Airline Travel and Firearms

[DocHolyrood]

I'm traveling from Spokane, Washington to Kansas this coming Saturday to call Coyotes with my 76 year old dad. I'll be flying on Southwest airlines and need some advice on what I need to do to take my R93 and ammo. I have an Americase with paddle locks and plan on including an extra lock inside the case just in case the airline has to cut off my locks. As I recall from 15 years ago a firearm has to be unloaded and checked seperately. I'm going to allow an extra hour for checking the rifle. I'm also taking a pistol with me in the rifle case. I'm going to check Southwest's website this week, but I thought you guys could give me some quick advice.

Does the ammo have to be packed seperate from the rifle or can I include it in the same locked case?

Can I insure the firearms for their value or will they be covered by my homeowner's insurance?

Is there anything else I need to consider?

[DocHolyrood]

Below are Southwest Airlines requirements. As I understand it, declared firearms are covered by SW Airlines up to $3,300, with your option to purchase an additional amount.

Guns
Customers are responsible for knowing and following the firearms laws of the state(s) that they will be traveling to and from.

Our Customers must declare the gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter (no firearms will be accepted curbside) and prove that the firearm(s) chambers are free of ammunition and the magazine clip has been removed (when applicable).

Firearms must be encased in a hard-sided, LOCKED container that is of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling, as follows:

A firearm in a hard-sided, locked container may be placed inside a soft-sided, unlocked suitcase.

A firearm placed inside a hard-sided, locked suitcase does not have to be encased in a container manufactured for the transportation of firearms.

Only the Customer checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock. No exceptions will be made.

Firearms may be checked and will count toward the two-piece free baggage allowance for each fare-paying passenger.

Multiple firearms can be transported inside one hard-sided case.

Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the misalignment of sights on firearms, including those equipped with telescopic sights.

Firearms are never allowed in carryon luggage.

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Ammunition
Small arms ammunition for personal use (provided it is properly packed) is permissible in checked baggage only.

The ammunition may be placed in the same container as the firearm and must be securely packed in cardboard (fiber), wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

When checking ammunition, Customers are limited to 11 pounds gross weight (ammunition plus container) per person.

Magazines or clips containing ammunition must be securely packaged (placed in another small box or in a secure cutout in the carrying case, in order to protect the primer of the ammunition).

Make sure guns are unloaded and definitely never transport a gun in your carryon baggage!

Gunpowder (black powder) and primers or percussion caps are not allowed in checked or carryon baggage.

Loose ammunition or loose loaded magazines and/or clips are not allowed.

[guns_and_labs]

That pretty much covers it.

When I've flown (SWA and UA), I've been asked to walk down to TSA screening with the key/combo, and open it under their supervision. Once, in Phoenix, TSA took the key and returned it after the examination (violating their own published rules). I open it, they check it (and usually comment on my taste in firearms and calibers), and they lock it. They take it from there. The check-in guys and TSA have always been totally cool about it.

The only additional warning I would have would be to immediately go to baggage claim on deplaning, and tell the service desk that you are waiting for a rifle case, and it's been awhile -- even if it hasn't. That gets them looking for it. The last time I flew, the bag was a little delayed until the baggage clerk found it -- and someone had already sawed off one of the four locks I had on it. I was glad I'd sent the clerk looking for it, as he seemed to have spooked the would-be thief.

[dinsdale]

Used SW a couple times with guns,no major problems,including multiple flights/layovers.

I would suggest you print the rules for the airport.I did have to walk them through their own rules once.

I happen to have a checked bag,and put ammo seperate in it's own locked box in that checked bag with clothes.

Have a good trip,shoot straight.

Dinsdale

[DocHolyrood]

What size key locks are you using? I bought some small Masterlock locks that are just big enough to keep someone from opening the Americase. You could easily cut them off with small/pocket sized bolt cutters. It sounds like I should buy some big locks. If the locks are too big the balistic cloth cover may not stay velcroed. Any suggestions?

[guns_and_labs]

What size key locks are you using? I bought some small Masterlock locks that are just big enough to keep someone from opening the Americase. You could easily cut them off with small/pocket sized bolt cutters. It sounds like I should buy some big locks. If the locks are too big the balistic cloth cover may not stay velcroed. Any suggestions?

On the Americase with cover, the small locks should be fine. I was using a Pelikan knock-off case, and the biggest padlocks that would fit -- they sawed through the plastic. Now I use a Pelikan that has steel reinforcements. The Americase doesn't fit my big-a** scopes.

[DocHolyrood]

I presume the airline gives you a special receipt including serial number of the rifle, otherwise after they lose it you would have trouble proving value. Right?

Also, I'm planning on an extra hour at the airport to check the rifle.

Also, also, I'm planning on insuring the rifle scope, pistol, case for more than the airlines $3,300 limit.

Of course, I might chicken out and leave the rifle home. I'm sure I can find a rifle in Holyrood, Kansas that I can borrow.

[dinsdale]

There is a firearms declaration form to sign filled out at checkin counter...

If its a direct flight,I'd go for it.Nothing like a gun you are familiar with shooting.

I think have taken a dozen flights with guns,and have never had a single problem.But I am always polite and discreet,and like you leave a little extra time,so a supervisor can be called,if required.

Now that said....you have better post some pics

Dinsdale

[DocHolyrood]

Not a direct flight going or coming. I'm going to purchase additional insurance and hope for the best. I'm probably going to take a couple handguns to sweeten the pot for would be thieves. My next big problem will be when my Dad sees my expensive rifle, which he will think is a watse of money. He'll like the weight and length, but not the safety system.

I'll primarily be hunting coyotes and not expecting much luck calling because the area has been hunted hard by the locals.

[NE450No2]

Take a look at the take down size Tuff Pak. I have used the fullsize ones and the takedown one on several plane trips to Alaska, Zimbabwe and even to Kalifornia...

[DocHolyrood]

I had no problem checking my firearms in Spokane and they made the trip safely to Kansas City after one stop in Seattle. Yes, I had to fly west to Seattle before I could fly east to KC. It took 45 minutes to check the firearms because the lady helping me was a novice. Soutwest Airlines allows $3,300 for lost baggage. I bought extra insurance but was surprised they only allowed an extra $1,200, which cost $1 per $100 value.

I doubt I buy extra insurance for the trip home as I'm sure the NRA covers your firearms for theift.