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Some websites indocate magazine must be out of gun, others do not say either way. I have flown with guns several times, but only traveled with one, so be be safe I removed magazine. This time I want to travel with 2, and would be nice to save space if mags could be in. I have read TSA info on traveling with guns and doesn't say either way. Anyone know?

TSA requirements sometimes do not match the airlines. I have noticed this with AA out of DFW. I keep a print out of both in my luggage.

The last two times I flew, (roundtrip DFW to Washington Reagan), I had the 9mm with an empty mag in it, 2 more empty mags, and 2 25-count boxes of Federal Hydra-Shok in the lockable case. No problems.

Empty magazines can be in the gun. Loaded magazines, of course, cannot.

Some airlines will allow you to pack a loaded magazine into a "separate container" (cardboard box, small plastic box, etc.) and pack that box in your luggage (inside or outside the locked gun case). Ammo does not have to be locked, but it does have to be secured in a way that would reasonably prevent detonation during transport.... Some airlines require ammo to be packed in a separate box, not in a magazine.

The advice above to read and carry a printout of the specific airlines' regs is solid advice.

This is my opinion and experience, not legal advice.

Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

The Annoyed Man wrote:Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

I use a Pelican case for my .45acp. it takes 2 locks to secure.

Never had a problem with TSA and that case. What they look for is "can it be pryed open, even just a little". The Pelican case $50 @ Cabela's has never been questioned.

Hope this helps.

LabRat

The Annoyed Man wrote:Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

I have always used the actual plastic cases that the guns came in.

+1 on the Pelican case. Very solid and supposed to be water resistant. The only complaint I have is the latches are fairly hard to snap closed due to the tight fitting case (with an o-ring). Those latches have bitten my fingers twice! I just use one lock.

I bought this one for $45.00 at Academy. It has "Pick and Pluck" foam in the lower chamber so you can pluck out little 1/4" foam cells in the shape of your gun and accessories for a custom fit. I spent about 20 minutes and was happy with the results.
(Edited for spelling).

The rules say a locked hard side case. I have used a $3 cheapie from Academy and a padlock with no problems. I prefer something better for my own peace of mind but the cheap case was exigent circumstances and they accomplished the purpose of complyng with the rules.

wgoforth wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

I have always used the actual plastic cases that the guns came in.

I thought TSA required that it not be a case that could easily be pried open. I could easily use a screwdriver or knife to get into any of the OEM pistol cases that came with my pistols. That's why I asked for other suggestions. But Pelican cases are OK with TSA?

The Annoyed Man wrote:

wgoforth wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

I have always used the actual plastic cases that the guns came in.

I thought TSA required that it not be a case that could easily be pried open. I could easily use a screwdriver or knife to get into any of the OEM pistol cases that came with my pistols. That's why I asked for other suggestions. But Pelican cases are OK with TSA?

Nope, just a locakable case per TSA. The airlines sometimes have stricter requirements, so make sure you read that airline's policy and use it.

The Annoyed Man wrote: But Pelican cases are OK with TSA?

Yes, I've done so dozens of times
.45 Compact
2 empty mags
2 boxs of SD Ammo.
2 locks on the case that are keyed alike
Never had an issue, as stated always have two copy's of the airline web site stated rules and the TSA rules. At the first word or look of confusion I smile and polite had the attendant a copy of both. Ive never missed a plane.

Disagree, that IS NOT what TSA has stated is required.

The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.

Keith B wrote: Nope, just a locakable case per TSA. The airlines sometimes have stricter requirements, so make sure you read that airline's policy and use it.

Now do people get past TSA with flimsy cases, you bet, but that's only fair,, since TSA lets guns though as well.

bronco78 wrote:Disagree, that IS NOT what TSA has stated is required.

The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.

Keith B wrote: Nope, just a locakable case per TSA. The airlines sometimes have stricter requirements, so make sure you read that airline's policy and use it.

Now do people get past TSA with flimsy cases, you bet, but that's only fair,, since TSA lets guns though as well.

Well, I guess my thought is that most cases that have a lock on them or a lock hole are pretty solid. Even the Doskocil and Plano cases are fairly solid. I personally wouldn't put my gun in a cheapo case anyway, but guess some might.

The Annoyed Man wrote:Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

I prefer the NanoVault. It can hold the pistol, mag and ammo. I comes with a cable to aid in securing it. (In our car we use the seat bracket.) I attach the cable to the metal frame of one of our rolling bags. My thought is that if it is difficult to remove from the bag, it may not be stolen.