Traveling with a firearm can be challenging, and it’s all about following the rules.
Following up on last week’s tip regarding how to protect your hunting gear in traveling cases, this week we’ll talk about flying on a commercial airline with a firearm. Some of the following information is actual requirement, and some is my recommendation.
Also note there’s a good chance the TSA employee(s) you interact with at the airport do not know all the rules. It’s important to remain calm and talk to TSA officials with respect. They can make your life miserable, even if you’re in the right.
Let’s start at the beginning.
A solid, quality case is actually a TSA requirement. If it’s easy to break into your case, TSA likely will reject it.
Next, you are required to have at least one sturdy lock. Unlike other checked baggage, you do not have to use a TSA lock on your gun case. Rules permit the use of TSA locks, but I do not recommend them for your gun case. About a decade ago, there was a rash of severe gun damage to firearms processed through a particular airport (the one I use most often, as a matter of fact). Apparently an anti-gun employee was opening gun cases and pouring Coke on the guns and then reclosing the cases. Many of the guns were damaged beyond repair. To avoid such problems, use your own thick, sturdy lock so your case will not be opened when it’s out of your sight. Combination locks or key locks are both permitted. Do not bother locking your gun case before you get to the airport, however. That comes later.
If you’re traveling with a firearm, that means you also have ammunition. Old rules said you couldn’t keep ammunition and a firearm in the same case. That is no longer true. You may put ammunition in your gun case (I recommend that) or in other checked baggage. You cannot travel with ammunition in a carry-on bag, nor may you carry on clips, or even gun parts like a bolt.
Although not required in the rules, I recommend removing the bolt from bolt-action rifles. It seems to make the TSA employees feel safer and, honestly, I feel better when they’re handling my gun. Secure the bolt in your gun case and make sure it won’t bounce around.
Another ammunition rule change is you are no longer required to have its original packaging. Here’s what the TSA now says: “[Ammunition] must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition.” Make sure to point out ammunition to the TSA representative during check-in.
Checking in your firearm is the most important part of the process. It starts no different from checking other baggage. Walk to the ticket counter to check in; do not use a self-serve kiosk. Tell the airline agent how many bags you are checking and that one is a firearm. The agent will weigh your bags and tag them. Then, if they are familiar with the process, they will direct you to take your firearm case to a TSA agent. Normal baggage protocol allows you to drop checked bags at a TSA station (if the ticket agent hasn’t already placed the bags on a conveyer behind the counter). That is not the process with a firearm.
Your gun case needs to be inspected and approved by a TSA agent. For obvious reasons, that is best done in a private area. But that is where things sometimes get tricky. You should stay with your firearm/case throughout the inspection process, but not all TSA agents know the protocol. I must stress that being right doesn’t prevent you from being arrested or detained.
Do NOT reach for your gun or case once a TSA agent takes possession. I keep my wrists clasped behind my back to avoid doing that very thing. If the agent asks you to wait somewhere and looks as though they’re about to leave with your firearm, keep your hands down and politely state that you’d like to remain with your gun. Do not spout off rules or imply the agent doesn’t know what they’re doing. Try something like this: “Excuse me, but I’d like to stay with my gun during the inspection.” If the agent balks or seems about to leave anyway, ask if there’s a supervisor available to help with the inspection. Stay calm! Nothing good will come of you becoming agitated.
Something to say to the agent or even the supervisor could sound like: “I’m sorry, but I did a lot of research on the TSA website, and I just want to make sure I do this right.”
In a majority of cases, you won’t have to worry about any of these things. On the other hand, it’s a slim majority. The problem is TSA agents see so few firearms. Supervisors usually know the drill, however.
When it comes to the actual inspection, the TSA agent might or might not remove the gun from the case. While they’re opening the case, remind them there is ammunition inside, and where it is located. Once again, do not reach toward the case. If the agent asks you a question, answer verbally and do not reach into the case unless the agent specifically asks you to do so. Don’t be offended if the agent requests you remain some distance away.
When the agent is satisfied, he or she will place a TSA inspection card in the case and close it. At that point, ask if the agent is ready for you to lock the case. Once you have done so, thank the agent for their time and head to your departure gate. The TSA agent will then take your gun case to the appropriate drop-off location.
If all that sounds like too much trouble, that’s why I drive to hunt whenever possible. Driving allows me to carry way more gear, not to mention makes it easier to bring home meat. That said, sometimes you have no choice but to fly. When that’s the case, always check the latest TSA regulations. Things change frequently, and the TSA doesn’t care what a Tip of the Week told you.
Visit here for a summary of the TSA’s rules.
Read Recent Tip of the Week:• Case Logic: Pack well to ensure your gun's zero when traveling to hunt.