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Thread: Airline travel with rifles?

  1. #1
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    Airline travel with rifles?

    So Im taking a trip to Ohio. Most likely moving there soon from Colo. Im worried about being able to check my rifles in. Has anyone flown recently? I have hard cases but im skeptical to using them. What are some of my options? I usually drive and its not a problem. Thank you
    Quote Originally Posted by Split66 View Post
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    B.A.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology

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    I just did this in December and its not bad at all, at least not with southwest airline. I used a 20 dollar hard case I bought from cabelas, locked it with a padlock(which is required if your gonna fly) and used a heavy duct tape job around the closures of the case and marked them in a way I would know if someone tried to tamper or remove the tape. As far as the requirements,all you need to do is declare the firearm when you check your bag, remove the mag if applicable, and fill out the required paperwork they will give you when you show up. Its not bad at all, it was way more chill than I thought it was gonna be


    Hope this helps,
    JR
    "Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"

    Semper Paratus AR-15 Armorer

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    Thank you for the link. That helps alot. I just dont want anyone snaggin Them when they come out of baggage claim. Thats scary.
    Quote Originally Posted by Split66 View Post
    I wouldnt listen to BCMjunkie. His brown camo clashes like hell with his surroundings. His surroundings are obviously pinkish and lacey and have big hooties.

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    A lot of people suggest a quality hardcase like a Pelican or SKB or Hardigg when flying. Considering you likely have $1,500 worth of equipment in there, it's worth the $175 investment. Consider placing the gun in a soft case and then placing the gun+softcase in to the hardcase.

    Generally, all that you require when flying with firearms (I fly with my G19 or HKP30 all the time) is:

    (a) weapon unloaded in a LOCKED hardcase.
    (b) Ammunition stored separately.

    I generally store my loaded magazines in a separate hardcase within my luggage when flying (IIRC there's a weight limit to the ammunition you can carry).

    Upon checking in at the airline counter, declare your firearm:

    Agent: Where are you flying today?
    Me: Boston, Massachusetts.
    Agent: Okay, can I see your id?
    Me: Sure. I'm also flying with a firearm.
    Agent: Okay, I just need you to sign this.

    The airline I usually fly with gives me an orange slip I have to sign, which declares that the weapon is unloaded.

    Hope this helped.

    *ETA* looks like Pelican & Storm Hardigg are one company these days.
    Last edited by Kchen986; 02-24-11 at 15:57.

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    Also check with your individual airline's website about flying with firearms, they'll all have something listed and it is usually word for word what TSA says but not always.

    You CANNOT leave the ammo in a magazine unless it has a cover over the open end to keep it from coming out (P-mag would work but no pistol mags I know of would).

    Those cheap $20 hard cases are usually very flexy and one lock may not totally secure it. But it's easy.
    Police work: If it were easy it would be called your mom.

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    Quote Originally Posted by cj5_dude View Post
    Also check with your individual airline's website about flying with firearms, they'll all have something listed and it is usually word for word what TSA says but not always.

    You CANNOT leave the ammo in a magazine unless it has a cover over the open end to keep it from coming out (P-mag would work but no pistol mags I know of would).

    Those cheap $20 hard cases are usually very flexy and one lock may not totally secure it. But it's easy.
    I suppose you're right.

    From the TSA website:

    You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1666.shtm

    I place my loaded my magazines in a separate hardcase along with my EDC knife. I suppose under a conservative definition, I should not do this, but there is room for argument.
    Last edited by Kchen986; 02-24-11 at 16:03.

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    Some seasoned travelers suggest breaking down the rifle and using a shorter case that doesn't look like a typical rifle case to reduce chances of it drawing attention to itself

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    Quote Originally Posted by MistWolf View Post
    Some seasoned travelers suggest breaking down the rifle and using a shorter case that doesn't look like a typical rifle case to reduce chances of it drawing attention to itself
    Thats actually exactly what im planning.
    Quote Originally Posted by Split66 View Post
    I wouldnt listen to BCMjunkie. His brown camo clashes like hell with his surroundings. His surroundings are obviously pinkish and lacey and have big hooties.

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  10. #10
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    I'd also try to avoid a black "long case"

    I just got a Pelican 1600 case in light grey for $150 with two layers of foam. I can put a lower with Emod, two mags (yes, they can be loaded as long as they're "encased" within the bag), holstered Glock 17, two Glock mags, and a bunch of other stuff on the bottom layer, and a 16" upper diagonally across the top layer. The charging handle needs to be removed, unfortunately. I prefer to remove optics when I fly. A 12.5" upper is shown below to show what kind of room you have.

    It's the size of a small/medium suitcase and could be just about anything but a rifle. I got this idea from "m4super90" on 68forums http://68forums.com/forums/showthrea...review-w-pics&

    If you fly with a lot of ammunition, be prepared for it to set off the TSA detection units, and then be ready for them to open the case and inspect. I'm not saying it will happen, but it can happen. TSA did open mine, and then proceeded to tell me that they couldn't find the signed orange declaration (= $10,000 fine). Mind you, his gut was hiding it and the United agent would have vouched that I signed it.

    I'd also print a copy of TSA's rules and keep that in the case. I had an idiot at United's ticket counter instruct me to show her that the gun was unloaded. I told her that was why I was signing the declaration.
    OP: Colorado to Ohio isn't that long of a drive ;-)

    Last edited by Boss Hogg; 02-24-11 at 17:28.

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