zookeeper Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Guys any opinion on what airlines are best to work with when flying to the westcoast with weapons in hull bags. I have the FAA regs, but I am wondering if there is one airline more in tune with what I need to do. Thanks Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franklin D Wolverton Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 (edited) Guys any opinion on what airlines are best to work with when flying to the westcoast with weapons in hull bags. I have the FAA regs, but I am wondering if there is one airline more in tune with what I need to do. Thanks Jack I've never had a problem with Southwest or Delta. Edited January 3, 2009 by Franklin D Wolverton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchy Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Just allow enough time to stand in the "regular, non electronic ticket" line. One time I went into the "e-ticket" line, (like I had the last 4 weeks), then the lady made me get into the regular, paper ticket line. Not fun. Good luck, Seiichi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn jones Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 hi jack, oh maybe wrong greeting. like previously said, just get there early. delta, american and northwest are ok. lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Sweeney Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Print out the TSA regs and have a copy with you. If you find yourself in a hassle you'll still have to talk to a superviser, but at least they know you know what the routine is. And go in happy and cheerful. If they think you have a chip on your shoulder they'll take great delight in knocking it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom S. Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 (edited) Hertz... Seriously though, like many things, it all depends on the person behind the counter. Whichever carrier you choose, I hope the counter person is knowledgeable and 'gun friendly'. Edited January 3, 2009 by Tom S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmoney Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 hi jack,oh maybe wrong greeting. Perfect!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 Southwest is by far the best. They know the rules and they know what to look for. Heck...my agents even ask for my zip ties so that they'll tie it for me when it's the sterile section at Oakland Airport. Delta and American aren't bad either. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranDoc Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 Seriously though, like many things, it all depends on the person behind the counter. This is absolutely correct. It's also highly variable and it's never been the same way twice (at least in my usual departure airport, located in a city that is not terribly gun-friendly). I've had gate agents look at me in abject terror when I ask for the 'unloaded firearm declaration'. I've had them tell me to open the gun case, but they didn't want to see the gun, then demand to know why the case wasn't already locked. I've seen the look of panic; I've had gate agents tell me not to talk to the TSA personnel (as in don't smile, nod and say 'hello'). Several years ago, apparently before it was common practice to be there when TSA 'examined' your luggage, I've had ALL of my luggage (including pieces NOT containing firearms or ammo) completely ransacked -- dirty laundry & toiletry kits dumped out, carefully-packed/padded rig tossed back in the bag & crushed, etc. More recently, TSA has only wanted to confirm that the gun case was locked, then has permitted me to place a non-TSA padlock on the outside. Two months ago, after the suitcase went through the scanner, the TSA agent asked why I needed 5 magazines. Other times, a TSA agent who used to shoot some other discipline, at some time in the past, initiated a conversation asking to know a bit about our sport. Nice to meet somebody just trying to do their job and still be decent about it. I believe it was a forum post several years ago that suggested copying the TSA regs and taping them to the front of the gun case. I've done that, AND written my cell phone # next to the bullet point that says '... attempt to contact you ...'. This should NOT be an issue with direct flights - once the bag is 'on the belt' in the sterile area and headed for the plane, nobody should be playing with the contents. However, my suspicious mind thinks it could be a concern when bags are moved to connecting flights ... if the bag 'accidentally' opens. One of these days I'll get James Bond luggage with a stainless steel skin .... Also, agree with a prior post that said to go in calm, and anticipate spending extra time getting the luggage inspected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmoney Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 I've said it here before, and I'll say it again: You'll have a lot less hassle with this kind of thing if you keep your appearance clean-cut. If you made the decision to grow the crazy beard and get the tattoo on the side of your neck, better plan on a little extra time to answer some questions. That might not be fair, but it's reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooney Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 ...and I've heard to avoid connecting through Detroit at pretty much all costs. Even though your stuff is still sealed, I've heard things have a way of disappearing from your bags between planes there... and this is from people I am close with (one guy got his open gun back, with all the mags and such, but the ammo case was mysteriously empty and the contents were never found (apparently said by the TSA or PD guy when he went to get the gun from him, while guy was smiling....)). So I guess I wouldn't go through there.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
section30 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I fly quite frequently with my revolver. Most of my experience is with Continental. NEVER had a problem. When they get to you at check-in with your luggage bag tag, simply tell them you have a firearm in the checked baggage. You sign the declaration form, place it in the bag, and lock it yourself. The TSA person then does a priority bag screen while you wait. Sometimes, about 50% of the time, the TSA asks for your key so they can do a visual inspection and then they immediately give it back to you after it is relocked. It is no big deal! I don't worry about the airline(s), but I also don't have any experience in locations where possession is prohibited without required credentials (i.e. NYC, Chicago, etc.). But, that's a different (local police) issue. C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Shooter Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Hi Zoo, If you are flying out of my old side of the river, to LA in June, plan on AA. The flights are chepaer and than SW, but either way, you go through the same TSA guys at the airport, and they have always been easy to deal with for me, and apparently I don't even speak the language....Hillbilly that is. