Inter-state Pistol Travel

[ukerduker]

I am planning on attending my brothers wedding in April in Pennsylvania. According to legallyarmed.com, TN has reciprocity with PA. I want to be sure I am legally in the right with my actions. I intend to check my pistol at the airline (Delta), unloaded and with a box of 50 rounds. According to their website this is fine as long as the weapon is disclosed and the ammo is in the original packaging.

Is there anything in dealing with reciprocity that I need to know/understand before I make my trip? This is my first interstate airline trip with a weapon and I would like to keep a low profile.

[Guest Revelator]

I don't know jack about the Keystone State's law's, but the PA Firearm Owners Assoc. website seems to be good source, much like TGO is for Tennessee information. pafoa.org. Of course, there's always handgunlaw.us.

[ukerduker]

I don't know jack about the Keystone State's law's, but the PA Firearm Owners Assoc. website seems to be good source, much like TGO is for Tennessee information. pafoa.org. Of course, there's always handgunlaw.us.

Thanks P Stegall. After searching PA's site I will have no issues. This is great news.

[ukerduker]

On another note, what is the best way to lock your gun case? I plan to use the factory Sig gun case. Do I simply used a padlock?

[Trekbike]

I'm thinking you will need to use a lock that is TSA compliant. I know you have to use this type of lock on normal baggage so it likely applies to firearms.

Copied from their website.

TSA screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While our technology allows us to electronically screen bags, there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.

There are several styles available. Both keyed lock and combination.

David

[ukerduker]

I'm thinking you will need to use a lock that is TSA compliant. I know you have to use this type of lock on normal baggage so it likely applies to firearms.

Copied from their website.

TSA screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While our technology allows us to electronically screen bags, there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.

There are several styles available. Both keyed lock and combination.

David

Pulled from the Delta website:

Shooting equipment is accepted as checked baggage.

When checking a firearm, you must:

-Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm (If a Security Checkpoint is prior to the Delta ticket counter, you must declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel.)

-Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration

-Lock the firearm(s) in a hard-sided, crush-proof container and retain the key or combination

-Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit

-Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes

I wonder if this has to be a TSA compliant lock. I guess I have to call the airlines and get clarification.

[ukerduker]

Update: Found the answer on the TSA website.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

I will retain the key or combination. As I read it, it does not have to be a TSA openable lock.

[Guest Tim G.]

I have flown a half dozen times while checking my firearm-- all but one after 9/11. You can use any lock you want to secure the gun case inside your luggage.

One thing to make sure to bring, the night before (or day of) you fly, print out the rules for this from TSA web sites. In four of the six times the airline company was being an ass-hat and did not know the rules. Another the TSA question the rules I stated, but immediately gave in when I showed her the printout.

Be as nice as you can possibly be to them, they can refuse you to bring it for no reason with little to no recourse. And, more people than you think fly with firearms. The first time I tried this I was a bit paranoid that ninjas would repel from the ceiling if I said something wrong. I told the Delta Rep, "Locked in a hard case within my luggage I have a dismantled, empty and unloaded, firearm." After processing my slow and deliberate (practiced) line, she responded, "Oh! you have a gun! People bring those all the time." I told her why I worded it that way-- including the ninjas. We both got a good laugh out of it.

/tg

[ukerduker]

I have flown a half dozen times while checking my firearm-- all but one after 9/11. You can use any lock you want to secure the gun case inside your luggage.

One thing to make sure to bring, the night before (or day of) you fly, print out the rules for this from TSA web sites. In four of the six times the airline company was being an ass-hat and did not know the rules. Another the TSA question the rules I stated, but immediately gave in when I showed her the printout.

Be as nice as you can possibly be to them, they can refuse you to bring it for no reason with little to no recourse. And, more people than you think fly with firearms. The first time I tried this I was a bit paranoid that ninjas would repel from the ceiling if I said something wrong. I told the Delta Rep, "Locked in a hard case within my luggage I have a dismantled, empty and unloaded, firearm." After processing my slow and deliberate (practiced) line, she responded, "Oh! you have a gun! People bring those all the time." I told her why I worded it that way-- including the ninjas. We both got a good laugh out of it.

/tg

LOL....You have to watch out for those pesty ninjas- they're everywhere!

Thanks for the tips. I assumed the locked case had to be outside of any luggage and individually declared.

[Warbird]

On another note, what is the best way to lock your gun case? I plan to use the factory Sig gun case. Do I simply used a padlock?

Is that factory case hard and well padded inside? You definitely want a case well padded. The bag handlers to not handle gun cases any more carefully than they do regular luggage form my experience. And that isn't exactly good.

[Oh Shoot]

LOL....You have to watch out for those pesty ninjas- they're everywhere!

Thanks for the tips. I assumed the locked case had to be outside of any luggage and individually declared.

Not sure you're getting this part?:

After checking in with the firearm, the locked firearm case goes INTO your other checked luggage. It doesn't travel by itself alone. If you're not checking a piece of luggage (meaning, have carry on bag only) I'd still put it in a larger bag of some sort and check that.

I'd never send something as small as a pistol case by itself as checked luggage - not only does it say "steal me", but it's also more prone for loss just because of its small size.

- OS

[ukerduker]

Not sure you're getting this part?:

After checking in with the firearm, the locked firearm case goes INTO your other checked luggage. It doesn't travel by itself alone. If you're not checking a piece of luggage (meaning, have carry on bag only) I'd still put it in a larger bag of some sort and check that.

- OS

OK, gotcha. Initially, I was under the assumption the weapon had to be in a separate case, then this case would travel along with my checked bag. I had no idea the case could be placed inside a checked bag. I plan to use my factory Sig case, locked, then put it into my larger rolling bag that I typically check. That will provide enough protection, unless the baggage handlers decide to throw my bag off the roof.

When I get to my destination, will my bag come out on the baggage claim conveyer or will I have to claim it at another baggage location (similar to collecting skis or other larger items)?

[Oh Shoot]

...

When I get to my destination, will my bag come out on the baggage claim conveyer or will I have to claim it at another baggage location (similar to collecting skis or other larger items)?

It'll just be in with the normal baggage..your checked bag isn't marked as containing a firearm or anything, so nothing else special about it once it's checked and scanned the first time through.

- OS

[ukerduker]

ok, thanks OS.

[Oh Shoot]

ok, thanks OS.

I've only flown with a pistol once, and that was about 5 years ago (long before I even had a permit), but I don't think much has changed since then.

- OS