Taking Rifle on airplane... need advice

[wab25]

I will be taking a trip across country, (not leaving the US) and will be taking my rifle with me. I have never done this before and was hoping to get some tips and advice from those who have.

So far, I have purchased an SKB Single Rifle case to carry it in. I have called and talked to the airline about my situation. They said to make sure it is unloaded, in an approved case, and locked. Only I should have a key to open it. I case I purchased claims to meet and exceed the TSA requirements.

At this point the only thing I know I need to get, are the two pad locks for the case.

Any tips, tricks or advice is welcome....

[rainesr]

I had to do the same when I moved. I had to check my weapons in at a the desk (no quick checkins) and fill out an inventory sheet. I can't remember doing anything else different.

I got the inventory sheet online, the airline had no idea what to do with it so I ended up holding on to it just in case.

I was searched at security too, they put big "S" on my ticket.

~Rob

[Mark Jordan]

For a complete list of prohibited items to bring check out http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/air...ted-items.shtm.

You can transport a firearm across state lines in your vehicle. However, states do have various laws about how the gun must be carried. When you transport it in your vehicle make sure that the weapons are unloaded and stored in an area that is not accessible to the passenger compartment like the trunk. You can also read Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986.

[Michael J. Bray]

A word to the wise. Be sure the weapon you are taking is LEGAL at yourdestination. The N.R.A. is actibvely defending an individual, shose flight was diverted to New Jersey. Unable to make a connection he was forced to stay over night, and his baggage was taken off of the plane. T.S.A. alerted the local authorities to the presence of the weapon. Ultimately the traveler caught a felony weapons charge (Jersey is EXTREMELY restrictive on firearms). The man was imprisoned and appealed to the NRA for help. Talk abouat the innocent getting jammed up in a hurry

[Michael J. Bray]

sorry bout all those type o's

[rainesr]

Yes, if you are going through NY or NJ you will almost definitely have your weapon confiscated.

Also, I didn't put in my last post but my bag with my weapons came out of baggage claim like all my others.

[wab25]

Lots of good advice here. I am not going through or near NY or NJ. The rifle is legal at my destination. So, after looking online, I have a few specific questions, that I seem to be able to find conflicting answers for.

1. Should the hard case use TSA approved locks. Some sources say "yes" so that TSA can open and inspect your gun whenever the want, other sources say "no," that you will be breaking regulations as the owner should be the only one with the key.

2. The regulations for carrying the gun, and the ammo are clear. But, if I want to carry the magazines, separate from the gun, in the checked baggage, do I declare that as well?

I did ask both these questions to the airline, when calling their help line. The guy had to go ask his manager. Should I feel confident in the answers I got from the help line?

[rainesr]

1. I used a master lock in addition to the lock built into the case. I trust TSA employees as much as any other stranger.

2. You are at the whim of a TSA employee limited knowledge of regulations if you leave anything unlocked.

3. Try TSA, they may be more helpful (you would hope) than the airline.

My friend is into sport shooting and travels a lot, he keeps a couple copies of the regs on his person so he can have a copy and give TSA a copy during check in. He says it saves him time and hassle.