Southwest and Handguns

[Guest clutepc]

Anyone ever flown Southwest with a handgun?

I've found all the info on how to check it in but I'm curious about how much a hassle it actually is.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/guns.html

[Magiccarpetrides]

I flew frontier and it was way easy. Just follow the TSA guidelines. I was really surprised how easy it was. Didnt even get hit with the random search at the gate. What I did was put the handgun in a metal locking storage safe I also set one box of unopened ammo in with it and then put that(the locking safe that held the gun and ammo) in the check in suitcase. Announced that I had the firearm..they checked it out...made me open the locking safe...looked to make sure the ammo wasnt loose in the box and then put it back and let me lock the safe back. The TSA guy even ziptied the suitcase zippers together for me. Just make sure the pistol and magazines are not loaded and any ammo is in its original container.

Edited September 18, 2008 by Magiccarpetrides
explanation

[Will]

Yes most all of them. Simple as above post just a couple things to add if flying during peak time get there plenty early because of wait in line to desk,and the person you are showing the unloaded gun to will have no idea if it is loaded or not after they look at it so be ready for the stupid questions.

[BimmerFreak]

I fly SWA all the time. No issues.

[Guest clutepc]

Great! makes me feel better about taking the trip..

[Guest clutepc]

Are they ok with leaving the Ammo in a clip and locking it in the same case as the Gun?

I have one of the center-of-mass medium cases.

If I'm understanding Southwest instructions it looks like that would be fine but still wanted to ask being a few of you have been through the process.

Thanks

[Daniel]

I flew frontier and it was way easy. Just follow the TSA guidelines. I was really surprised how easy it was. Didnt even get hit with the random search at the gate. What I did was put the handgun in a metal locking storage safe I also set one box of unopened ammo in with it and then put that(the locking safe that held the gun and ammo) in the check in suitcase. Announced that I had the firearm..they checked it out...made me open the locking safe...looked to make sure the ammo wasnt loose in the box and then put it back and let me lock the safe back. The TSA guy even ziptied the suitcase zippers together for me. Just make sure the pistol and magazines are not loaded and any ammo is in its original container.

ill go with this just to be safe.

although why you'd want pistol ammo in a clip is beyond me.

[BimmerFreak]

I use a Storm Case (available at Hero-Gear ) iM2400 that has separate compartments for handguns and ammo.

When I travel, I have the gun and mags separate (different dedicated areas) with the magazines loaded.

I have NEVER had an issue traveling this way.

[Guest clutepc]

thanks again for info!! , I just wanted to avoid any issues during check in..

[Guest benchpresspower]

So I assume that it cannot be your carry-on baggage?

[Fallguy]

So I assume that it cannot be your carry-on baggage?

NO!

[Guest SUNTZU]

So I assume that it cannot be your carry-on baggage?

Please allow me to suggest some reading for you and your family.

[Almond27]

That is funny

[Guest db99wj]

I got a question. I have a maxpedition backpack that I keep extra mags, ammo, GPS, hearing protection and other things. I hate carrying a shoulder type computer bag when I travel, If I were to travel with the backpack, what problems, if any, would I have going through airport screening? Would any kind of "residue" show up on their screening?

[Fallguy]

I got a question. I have a maxpedition backpack that I keep extra mags, ammo, GPS, hearing protection and other things. I hate carrying a shoulder type computer bag when I travel, If I were to travel with the backpack, what problems, if any, would I have going through airport screening? Would any kind of "residue" show up on their screening?

Good question.

Even if any residue showed up it should show it as "regular" gunpowder. You'd think once the bag was thourghly checked and no explosives or weapons were found you'd be ok.

I work where it is possiable that military grade explosive residue could be on clothing or bags. They have a letter that they can give us to give to 'em at the airport. I know of a few that have taken the letter with them, but none have ever had to use it.

[Mike.357]

carry on bag, that is the funniest thing I have read in a while.

I suggest you try.

[Guest clutepc]

Just got back from my trip, checking in the handgun was not problem at all.

Really no different than checking in any other luggage except they just wanted to make sure it secured in a metal case and locked.

[Guest db99wj]

Just got back from my trip, checking in the handgun was not problem at all.

Really no different than checking in any other luggage except they just wanted to make sure it secured in a metal case and locked.

That's good to hear. I travel about 4-5 times per year. Never have carried.

[Guest db99wj]

Good question.

Even if any residue showed up it should show it as "regular" gunpowder. You'd think once the bag was thourghly checked and no explosives or weapons were found you'd be ok.

I work where it is possiable that military grade explosive residue could be on clothing or bags. They have a letter that they can give us to give to 'em at the airport. I know of a few that have taken the letter with them, but none have ever had to use it.

When I was in Dallas airport last week, I saw them using a wand with a swab on the end and they were "probing" a bag (Easy strickj) and thought about my backpack/range bag. It has an internal net pocket that I keep loose rounds in. I guess it could in fact get some extra attention if that cotton swab turns a different color.

Milan, military grade explosive reside, you work at the Arsenal? My national guard unit did drills up there. I have driven M60A3's and HMMV's all over that place. Our platoon sgt wanted to drive the M60A3 one weekend, went off the road, threw a track....to the inside....That weekend sucked.

[Fallguy]

Milan, military grade explosive reside, you work at the Arsenal? My national guard unit did drills up there. I have driven M60A3's and HMMV's all over that place. Our platoon sgt wanted to drive the M60A3 one weekend, went off the road, threw a track....to the inside....That weekend sucked.

Yep.

Units from all over up here trainging all the time.

Again...I have no way of knowing for sure, but I think if you tell them that use the bag as a range bag at times....you may get a closer check, but as long as nothing funny is going on, you should be ok.

[Guest TheBulldog]

Is that book on amazon with the Obama Book Gwen Eiffel wrote?