Flying with a Firearm – Revisited

Some time ago, I shot a quick video about how I fly with a firearm in my checked baggage, and every year about this time I get a couple questions from readers on this topic, so I thought I would revisit it once more. I’m not linking to the video, because I was really fat back then, and it’s somewhat embarrassing…

click to enlarge

I tend to go above and beyond the TSA and airline regulations in a couple ways, just to make it easier for me, and less stressful for the ticket agent who may be uncomfortable.

Please keep in mind, this isn’t a list of the regulations, just a list of the things that I do above and beyond the TSA and airline regulations. Find the TSA regulations here, and search your airlines website for their regulations on flying with a firearm.

• Field Stripped Pistol: This isn’t required, but I do it for a couple of reasons:
  • It’s immediately apparent to anyone that the pistol isn’t loaded
  • If someone (ticket agent, TSA agent, whoever) picks it up during the screening process, they aren’t waving a pistol around in the terminal. They shouldn’t do this, but I’ve heard some horror stories…

• Steel Lock Box w/ Cable: TSA requires you use a hard sided lockable box that doesn’t use TSA locks (Only you should have the key). I’ve found these little steel pistol cases to work well. I cut a small hole in the liner of my luggage, and run the steel cable around the frame of the bag. This acts as a small theft deterrent, and keeps my pistol attached to my luggage should a zipper break or come unzipped.

• Marking the Lock Box: On the outside of the lock box, I took a paint pen and wrote my name, address, phone number, and “DO NOT OPEN!”. Not required, but a small deterrent, and a way to contact me should the box get separated from my luggage.

• Copies of TSA and Airline regulations: I print off 3 copies of the most up to date TSA and airline regulations. I lock one inside the pistol case, put one in my carry-on bag, and one in my pocket. I’d never had to reference them, but I like having them around.

• Ammo in Factory Box: Ammo doesn’t necessarily have to be in the factory box per the TSA regulations, but it does have to be securely packed “in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.” Factory boxes are cardboard, so it’s easy.

I took most of these ideas from Macs Guide to Flying with a Firearm over on Glocktalk. The ideas have served me well, and allowed me a pretty painless trip through airport security every time I’ve flown.