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revoman Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I bought a hardsided suitcase with TSA locks and always call the airline before I go to check their rules on flying with a firearm and have never had any problems. The only problem I had one time and it was my fault I did not weigh my ammo and I was over the 11 lbs allowed. All big matches I just ship my ammo and it doesn't seem as big as deal when you are only flying with a firearm and no ammo. Again I agree with Carmony if you go in with a chip on your shoulder and look suspect be ready to spend some extra time. With the TSA locks they can unlock and lock your luggage with out the need for you tho hand them keys and they seem to like that better. Just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.carden Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I don't even speak the language....Hillbilly that is. M I'll bet your get'n close.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliffwalsh Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I've said it here before, and I'll say it again: You'll have a lot less hassle with this kind of thing if you keep your appearance clean-cut. If you made the decision to grow the crazy beard and get the tattoo on the side of your neck, better plan on a little extra time to answer some questions. That might not be fair, but it's reality. Is that why Darren rides his bike?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgarrity Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I've said it here before, and I'll say it again: You'll have a lot less hassle with this kind of thing if you keep your appearance clean-cut. If you made the decision to grow the crazy beard and get the tattoo on the side of your neck, better plan on a little extra time to answer some questions. That might not be fair, but it's reality. Is that why Darren rides his bike?? I could pass as a banker, just ask Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Boudrie Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I had my best and worst TSA experience at the Prividence (PVD) airport Best: Upon seeing my SVI at luggage inspection, the TSA agent asked for his supervisor who looked at the declaration form and said "That gun is fine, but I do my builds on Caspian frames". Worst: Loose round in luggage, 4 boxed rounds of 50. NO "spare hole" for the inspector to put the round in an ammo box, no mags in luggage (gun and mags shipped ahead). It took 3 TSA agents, one airline rep, and one airport cop to determine the procedure was to fill out three forms and for the airline to take the stray round. (remember, I'm talking about checked luggage here). They offered to fill out a fourth form which would have allowed them to store the round so I could pick it up after the return flight. Polite and professional treatment all the way around, but it took about 45 minutes. Lesson #1: Check bag for stray rounds Lesson #2: Leave a few free slots in the factory boxes "just in case" The shooter I was traveling with did not have any problems - but let's just say he would have had a similar problem if they looked in the bottom of his bag (he did a detailed check when we got to the hotel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Meek Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Never had a bad experience yet. Back in 90 coming back from the US Nats in Barry walking through the ST Louis Airport reach in my pocket and discovered a loose round, discreetly dropped in trashcan as I walked by. Flying out to the 08 Shot show with two guns to be displayed, checked at Dulles no problem get to Vegas and no pelican case on luggage pickup. Getting concerned head over to Airline Baggage office and pelican case sitting in office. Flying back out of Vegas, watched two others declare firearms, when I got to counter Ticket Agent asked why was there so many people checking guns as I was the sixth one that morning, told him the SHOT show had just wrapped up and he replied cool. Suggested that I place the Pelican case on the luggage scale and everything was fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racerba Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Airlines policies are typically the same. Airtran has the worse since they only allow ONE gun. It is the counter person playing god that you have to worry about. I've had many good experiences and have had many bad experiences also. Usually TSA is not the problem. Worse experience: Get to the airline counter with a pelican box, which is approved locked hard case. However, it's one of the bigger cases where I can put all my gear in and locked. Have been traveling for several years this way and never had a problem. The gun is in my range bag in the case along with some clothes. I did not have the foam in there. So the counter person calls the floor supervisor to look at it. The floor supervisor tells me that the gun needs to be in a locked hard case. I told her that the pelican box IS the hard locked case. She tells me that the gun is in a soft case. I proceed to tell her that it is still in an approved hard locked case. She then tells me that since there are clothes in the box, it's not allowed. WTF She wanted it out of the range bag, and no clothes - just the gun in the case. I finally told her to get the supervisor. Supervisor finally came about 20 minutes later, sees the case and ask what the problem was? Took him 5 sec. to approve the case and told the counter person to check me in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Shooter Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I don't even speak the language....Hillbilly that is. M I'll bet your get'n close.......... Klocer n ull eva no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmoney Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I've said it here before, and I'll say it again: You'll have a lot less hassle with this kind of thing if you keep your appearance clean-cut. If you made the decision to grow the crazy beard and get the tattoo on the side of your neck, better plan on a little extra time to answer some questions. That might not be fair, but it's reality. Is that why Darren rides his bike?? I think Darren and I could travel on an airline without creating any undue concern (as long as I pretended to be the Federal Marshal escorting him). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffl Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 For the life of me I could never understand why someone would want a lock that most anybody would be able to open (TSA lock) on firearm cases. I see that there could be a hassle for them to find you if they needed to. I retrofit a case for Shred and when he sent it to me he had put his cell phone number on the top so he could be contacted if need be. Good Idea. I have not flown with a firearm since 911 because if I go to a match I either drive or have to drive because I am sponsoring and need to take product I can't haul on a plane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgarrity Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I've said it here before, and I'll say it again: You'll have a lot less hassle with this kind of thing if you keep your appearance clean-cut. If you made the decision to grow the crazy beard and get the tattoo on the side of your neck, better plan on a little extra time to answer some questions. That might not be fair, but it's reality. Is that why Darren rides his bike?? I think Darren and I could travel on an airline without creating any undue concern (as long as I pretended to be the Federal Marshal escorting him). Federdal Marshal....It would be more like traveling with a celebrity look alike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revopop Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Wow, you do look exactly like Cameron Diaz! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now