May 30th, 2023
8minute read
Owning firearms for self-defense is becoming more and more common these days.
If people could predict when and where a violent attack would happen, they should stay home that day.
Its perfectly legal to travel by air with a firearm in checked baggage but few gun owners do.
There are a variety of laws and rules that govern air travel with firearms. In this article, the author offers his best practices for a smooth experience.
The case holding it all must be hard-sided and locked, and the gun must be unloaded.
I begin my preparations for traveling by air with my self-defense gun when Im still at home.
I pack a handgun, magazines and defensive ammunition in the required hard-sided lockable case.
The author’s Pelican 1450 case “disguised” with non-gun stickers. Thefts of luggage happen all the time, so making your case look less likely to contain a firearm can be a good strategy.
You may use any brand or key in of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
This is where the printed rules can help.
Some dont know that regular locks are allowed on gun cases I have been questioned about non-TSA locks.
The author’s packed suitcase with clothing and a locked gun case, ready to leave for a trip.
Most airlines will allow more than one gun in each locked case.
And because redundancy is a good thing … ## Be Prepared
Each airport has different TSA procedures.
Bulk or loose ammunition is always prohibited, re-pack it in empty ammunition boxes or a plastic MTM box.
Before arriving at the airport with a firearm, your planning for a trip should start with reviewing the applicable laws and airline rules.
Dont Do This …
Never attempt to transport loaded magazines.
A few airlines and TSA say it can be done if the magazine completely encloses the ammunition.
Like many government rules, the term securely boxed is not defined.
Signs are all over the airport to warn travelers that firearms must be unloaded and declared to the airline.
Dropping magazines into a suitcase mixed with clothing and toiletries is not a good idea.
Do Not Pass Go …
They will give you a firearms declaration tag; fill it in your signature affirms the gun is unloaded.
A pistol, defensive ammunition and three magazines in a Pelican 1450 case ready for a trip. Just remember: never pack a gun with loaded magazines.
Doing these things makes it harder to steal.
Pre-trip planning should also include what you will do when you arrive at your destination.
No one needs to know you have a gun place the gun case inside another piece of ordinary luggage.
When arriving at the airport, follow the signs to ticketing to declare and check in your gun. Do not check your bags at the curb.
Every gun owner must make their own informed decisions.
