If flying to Ft Lauderdale, would you take your carry piece with you?

[musicman]

Wednesday I'm flying home to Miami for a few days to spend some time with my parents.  I normally drive down and back as plane tickets are usually pricey and it's usually me AND wifey going, doubling the cost to fly.  This time it's just me as I have time off to burn and she doesn't, and the round trip is $97, all taxes and fees included.  (!!!!!!)

I haven't flown anywhere in a long time, and this will be my first time flying since I've committed to carry wherever and whenever I can.

I have already heard horror stories about firearms being stolen from baggage, and am willing to take that risk by itself.  I love my PC Shield, but they're making more every day so no biggie there. 

Then this nutbag shoots a bunch of folks Friday, right where I'll be Wednesday.  I imagine the trauma is still fresh and tensions (and possibly over-sensitive and reactionary security) are still high.  I am wondering if it is worth taking my piece with me.  Sadly, my folks aren't really into guns.  My Dad has a fullsize M&P 40 and I have holsters for it, but I can't conceal that thing on myself, especially in the shorts and tshirt attire I'll have on down there.

I'll be down there 6 days. What say you, TGO? 

Edited January 9, 2017 by musicman

[Omega]

I would not change anything I would normally do.  I would check with the airline, just in case they change their rules though.

[3gundave]

Several years ago I flew to Miami twice and brought a G26 with me. I had no problems what so ever.

[TrickyNicky]

I wouldn't change my plans. You declare your gun on your end, not the receiving end so their feels probable won't come into play one way or the other.

[joe4vol]

2 hours ago, TrickyNicky said:

I wouldn't change my plans. You declare your gun on your end, not the receiving end so their feels probable won't come into play one way or the other.

I would probably take one if it was me.  But it does have to be declared on the trip home. 

[TNWNGR]

I'd go ahead and do so but I'd also consider taking a duplicate or lesser used carry pistols to store at your parents house for future trips. Then you have even more of an excuse to take advantage of visits there w/o the concern of theft from baggage.

[analog_kidd]

Does your dad have one that you can borrow while you are there? If so, you might leave yours home and use his.

[gary_boom]

I would have taken a carry gun before and after the shooting.

[A.J. Holst]

Take a less expensive gun, wouldn't hurt as much for a shield to get missing as opposed to a custom 1911.

Or get your dad to buy something, borrow it for the trip and ffl it back? 

For $97 you got some disposable income lol

[Hozzie]

Take it. I don't think you will have any issues.

[peejman]

Print out the airline's policy and TSA's policy, just in case. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it. More than 100,000 people pass through that airport on a busy day. 

[phiferran]

I would take it.  I've had no issues checking a firearm this past year.  However, I don't carry my most expensive firearms either!!  I have a police trade in that works great, but looks pretty rough--that is my travel piece.

[Ronald_55]

I am +1 on taking a cheaper alternative if you do take it. Maybe swing by a few LGS or pawn shops and get a little Kel-Tec or LCP. Just be sure to go run a mag through it before leaving so you know it is 100% functional.

[Omega]

I just take what I carry, if the thieves are smart they will avoid taking bags with weapons.  A camera or even laptop goes missing, they will look, but pretty much tell you you're are SOL. A weapon goes missing, at an airport and I am sure all hell will break loose, and I am sure they don't want the increased scrutiny.  Besides, unless you get what you train with, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage.  If you have to do that make sure to get some range time with your new gun.

[musicman]

Just wanted to post an update.  I got back home to TN yesterday morning.  No hassle at all at either airport.  The folks at Southwest are always nice, and this was no different.