I will be flying with a firearm for the first time. I understand needing the hard case and locks for every lock hole but I'm still not sure about the ammo. Can I keep a box of turkey loads in the same case as the shotgun, And in the original box ? or Do I need to keep the ammo separate from the gun in another locked box?
Thanks
Hipp
Bud your smartest move would be to call the airline you are flying with, every airline is different and may have different rules.
I have flow with a gun but no ammo. I don't think you have to have a lock in every hole. I flew with 2 locks and 4 holes. Here is what the TSA website says:
Firearms
When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
Ammunition
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.
Please check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.
Well there's what I was looking for. Thank you Notsoyoungturk
I fly with firearms all the time and these days, to be safe (to help eliminate the chance, whatever airline helper and TSA person you get, that they require you to leave your ammo behind), it is a very good idea to bring your ammo packed in a factory box. The ammo does not need to match the box.
Good luck !
You can have ammo in same case as gun. Have ammo in original box
Whew! Here we go again. Every airline will have a web site and flying with firearms/ammunition fully explained. TSA will also (see post 2). Not a hard process but may take some extra time so allow for that. Last May I flew from Tampa (in a very "red" state) to Denver ( in a now very "blue state) without problems. My 870 and a box of Apex TSS was in a well locked sturdy case. The locks were NOT TSA locks and I kept the keys. TSA x rayed the case in both locals but never opened it. I stayed in the screening area until given a thumps up. EZPZ. If this thread evolves half of what will be posted will be wrong. Good luck and have a great hunt.
A lock for every hole just to be safe.
Ammo in some sort of secure box whether that's a factory box or one of the plastic boxes handloaders use.
TSA does NOT perform their routine in a standard fashion from airport to airport. The airlines do NOT have the same standards and the individuals working at check in for the same airline and even at the same airport do NOT perform their task in a standard fashion.
I've flown with firearms and ammunition dozens and dozens of times.
The safest bet is indeed to attach a lock to every place on your hard case that has a hole to lock. I had a buddy that almost missed his flight as he had to go to the gift shop and buy some cheap locks to lock his 4 hole Pelican case.
I've brought my Pelican locked sometimes with two locks and then was told I needed 4 locks. I had 2 inside the case and placed them on the case smiling at the airline worker who thought they had me in a bind.
I personally put my ammo in the original box in my other check in bag although it should not matter. It's legit to place the ammo in it's original box inside the locked gun case, but again I've seen individual airline workers create a ruckus over this. You definitely have to check it and not bring it on board.
It's even kosher to place the ammo in a hard ammo case instead of the flimsy paper original box, but I have had push back on this too from some airline workers.
Since unfortunately TSA does their thing differently at almost every airport I've been to and the airline employees as a whole often don't know their own airline rules and occasionally there are anti gun and/or antihunter airline workers just looking to make your day difficult, the best course of action is to have a lock for every hole and pack your ammo in another bag in it's original packaging.
Now, doing all that will not prevent someone from insisting that you break open the breech on your muzzleloader at check in. That one took a laughing airport police fellow hunter to resolve.
Told ya. Lol. Allow an extra hour and if paranoid print the airline's printed regulations and any applicable TSA guidelines. A supervisor from either will resolve any misunderstandings. Imo there is/was never a four lock ru!e. This may have come up when some tried to fly with cheap plastic cases that could be twisted to the point of accessing the edges. A decent case won't do this. It is a shame so many are intimated by this simple process and resort to spending their time and dollars driving thousands of wasted miles.
Enough locks for any and all holes that are made for locks, ammo goes in same case as gun, and can only be in a manufacturer's original box. So if you have TSS that's handloaded, get a brand name box and put them in. Simple as that and that's all there is per TSA which is over all airlines' policy concerning firearms.
Don't worry if the printed TSA regs shown in post #2 don't read this way concerning shotgun ammo being only in the original box. The longer these threads go the more confusing and contradictory they become. Too bad. It isn't a tough process.
I have flown both nationally and internationally.
