Flying

[Teamless]

I have flown with long guns, but never pistols.
I have read many threads on the topic and understand the check in process.

My question is prior to check-in process...
For the "locked hard case inside the checked luggage"
I have one of these, which I bought several years ago
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ivation-Port ... e/48554575

It has a key as well as biometric

I assume it can be used.
However, the cable used to secure it, allows the case to come out probably 3 feet or so.
is this an issue?


I could not find a list of suggestions for pistol cases for travel inside luggage, and thought that I would ask for suggestions for what you use for this practice.

Thanks

[Excaliber]

I have flown with long guns, but never pistols.
I have read many threads on the topic and understand the check in process.

My question is prior to check-in process...
For the "locked hard case inside the checked luggage"
I have one of these, which I bought several years ago
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ivation-Port ... e/48554575

It has a key as well as biometric

I assume it can be used.
However, the cable used to secure it, allows the case to come out probably 3 feet or so.
is this an issue?


I could not find a list of suggestions for pistol cases for travel inside luggage, and thought that I would ask for suggestions for what you use for this practice.

Thanks

That should work just fine.

I've flown many times with similar cases and never had one questioned.

Remember to make sure the ammo is in the original commercial box.

I also take the slide off the frame of a pistol to make it obvious that it's not loaded.

[oljames3]

I have flown with long guns, but never pistols.
I have read many threads on the topic and understand the check in process.

My question is prior to check-in process...
For the "locked hard case inside the checked luggage"
I have one of these, which I bought several years ago
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ivation-Port ... e/48554575

It has a key as well as biometric

I assume it can be used.
However, the cable used to secure it, allows the case to come out probably 3 feet or so.
is this an issue?


I could not find a list of suggestions for pistol cases for travel inside luggage, and thought that I would ask for suggestions for what you use for this practice.

Thanks

Before flying with my pistol in checked luggage, I read what was available on the TSA site (tsa.gov) and the airline's website. When I checked my pistol with TSA at Austin-Bergstrom International AUS (ABI) on 12 August, 2016, the only thing about opening the case that the agent checked was to see if he could insert his fingers into the locked case. My soft-sided bag, in which I carried the locked case, was not locked nor was the case attached to the bag. To make myself feel better, I used T-shirts to pad the case so it would not shift in the bag. Pictures below.

Your case (and maybe the bag) will be swabbed or sniffed to check for explosives residue. I fly hobby rockets. I have rocket motors and Pyrodex in my house. You may want to carefully wipe the outside of your case. My pistol had not been fired since the last cleaning and my case was clean.

I used a Pelican 1200 and twin Master locks No. 140. The pistol was unloaded. The magazines carried 27 rounds of JHP which is my basic load. Using a broad-tip Sharpie, I wrote my name and phone number on the inside of the lid, under the foam.

I threw in three bags of silica gel, just because.

From arrival at ABI to the conclusion of all screening was about 30 minutes. Mostly waiting.

You can use a family restroom so as to have privacy when changing.

No issues at ABI. No issues transferring at Dallas Love Field. No issues at Kansas City International MCI.

[Syntyr]

Teamless,

That is very close to what I use when I fly. Just last month I flew United from IAH to Salt Lake City. I put my pistol, two mags (empty of course) and 1 box of self defense ammo in its original container, and my ZT knife all in the box. Secured it to the interior of the suitcase. I then packed the suitcase and then laid the pistol container on top.

When arriving at IAH I proceeded to the check in counter. The expediter tried to direct me to self check in but I told her I had to o to the counter. Went to the counter and presented my ID and requested check and said "I need to declare and unloaded and secured firearm in this piece of luggage". She was perfectly business like. Printed my boarding slips and then asked me to open the luggage and show her the firm arm was secured. I demonstrated that it was locked and she had me sign the affidavit and then place it on top of the pistol case. She then handed me all of my boarding documents an walked me over to TSA luggage screening.

The TSA guy took my bags and scanned them. He told the guy reading the scanner firearm in the tunnel. Took about 5 minutes and we got the all clear.

Much the same on the way back. One thing I did notice is BOTH out and back both my wife and I got TSA PRE CHECK on our boarding passes. My wife was happy and told me why didn't I bring my pistol on all of our trips...

The hardest part for me was worrying that someone was going to abscond with my luggage at the baggage claim. I hurried to the claim and found my luggage. Opened the luggage and just verified that I saw the pistol case.

Everything was smooth and easy. Thank you United and TSA.

[RoyGBiv]

I have flown with long guns, but never pistols.
I have read many threads on the topic and understand the check in process.

My question is prior to check-in process...
For the "locked hard case inside the checked luggage"
I have one of these, which I bought several years ago
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ivation-Port ... e/48554575

It has a key as well as biometric

I assume it can be used.
However, the cable used to secure it, allows the case to come out probably 3 feet or so.
is this an issue?


I could not find a list of suggestions for pistol cases for travel inside luggage, and thought that I would ask for suggestions for what you use for this practice.

Thanks

That case is fine.
I wrap the cable around the internal frame of my suitcase.
They can steal the whole suitcase, but not the gun case by itself. At least not easily.