I have a need to fly to Florida, and I’ll be driving back.

Usually I’d just check a bag with a gun, but I don’t plan to check anything. Down and back in an overnight.

Would it be easier to ship a pistol down first (overnight Fedex), or should I just spend what’s probably the same amount of money and just check a bag? Nonstop flight. Plus it looks like shipping a box of 9mm is a pain.

I thought about borrowing one. And about mailing a long gun. But I really want my G19 for the drive back.

I would check a bag. The last time I flew American Airlines to Texas, it costs $25 to check one bag flying coach. I think that's cheaper then sending a package with one day shipping. I just had to declare it when I checked in and have it in a case in my bag with TSA locks. If you don't have TSA locks, they will page you to open your case so they can verify the gun is unloaded.

However I don't think I was allowed to pack ammo in checked baggage. I would just buy ammo when I got there instead. Actually when I went I just used my Dad's ammo, which was cheaper.

I think you’re right...it’ll probably be cheaper.

I’ve traveled with a pistol several times...just pondering on shipping it instead and figured I’d ask, but the more I think of it the more I think the lesser aggravation will be to check it.

I’ve always checked ammo with it. I have a Pelican case with cutouts for the G19, a 50 round box, and two mags.

Probably a stupid question but I know you are a LEO and would know the rules.
Can one ship one to themselves leagally? No need for an FFL?
Would the answer be different for non LEO's?
Asking as it's something I may want to do myself sometime.

To answer your question, I'd probably ship it in your situation.

It is better to ask the ATF than the SF.

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/f...s-unlicensed-persons

In the above link, you will find the answer to "can I ship a firearm to myself?"

quote:

Originally posted by Powers77:
Probably a stupid question but I know you are a LEO and would know the rules.
Can one ship one to themselves leagally? No need for an FFL?
Would the answer be different for non LEO's?
Asking as it's something I may want to do myself sometime.

To answer your question, I'd probably ship it in your situation.

Yes, one may ship a firearm to oneself without an FFL. Regardless of occupation as long as the reason for needing the firearm elsewhere is of legal purpose.

I have done both and for a short trip on a timeline, I would check a bag on the plane. Then if the bag with the weapon it gets lost / delayed / etc, it's on the airlines. It's also easy to have ammo / accessories in the case with the weapon. Cheaper too.

Longer trips, it can be easier to ship them ahead of time to be on site when you arrive, especially if they are long guns / multiple connecting flights.

You'd have one choice for shipping: UPS. They'll insist on Priority Overnight, which is very expensive (figure $75 minimum).

USPS is a no-go due to 18 USC 1715 and the Postal regulations.

FEDEX hates you more than HK does.

Check the bag. I'm willing to bet if you show your credentials the ticket agent will waive the checked bag fee.

Checked luggage. That way, you will be able to be armed as you leave the airport.

---

Note to Paten:

1. The suitcase should have TSA locks, but the locked case inside the suitcase, that contains the firearm, should have a NON-TSA lock. Passenger retains the key at all times, does not hand the key over to TSA, but will open the lock for inspection if requested. For this reason, I suggest a combination lock, then there is no question of handing a key over.
   
   
2. Yes, ammunition may definitely be shipped in check luggage. There is a limit of five kilos (11 pounds), there are a few restrictions on how it is packed, but no restrictions that are really unreasonable.

quote:

have done both and for a short trip on a timeline, I would check a bag on the plane. Then if the bag with the weapon it gets lost / delayed / etc, it's on the airlines. It's also easy to have ammo / accessories in the case with the weapon. Cheaper too.

^^^^
Agree.

It is very easy to check a gun and ammo. I have never had a problem and I don't use TSA locks. I lock the case the gun is in and use a cable to secure the case to the suitcase. The ammo is not in the gun case.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Checked luggage. That way, you will be able to be armed as you leave the airport.

---

Note to Paten:

1. The suitcase should have TSA locks, but the locked case inside the suitcase, that contains the firearm, should have a NON-TSA lock. Passenger retains the key at all times, does not hand the key over to TSA, but will open the lock for inspection if requested. For this reason, I suggest a combination lock, then there is no question of handing a key over.
   
   
2. Yes, ammunition may definitely be shipped in check luggage. There is a limit of five kilos (11 pounds), there are a few restrictions on how it is packed, but no restrictions that are really unreasonable.

The ammo thing is subject to individual airline policy.

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
Plus it looks like shipping a box of 9mm is a pain.

Shipping ammo is a major pain...mostly as to timing.

I've shipped ammo(400rds)to matches because the weight exceeded what airlines allow. It has to go by Ground and should be shipped 10-14 days ahead of when you expect to arrive

quote:

Originally posted by 9mmepiphany:

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
Plus it looks like shipping a box of 9mm is a pain.

Shipping ammo is a major pain...mostly as to timing.

I've shipped ammo(400rds)to matches because the weight exceeded what airlines allow. It has to go by Ground and should be shipped 10-14 days ahead of when you expect to arrive

A friend told the story of writing 11# on a case of ammunition, putting it into his suitcase, and rolling with it. Apparently the airline folks didn't bother weighing, if they even knew about the limitation.

Anytime flying with a firearm comes up, I like to remind people that it is a good idea to print out the TSA rules, and the rules from whichever Airline you are using.

I've had no issues in my limited experience, but they may not know their own rules regarding firearms in general, and in particular if ammo can be in the same container.

Must you be a federal LEO to carry the gun with you on the plane? My brother, former treasury agent, flew plenty of times with his service weapon.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Checked luggage. That way, you will be able to be armed as you leave the airport.

---

Note to Paten:

1. The suitcase should have TSA locks, but the locked case inside the suitcase, that contains the firearm, should have a NON-TSA lock. Passenger retains the key at all times, does not hand the key over to TSA, but will open the lock for inspection if requested. For this reason, I suggest a combination lock, then there is no question of handing a key over.
   
   
2. Yes, ammunition may definitely be shipped in check luggage. There is a limit of five kilos (11 pounds), there are a few restrictions on how it is packed, but no restrictions that are really unreasonable.

Vtail is spot on except one thing. He stated the "old" rule about you retaining the key and not giving it to TSA should they want to open your gun case.

The reason I know is I did not know the rule had changed and wasn't allowed on the flight unless I gave them the combination to the gun case. My other option was to take the flight and leave my bag behind. I went with the give them the combo option.

I filed a complaint with TSA and they actually reviewed all camera footage, etc. and then told me the rule had changed. I then checked their website and the retain the key and not give to anyone else was gone from their website.

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:
A friend told the story of writing 11# on a case of ammunition, putting it into his suitcase, and rolling with it. Apparently the airline folks didn't bother weighing, if they even knew about the limitation.

Works with 9mm,even with .38Spl, but 400 rounds of 230gr .45ACP, packed and cushioned in MTM cases, will get most people's attention.

I've seen folks who had to throw away extra rounds to make weight...you don't want to be that person

quote:

Originally posted by Powers77:
Probably a stupid question but I know you are a LEO and would know the rules.
Can one ship one to themselves leagally? No need for an FFL?
Would the answer be different for non LEO's?
Asking as it's something I may want to do myself sometime.

To answer your question, I'd probably ship it in your situation.

Yes. It's your gun. You can ship it to yourself. The only issue would be stricter laws where your shipping it then your home state. BTW doesn't matter if your an LEO or not.

I would just fly with it. Seems easier than going to UPS/FedEx to ship it and then having to pick it up somewhere. If you check it it will be waiting for you.