Ok, I haven't flown in a plane since probably 2005 or so....

But this coming fall, I'm going to have to travel to Southern CA for my wife's sister's wedding. We will be flying, not driving.

I want to take my carry gun with me. I know, I know, it's CA, but I'm covered by LEOSA and not going isn't an option.

What's the best way? I've heard horror stories about lost luggage, or thefts of firearms from luggage.

Should I fly with it checked? How? Any tips to make it less likely there is a problem this way?

Ship it to myself? Again, how?

Any constructive advice appreciated.

Thanks,

I lock mine in a small pelican case then I padlock the pelican case in to my suitcase. Ive never had an issue with the airline losing a firearm. I always have copies of TSA/Airline policy in the event of a disagreement over how it's packed.

I'd also do my very best to book a direct flight to your final destination to avoid additional baggage handling.

FWIW, I’ve flown dozens of times with a checked handgun (sometimes two) and never had a problem with theft. Just make sure the counter agent doesn’t do something stupid (and illegal) to externally identify your bag as containing a firearm. The odds are greatly in your favor that you won’t have a problem.

-Rob

quote:

Originally posted by MikeGLI:
I lock mine in a small pelican case then I padlock the pelican case in to my suitcase. Ive never had an issue with the airline losing a firearm. I always have copies of TSA/Airline policy in the event of a disagreement over how it's packed.

I'd also do my very best to book a direct flight to your final destination to avoid additional baggage handling.

Yeah, for multiple reasons we are looking at non stop flights, which means going to an airport more out of the way from the final destination (LAX vs Long Beach) but I'd much rather avoid any stops and it doesn't take as long) Good suggestion.

Do you padlock the case to the straps/handle? Or lock the case INSIDE your suitcase?

Steel lockbox (non-TSA key) fastened with steel cable inside luggage of choice, which I also use a non-TSA lock on.

-Rob

Lock the gun inside of a small, hard sided case or lockbox. Use a cable to lock that case to the inside structure of your suitcase. Then use a small, non-TSA lock to lock zippers of your suitcase. I’ve flown numerous times doing this and never had an issue.

Here's more than you ever wanted to know about flying to/from NYC under LEOSA with lots of good general info. Kalifornia can't be as bad as NYC. Or can it??

https://www.police1.com/police...yc-RDtFMzRpiy7LRxoq/

First off, fly Southwest if at all possible. I fly Southwest exclusively and they are smooth and easy on checking a firearm.

Secondly, whatever case you decide on, make sure it locks down to a point that it can’t be pried open from the side. I had a TSA jerk try to do that in Portland one time.

Lastly, plan 15 minutes extra each way in case TSA has any delays.

My last couple of trips I’ve been able to fly armed and haven’t had to check a gun. I could get used to it.

The handful of times I've flown recently with firearms hasn't been an issue. Just follow the regs/ policies. Last time I flew with one (DFW-AGS on American), it wasn't a big deal at all. I was treated like this happened all the time. I do like the idea of the cable lock, I haven't done that, mostly because I haven't thought of it. Why the non-TSA lock on the outside of the luggage though? I know it's a non-TSA one on the gun case, but not sure why the main bag.

Funny story, back around 1990 I flew round trip from Denver to Seattle. Wanted to take some guns (both long guns and handguns), so I got a big duffel bag, wrapped them in clothing for padding, and checked it. No problems at all. Ah, the good old days!

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
First off, fly Southwest if at all possible. I fly Southwest exclusively and they are smooth and easy on checking a firearm.

Secondly, whatever case you decide on, make sure it locks down to a point that it can’t be pried open from the side. I had a TSA jerk try to do that in Portland one time.

Lastly, plan 15 minutes extra each way in case TSA has any delays.

My last couple of trips I’ve been able to fly armed and haven’t had to check a gun. I could get used to it.

Once the date gets set in stone, I'll be able to tell for sure what airline we will be taking.

WHen you guys say "non TSA" lock... can you explain? If you don't have to use a TSA lock why would you? What's the point?