Lock in every hole. The point of emphasis that TSA was told to make is that you should not even be able to get a finger inside the case and locking every lock ensures that. You will not see this published anywhere, but locking 2 or locking 4 only takes a few extra seconds. I was not stopped from flying but told by the agent (about 5-6 years ago) that I would be in the future.
Keep published rules in your carry on.
STRONGLY suggest painting your cell phone number on the outside of the case. It only takes a minute and TSA can then call you if there is a problem. Has helped me make my flight twice.
Check with airline and state you are flying to. I have never had more than a mild annoyance and it was in Toronto. Avoid that airport if you can.
I will put it like this.
I value my guns, I have a nice, sturdy case to carry mine in. Buy one! Not some junk 39$ Plano case, spend a few bills a get a quality case. Mine comes back bent in new places every time it flies. Bent, not cracked, not broken, bent.
Read the AIRLINES requirements, read the TSA requirements, they most likely will differ slightly. Pay attention to that and go beyond!
I fly with my ammo in a hard plastic pistol case locked, in side of my metal gun case, locked. I have been nothing but complemented on my packing.
Joey is right, it's not that hard. Just read the airline and TSA regs.
I fly somewhere hunting every year and can tell you that every airline is different. It doesn't matter what the TSA guidelines are, it's dependent on the person checking you in. With American and Southwest, you can have your ammo in your gun case as long as it's in a box and not loose. I always have a lock in every spot available on my case. This year, I'm flying on Delta so I called to check their regulations. You CANNOT have your gun and ammo in the same case. Must be separate and both locked. They consider it one checked bag so you don't have to pay extra for it. I would advise calling the airline you are flying and ask them their policy. In all the years I've travel hunted, I have never had an issue after calling the airline. I have had cases beat to death during transit and I would also advise not using a cheap case as they do not handle them with care. I saw sn aluminum gun case at the airport in Denver one year that looked like it fell off the cart and got run over. It was completely destroyed.
Quote from: wareagle22 on March 31, 2023, 07:33:42 AM
I fly somewhere hunting every year and can tell you that every airline is different. It doesn't matter what the TSA guidelines are, it's dependent on the person checking you in. With American and Southwest, you can have your ammo in your gun case as long as it's in a box and not loose. I always have a lock in every spot available on my case. This year, I'm flying on Delta so I called to check their regulations. You CANNOT have your gun and ammo in the same case. Must be separate and both locked. They consider it one checked bag so you don't have to pay extra for it. I would advise calling the airline you are flying and ask them their policy. In all the years I've travel hunted, I have never had an issue after calling the airline. I have had cases beat to death during transit and I would also advise not using a cheap case as they do not handle them with care. I saw sn aluminum gun case at the airport in Denver one year that looked like it fell off the cart and got run over. It was completely destroyed.
Like said every airline and ticket agent dose some things different just have extra time and wont have any problems. I just got back two days ago from florida to Mn flying Delta return trip. past post was told not to have ammo in case. Well I had my ammo in factory box in gun case with gun going there and coming back no problems. That is the way i have been doing it since 2009, sometime they open and other times not. On return trip I figured i would have to open case this time because I also added the two tail fans and feet in a tightly wrappped bag. The only other thing I do but not necessary, but got coments that they liked was i put one of the cable chamber locks on my gun in the case. The minute you open the case they can see the lock and it make them at ease that the gun is not loaded. On delta when i got to Orlando my gun case had two very heavy duty plastic zip ties all around the case, need a good knife to cut. When I flew back from orlando to Minneapolis my gun case had one little tiny plastic zip tie in one lock hole on the end of case. It was doing absolutely no good a preventing someone from opening that case in a hurry.
So like said there all different, good luck most times its a breeze.
I just read (three times) Delta Airlines written baggage policies regarding firearms and ammunition. It is the perfect example of why you never call and ask a phone nitwit for rules that will affect your packing decisions. Delta does require a lock in anyplace that is designed for a lock. They also have the normal 11 pound weight limit on ammo and state the ammo can be packed in it's original package or in a container that prevents shifting etc. I'll probably look again but so far there is nothing about not storing it in the case with the firearm or having a separate locked case that they won't charge for (a real red flag - airlines don't give many freebies regarding baggage). If anyone can see this supposed rule in the written form from Delta please post. Beware of any info you receive strictly over the phone. Delta's rules are more descriptive than many other airlines but that is normal for international carriers.
