Shooting Sports World - Firearms Transporting on Airlines

Transporting firearms on Airlines doesn't have to be a legal or emotional nightmare if you do your homework before you arrive at the airport.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states:

"The FAA requires passengers carrying firearms in checked baggage to declare that firearm to the airline. Firearms must be unloaded, and in a lockable container suitable for air transportation and the bag checked in at the ticket counter. In addition, we recommend that you contact your airline to determine any airline specific requirements."

Out of Las Vegas - Lock in hard case after they verified unloaded and no ammunition allowed in luggage.

LAX - Thought they were going to have a heart attack - 3 suits triple checked that handgun was unloaded, kept asking why I had a handgun in LA ( DUH!) Locked in hard case, sealed with a security label and locked in suit case, didn't address ammunition.

Dallas TX and Oregon - Howdy partner, what kind of off duty do you carry - Great I prefer -------- Have a great flight.

The general rule is to secure your unloaded firearms in a hard case such as a Gun Guard single pistol case that you can put inside your luggage. If you are transporting long guns we would suggest you purchase the most secure with in your budget such as the Gun Guard all weather, Pelican or SKB Sports hard cases.

• Although not necessary you may wish to field strip your firearms placing any small parts into a zip lock baggy before putting them in the hard case. In this configuration even the most uneducated airline clerk will be able to identify that your guns are unloaded and appears less threatening to the uninitiated.

• With the renewed security levels at the airports it is best to add 10-20 minutes to your allotted check in time, some airlines require a firearm form completed ( Firearms Unloaded declaration).

• If you are flying out for a hunting trip or shooting competition you may wish to UPS extra ammunition to your final location encase the Airline has a last minute cow about too much ammo in the hold.

• Do not trust your firearms to cheap locks - Get a quality lock TSA approved key able lock incase they need to inspect later.

If you follow these simply rules and call ahead it should all go smooth. Remember rules change and you are not going to when an argument with Airport officials if Possible Ship your firearms an ammunition for will call pick up at your final location.

Now that most of us fly as civilians we usually ship our backup weapon via UPS or FedEx to the hotel in our name will call pick up from the desk and return them home the same way.