How to transport an AR (esp. Flight)

[TangoShooter]

Hello,

how do you fly with your AR? (and why)?

Fully assembled, Upper/Lower seperately, ...?

I plan to buy a quality hardcase for a 18" rifle.

Thanks for your answers!

[thermobollocks]

Big Boyt hard case, non-TSA-recognized locks (for the United States this is a requirement), and foam cut out to the contours of the rifle. No egg crate foam.

As for assembled/disassembled, whatever fits the case best. I use a chamber flag: Our TSA agents are not allowed to handle firearms without a supervisor, at least one of them said. They just kind of make you pinkie-promise it's not loaded.

If you have normal magazines you might have to make other arrangements for transport if you're going to be stopping through an area where they are forbidden.

[meatsauce]

I don't think assembled or broken down make a difference. I like the Pelican cases myself. But no matter which case you choose, make sure you use a high quality foam cut out to fit like Bollocks said.

[elguapo]

Never mind I see you're in Austria.

Most of what you will be told here is from a US perspective and probably little will be correct for your situation.

Edited September 13, 2014 by elguapo

[thermobollocks]

The legal requirements will obviously differ for the EU, but the general idea of "use a stout hard case like a Pelican, cutout foam, and some padlocks with 7mm+ shanks" holds for any airline.

[Sigma05]

For EU you need a hard case with locks for rifle. Doesn't matter that it's assembled. Some countries may ask you to separate bolt but it's rare so just leave it in till asked. Most will require visual inspection to check serial number to registration/firearms passport. Ammo goes in a separate locked container that has to weigh less than 5kgs. Most airlines require you let them know at the time of making reservations for plane tickets. If you don't, they can reject you if they want. Give yourself at least 1 extra hour than you normally do for check in. Some times the Police/security is not available to check firearm immediately and you could miss flight. If you have a connecting flight, make sure you have at least a 3 hour time between flights since firearm doesn't go with suitcases and has to moved by security. Many times they are not available immediately and rifle would not make a tight connection.

Edited September 14, 2014 by Sigma05

[TangoShooter]

I'm not asking because of any legal aspects.

Only if you shorten the OAL of your case with a broken down gun or you are going fully assembled.

Thanks!

[UCOShooter]

I have been wondering this same question.. Thanks for this post and responses.