I have not seen the ammo case exemption (which was most certainly there circa 2006 because I did it on Delta) in a long time. I have carried my ammo in my gun case via Delta into Canada multiple times. I am also glad to see the rule is now amended to say every hole must have a lock in it.
I appreciate everyone's responses. But it is starting to get as clear as mud! lol I bought a heavy pelican case with good pad locks for every hole, and I am going to have my ammo in the original cardboard box inside the gun case. I feel sure that I will be good to go.. Thanks again
You will be good to go. Have a great trip and I hope you find success in your adventure.
I just checked my firearm with Delta. Ammo in the original box in the firearm case. Zero issues and was only asked if it was over 11 pounds of ammo. Also put my knives and pruners in there. I had 2 locks on the case and no tsa locks. My case only has two holes. It is an easy process and if anyone has issues, ask for the supervisor. They didn't even have me wait around for the thumbs up. Now if only the weather will clear up so we can take off...
Quote from: RND1983 on April 01, 2023, 09:05:24 AM
I just checked my firearm with Delta. Ammo in the original box in the firearm case. Zero issues and was only asked if it was over 11 pounds of ammo. Also put my knives and pruners in there. I had 2 locks on the case and no tsa locks. My case only has two holes. It is an easy process and if anyone has issues, ask for the supervisor. They didn't even have me wait around for the thumbs up. Now if only the weather will clear up so we can take off...
Last I flew Delta with a firearm, they required me to go to the baggage claim office at my destination to retrieve the gun. I welcomed that as added security against theft or loss on an otherwise open conveyor belt.
Quote from: hipp2412 on March 31, 2023, 09:44:00 PM
I appreciate everyone's responses. But it is starting to get as clear as mud! lol I bought a heavy pelican case with good pad locks for every hole, and I am going to have my ammo in the original cardboard box inside the gun case. I feel sure that I will be good to go.. Thanks again
All of these guys are giving you good sound advice bud, better safe than sorry! Every employee and airport will be different guaranteed
I've flown with a gun probably 20 something times and it's a breeze, actually checked in and waiting on the plane as I type (with delta)!
Have a GOOD solid/hard plastic case (not a cheap plano) I always fly with a pelican. Have ammo in original box, i've always had ammo and gun in same case but separated from each other so they can see on x-ray machine. The rule has always been a lock on each corner, one in each hole might be new but it wasn't brought up to me this morning....i'd put all 4 in to be safe cause another airport might be stricter. You'll have to "declare a firearm" to the agent at the ticket counter and sign a card and put inside the case. Once you arrive at your destination your gun won't be at the baggage claim, it will be at your airlines baggage office and you'll have to wait for it there. You'll have to show your drivers license and get it and go! It usually does have zip ties all around it as one guy said.
Carrying your meat and beard/spurs back is easy too. I always carry a soft yeti cooler and you can carry it right on the plane.
Safe travels and good luck!
Picking the gun case up in Delta's baggage office is described in their written guidelines. Southwest does this also.
Btw - anyone that actually bothers to read Delta's printed guidelines will notice the instructions for the locks required is highlighted so it can't be easily overlooked ::)
Every airline does it
So my best friends told me to call them before I arrive at the Harrisburg airport and just have my shotgun slung on my shoulder when I arrive. They said they wanted to watch the news when I arrived..LOL good friends huh?
See what you started hipp. If I hadn't seen this on multiple forums for dozens of years I would have a hard time believing the misinformation that is posted on this topic. Read the airlines web site and Contract of Carriage. Read the TSA guidelines. Allow an extra hour and have an enjoyable trip. Remember if it isn't written it is worthless. It doesn't matter what "Betty Sue" tells you over the phone. If it's written it's gospel. If it isn't written it is someone's opinion.
I see the trouble I have started and Im a new guy!! dang it... Well you know there's the "letter of the law and then there's the spirit of the law". I just wanted to get the consensus from guys and gals that fly with their hunting rig. I feel more confident getting through with no issues because of you folks that responded..
