be fine. I learned all them on proper procedures a week ago. The agent didn't think my two mags full of ammo was okay and I told her to (politely) get a TSA agent here, NOW, because I know mine is okay. Luckily, one other agent on the far end said it was okay, the other 4 conferred with her, then they all decided to check with the supervisor in the back. Then she came out and declared she learned something new and told them all.

The TSA still went into my bag and checked.

Flying back, the ticket agent at the other airport knew what she was doing and we checked the bag in about 20 seconds flat.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:17:22 PM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've never flown Southwest with one, but I've flown Delta.

Follow the rules. Unloaded firearm in a locked hardsided case. YOU keep that key. I say again YOU keep that key. That case can go in a softsided piece of checked luggage.

Ammunition separate.

Declare it at the ticket counter/baggage check. You'll sign a declaration tag and that'll go in the luggage with the gun case (not IN the gun case).

Every time I've done it, it was just work-a-day activity for everyone involved.

Good luck.

YMMV

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:
I've never flown Southwest with one, but I've flown Delta.

Follow the rules. Unloaded firearm in a locked hardsided case. YOU keep that key. I say again YOU keep that key. That case can go in a softsided piece of checked luggage.

Ammunition separate.

Declare it at the ticket counter/baggage check. You'll sign a declaration tag and that'll go in the luggage with the gun case (not IN the gun case).

Every time I've done it, it was just work-a-day activity for everyone involved.

Good luck.

YMMV

I ALWAYS lock my ammo in the same case with the gun. Every. Single. Time.

Also, to be a rebel, EVERY TIME I check my firearm, I loudly announce "I HAVE A GUN." Why? GD said to NEVER do that. Except no one freaks out because... I really do have a gun. Useful idiots.

Quoted:
My only hiccup flying with a firearm was when I flew Southwest out of McCarran with my Saiga SBS. The lady at the counter went through all the motions with the tag and everything, but said I couldn't transport ammo in the same case as the firearm. Now, the ammo was fully enclosed and the storage complied with the airline's and TSA's policies. So this Southwest ticket minion went and got the TSA.

When the TSA 'professional' showed up, I explained my position and that the ammo was packaged appropriately. She said that transporting ammo in the same case was against the rules. I then offered to show her the TSA's policy regarding ammunition transportation, to which she responded that they don't follow those rules, they have their own rules. I then requested to see the rules she referenced, and was informed that they were law enforcement sensitive and that I couldn't see them. I offered to provide her with a SIPRnet e-mail address to which any sensitive or classified information could be e-mailed. She said she didn't know what that was. So, after insisting that she go check with a supervisor and waiting about 15 minutes, she was conciliatory and allowed me to proceed. The shotgun popped out the other side of the flight with no hiccups.

Strange. I've never had problems with LAS or SW/Delta out of that hub. I've flown out many times from Vegas. Then again, it's always been pistols but the ammo has always been in the same case.

I did have one issue where PHX airport Delta made me buy their pistol case for $35. Turns out the TSA agent that checked it the next time I flew out on SW said it was okay with my other case. I said fuck it, I spent the money and since I bought it from the airline they can't say it isn't the right case. Oy.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:25:06 PM EDT

[#45]

They put the firearms tag on the outside of the bag!

Good thing I was the first one at the baggage carousel.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:28:41 PM EDT

[#46]

OP,

I do it all the time, no big deal. Be sure and print off the TSA guidelines as well as SWA's guidelines in case you get an idiot at the check in counter.

BTW, You are the only person to unlock your case, do not give the keys to the TSA guy. Request that he allow you to unlock and relock the case.

You alone are the only one to touch the firearm when the case is open. They are not allowed to touch your weapon, nor should they remove it from in front of you to a separate location or counter. I use the Brinks lock with a 4 digit tumbler - I never have to worry about finding the key. It's not about the security of the lock, but making sure that you are the only person with access. of course the TSA thief will be slowed down to the point where they will pick on easier game like cameras and electronics/jewelry - I've not heard of a pistol case going mission from checked bags. Be sure to use a TSA lock on the suitcase itself.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:30:08 PM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
not soutwest..

one time i was on my way back from atlanta (visiting at Glock HQ), and as i checked in the guy behind the counter wanted me to open the box so he could visually inspect they were packed properly. this is typical, so i unsnapped the latched, and open it. inside was 4 glocks nestled down in their foam compartments.

he then asked me to show him the chambers were empty on each one. im looking from him, then over my shoulder at all the people standing in line behind me, then back to him... "as you sure thats a good idea, i dont want to cause alarm..."

he said "oh dont worry, i wont be alarmed".

that was the most unprofessional thing i ever encountered.

other than that, be prepared for every airline to have their own individual and varying interpretations of TSA rules.

View Quote

Stop being a fucking pussy. I whip out my gun all the fucking time in airports and show clear chamber. Goddamn.

ETA: I will say the best time was flying out of BNA like the others. That's what I referred to in a previous post, about 20 seconds flat.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:32:08 PM EDT

[#48]

Got to desk declared guns and ammunition. Guns checked. Got off plane picked up guns

Guess I got lucky. Check your CC they will often offer insurance for guns on flights.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:33:28 PM EDT

[#49]

They make me proudly display my empty chambers in front of the whole god damned airport.

Posted: 9/8/2013 2:50:14 PM EDT

[#50]

Quote History

Quoted:
not soutwest..

one time i was on my way back from atlanta (visiting at Glock HQ), and as i checked in the guy behind the counter wanted me to open the box so he could visually inspect they were packed properly. this is typical, so i unsnapped the latched, and open it. inside was 4 glocks nestled down in their foam compartments.

he then asked me to show him the chambers were empty on each one. im looking from him, then over my shoulder at all the people standing in line behind me, then back to him... "as you sure thats a good idea, i dont want to cause alarm..."

he said "oh dont worry, i wont be alarmed".

that was the most unprofessional thing i ever encountered.

other than that, be prepared for every airline to have their own individual and varying interpretations of TSA rules.

View Quote

That is normal for Atlanta. Only place that I have seen do that

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I'm about to fly Southwest Airlines with declared firearms, let's hear your stories.. (Page 1 of 2)

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