Like to know their definition of a weapon. They still calling toenail clipper and Swiss Army knives weapons? They certainly aren’t missing 95% of firearms
1 Like
I haven’t flown in a couple years but when I flew I traveled with a firearm everywhere I went, in checked baggage. The following was my experience when doing so.
TSA has their rules but each airline is a little bit different in what they allow. I always found Southwest airlines to be the best one to travel on when flying with a firearm. Become familiar with TSA rules and then check your particular airlines page for traveling with firearms in checked baggage. Some airlines are even more restrictive than the federal law .
You need to declare firearm at the ticket counter. They’ll have you sign a declarations card stating your weapon is unloaded. Make sure you tape that card to the outside of your locked container. Some airlines asked that you put the card in the container with the firearm. If that is the case request a second card to tape to the outside of the container so TSA knows the weapon has been declared without having to open the case. According to federal law “ only the passenger retains the key or combination.” (49 CFR § 1540.111 ). TSA agents are not “sworn” officers and not allowed to bring a firearm into the airport so why would you give them access to yours? In my experience taping the declaration card to the outside of your locked firearm case eliminates reason for them to request the key or combination as they don’t have to open the case to look for a declaration card.
I personally believe, if more concealed carriers traveled with their firearms, more airlines would be accustom to seeing them and it would become even less of a deal.
1 Like