So I made the trip to Florida. Going down no problem at all. Coming back I forgot to take my ammo out of my turkey vest. My gun was checked in with no problem. We go through the security checkpoint and they pull my wife aside and they patted her down and checked her hands for explosive residue. I couldnt stop laughing, she was so embarrassed. So we get on our way and as soon as we get to the gate we both get paged to go back to the ticket counter. The lady said they found three shotgun shells in my checked bag. She gave them to me and told me that I needed to turn them into a LEO. The LEO took them. Unfortunately they were 3 rounds of Fed TSS.$$$ So we head back up to the security check point and they pulled my wife aside and checked her all over again. LOL. So it was my dumb mistake for having the rounds in my checked bag. But I did get an Osceola and thats the main thing. If my wife went to jail it still would have been a great trip!! LOL Oh goodness the look on her face, Priceless. Thank you Osceola Dreams for getting me a bird.
My bird..
Glad it all worked out. Congrats on the bird.
Quote from: hipp2412 on April 11, 2023, 09:16:32 PM
...we both get paged to go back to the ticket counter. The lady said they found three shotgun shells in my checked bag. She gave them to me and told me that I needed to turn them into a LEO. The LEO took them.
I am a bit surprised that they looked that closely at your checked baggage, but I suppose this just reenforces the need for everyone to put all of your ammo in a "factory" carton regardless of whether you put it in checked baggage or in the gun case. This also makes me wonder if some airlines have regulations prohibiting ammo in checked baggage?...
Doubt it - it would need to be declared and stored in a approved container. Can never be in a carry on.
When we went back to the ticket counter the lady had them wrapped in a tissue and her words were "these were loose in your checked bag" well they were actually in my vest pocket that I forgot about. She said they should have been in the locked case. She said that I was not allowed to put them in the case at that time since the gun case was already taken behind closed doors. She said I had to turn them into a LEO or put them in my car. I had a rental so that wasn't an option. Leaving Harrisburg Pa they had me open the case and I signed a card stating that the gun was unloaded. I actually had a chamber flag in the gun as well. I had to walk the case over to a oversized belt. The guy asked me for the key to the locks. I just looked at him and he said they needed the key and that he would bring the key right back. About 10 minutes went by and a TSA worker returned my key. Was not a problem and the issues I had were my own fault. I think my wife is still traumatized though..LOL
Quote from: hipp2412 on April 12, 2023, 12:34:51 PM
When we went back to the ticket counter the lady had them wrapped in a tissue and her words were "these were loose in your checked bag" well they were actually in my vest pocket that I forgot about. She said they should have been in the locked case. She said that I was not allowed to put them in the case at that time since the gun case was already taken behind closed doors. She said I had to turn them into a LEO or put them in my car. I had a rental so that wasn't an option. Leaving Harrisburg Pa they had me open the case and I signed a card stating that the gun was unloaded. I actually had a chamber flag in the gun as well. I had to walk the case over to a oversized belt. The guy asked me for the key to the locks. I just looked at him and he said they needed the key and that he would bring the key right back. About 10 minutes went by and a TSA worker returned my key. Was not a problem and the issues I had were my own fault. I think my wife is still traumatized though..LOL
Did you have to pay an oversized bag fee? What airline did you fly?
I did not have to pay extra. I prepaid for 3 checked bags and my gun case was one of them. I flew with Allegiant. No lay overs from Harrisburg to Orlando.
Great advice given.
One thing I will add, is that all too often, there will be someone at the airport or check-in, that will believe you are NOT allowed to do what you are doing.
Some years back, when we went hunting in Canada, I printed out the requirements/regulations from the airlines we were flying. We each had a printed copy of the airlines regulations. When someone said we could not do such&such we just calmly pulled out our typed up sheet and showed them where we could. It did end up saving us some major hassle with one employee (who because of our typed up sheet called a supervisor, who cleared it up).
Get the requirements and regulations for flying with gun/ammo, follow them to the tee, and have a typed up sheet with you, so that you can easily demonstrate that you did everything correctly.