WRT securing it to the frame of the luggage…the microvault I have from gun vault comes with a cable to secure it to the bed frame, car seat frame, etc….I’d take one of mine and remove the batteries for the finger buttons…if the TSA guy asked I’d say it is a distraction device, and I’d use the key only.


https://www.samsclub.com/p/gv-...pubNAME=Connexity+US

It’ll hold a full sized 1911 and a box of ammo

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
"non TSA" lock... can you explain? If you don't have to use a TSA lock why would you? What's the point?

So it's a non-TSA lock on the gun case itself, so someone with a TSA master key can't get in and steal your firearm. I'm not sure the reason for the non-TSA lock on the outer luggage though, I would think you'd risk that getting cut off by TSA in their inspection area.

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
"non TSA" lock... can you explain? If you don't have to use a TSA lock why would you? What's the point?

So it's a non-TSA lock on the gun case itself, so someone with a TSA master key can't get in and steal your firearm. I'm not sure the reason for the non-TSA lock on the outer luggage though, I would think you'd risk that getting cut off by TSA in their inspection area.

If you aren't required to put a TSA lock on it, Why would ANYONE do that?

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
If you aren't required to put a TSA lock on it, Why would ANYONE do that?

I wouldn't get bogged down in that.
To answer your question, similar to Phred, I use a cable lock to lock my pelican case to the frame of my suitcase. At that point, I don't bother with a zipper lock.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeGLI:

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
If you aren't required to put a TSA lock on it, Why would ANYONE do that?

I wouldn't get bogged down in that.
To answer your question, similar to Phred, I use a cable lock to lock my pelican case to the frame of my suitcase. At that point, I don't bother with a zipper lock.

Well, I still want to understand the logic behind it (not arguing, trying to understand the thought process)

That said, you mean you lock the case INSIDE your suitcase correct?

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
Just make sure the counter agent doesn’t do something stupid (and illegal) to externally identify your bag as containing a firearm
-Rob

AmericanAirlines tags a bag with a firearm with a red BSO (baggage security office) tag. On arrival the bag will not be on the carousel - you need to go to the BSO to pick it up.

Interesting side note - so while I can check in via on-line/app on Departure flights - AA in their infinite wisdom will not allow me to do the same on the return because I have checked a firearm - needs to be at the airline counter. And this is "safer" how?

As another way to keep track of your firearm you might want to consider getting an Apple AirTag if you have an iPhone. We find all sorts of use for them including keeping tags on our luggage..

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy...9f5956b81bd51ed0a174

I have flown to a vast majority of states in the US including California and with a gun every time.

The gun(s) are placed in its own metal (or hard sided) locking case obviously unloaded and without the ammo in that locking case; gun(s) are by themselves in that locking case. The ammo is either stored in the original ammo packaging or in the firearm magazines and those are placed inside another item such as a Fanny pack. Law says they have to be packed so the primer is not exposed so if they are in the magazine, then they need to be in a mag holder so the top round primer is not exposed.

I then lock the luggage with a TSA lock. The luggage lock is the only thing TSA could open if they wanted to.

I never have had a problem other than a few funny stories with stupid TSA agents when declaring the firearm after already declaring it with the airline.

Flying with a checked firearm is very easy and there is no reason to do it any other way in my opinion.

Kevin, I just sent you an e-mail. Call if you like, I included my phone number.

Lockable Pelican case in luggage. Empty magazine and no magazine in the gun, ammo in either factory box or plastic ammo box. Use a cable attached to one of those lock hasps that is locking that case closed to wrap around the frame of your suitcase. Zip ties for the luggage zipper more as a tamper indicator.

I flew with a Pelican 1510 roller case with two pistols, magazines and ~200 rounds (less than 11lbs) ammo in those MTM ammo boxes taped closed. Various items like shoes in for fill. Some agents want to see exactly where the gun is if it’s in a pistol pouch and put the tag in there. Others just put the tag in the main case. It had heavy duty zip ties around it when I picked it up from the baggage office so plan for that.