From what I understand American Airlines policy says you have to put ccw in a hard sided case that’s locked and inside of a checked back. Any tips? It’s my first time and I’m kinda nervous! Thanks in advance!
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Jay enn 412
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From what I understand American Airlines policy says you have to put ccw in a hard sided case that’s locked and inside of a checked back. Any tips? It’s my first time and I’m kinda nervous! Thanks in advance!
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Done it plenty of times, just be cool and QUIETLY tell the agent at the counter you have a checked FIREARM (don't say GUN!) in your baggage. they will get a Firearm Tag, probably along with a supervisor, and when you open your checked bag to show them, make sure you open it so everyone behind you in line can't see it. I usually open the baggage flap towards me, so it blocks other passengers from seeing it. Don't need anyone else knowing what's in there.
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Yes - most people use something like one of these small pelican cases, with a couple of pad locks. Probably set you back close to $100, depending on how big the case is and how good the lock are.
MUCH cheaper and simpler and easy to find in a store is one of those car gun safes. Last trip I took, I bought one of these:
Amazon.com : SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes Lock Box, 2 Keys and Patented Security Cable – An Ideal Car Gun Safe – Large, Black, 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 Inches : Gun Safes : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes Lock Box, 2 Keys and Patented Security Cable – An Ideal Car Gun Safe – Large, Black, 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 Inches : Gun Safes : Sports & Outdoors
www.amazon.com
Cheap car gun safe you can get at Walmart or any sporting goods store that sells guns. Costs $20-40 and includes the lock. Plus, it only has one lock and one key.
I just left the cable out, but it might also be possible to use the cable to lock it inside a larger bag.
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Well I’ve had some fat chicks sit next to me on a flight before.
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It’s more of a TSA guideline than American Airlines issue. I normally go to the priority or special check-in line to by pass the crowd. They’ll normally accommodate the situation, just follow the TSA Guidelines and your sentence will be drastically reduced to an eye roll…😜
www.tsa.gov
Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration
Learn how to properly prepare, pack and declare firearms and ammunition in checked baggage when flying. Review TSA rules, airline policies, and legal requirements.
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That procedure is pretty standard throughout the airlines.
I've flown my EDC multiple times w/o any hassles...I also put a xerox copy of my creds on the case as well.
I bought 2 of these and had them keyed the same. I use one of them daily in my car for my ccw while I'm at work.Yes - most people use something like one of these small pelican cases, with a couple of pad locks. Probably set you back close to $100, depending on how big the case is and how good the lock are.
MUCH cheaper and simpler and easy to find in a store is one of those car gun safes. Last trip I took, I bought one of these:
Amazon.com : SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes Lock Box, 2 Keys and Patented Security Cable – An Ideal Car Gun Safe – Large, Black, 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 Inches : Gun Safes : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes Lock Box, 2 Keys and Patented Security Cable – An Ideal Car Gun Safe – Large, Black, 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 Inches : Gun Safes : Sports & Outdoorswww.amazon.com
Cheap car gun safe you can get at Walmart or any sporting goods store that sells guns. Costs $20-40 and includes the lock. Plus, it only has one lock and one key.
I just left the cable out, but it might also be possible to use the cable to lock it inside a larger bag.
![Image]()
I've flown with them a few times on Alaska, using the cables to secure the cases to the frame in my luggage. I had the weapon and 1 empty mag in one case, and my spare mag and boxes of ammo secured in the other case. As I recall, they wanted to see the weapon and ammo secured separately.
I declared them at the counter, and each time an attendant escorted me and my bag away from the queue, and inspected it with some privacy. Interestingly enough, they always seemed pleased to assist me with this procedure.
There used to be a pinned thread in Carry Issues that went into a lot of detail regarding flying with firearms that I am not seeing pinned anymore. A search of the carry issues forum may turn up that article.
YMMV
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American Airlines tends to be pretty good for checking in firearm’s if you go to their page and check for updates.
It has to be a secured container you can lock (non TSA approved locks) and firearm must be unloaded and ammo should be in original box.
I used to fly all the time with a pistol and used Pelican cases that held the pistol, magazines, and ammo. Cases were like $30-40. Holster went in my carry on…
![Image]()
It has to be a secured container you can lock (non TSA approved locks) and firearm must be unloaded and ammo should be in original box.
I used to fly all the time with a pistol and used Pelican cases that held the pistol, magazines, and ammo. Cases were like $30-40. Holster went in my carry on…
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I have always put them in the same case with the ammo loaded in the magazines. Just unload the gun. I have flow 3 or 4 times like that, always with guns and ammo in the same case.
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Thanks guys! Very helpful!
I think the 2 videos are good.
I flew often with a 1911 during the 1980s.
The airline employees would always ask me to show them it is unloaded. I'd pull back the slide,engage the slide stop, while keeping the pistol and my hands in the lockbox. Then every time, the airline employees will ask "how do I know it is unloaded?". I'd answer no magazine, and no bullet in the barrel. If I would travel today, I would probably have the slide off the pistol. If asked I'd open the lockbox and say its disassembled, can't fire, no bullets. Then in 1980s they'd attach the red declaration form to the outside of the checked bag, which I hated. But today I think the form is placed on top of the lockbox within the checked bag, of inside a large hard sided rifle case.
I worked for TSA from 2005 to 2012.
1. Never check the bag with firearm at the curb. Always go inside, and wait in line to check the bag.
2. Never buy a TSA lock with "3" next to the keyhole. The number 3 master key is slender and breaks easily. 90% chance your airport has no #3 key. TSA purchased super hardened steel number 3 master keys, but they also break. Why does TSA cut off TSA locks ? Because they do not have the master key. All the keys eventually break, and airports try to keep spares in the office. But there have been times that half my keys were broken waiting weeks for replacements. If your TSA lock is cut off, complain and TSA will buy you a replacement.
3. The xray machine computer can cause a Shield alarm on the firearm or ammunition causing a mandatory bag check. Shield means there is too much metal in a small area for anyone to determine via xray machine that the bag is safe to go on the plane.
4. TSA is prohibited from even touching the firearm. They will look, they will push down on the foam searching for hidden prohibited items. Things like sticks of TNT.
5. TSA is full of workers who don't give a damn. Never follow written procedures. Lazy, and wish they could get paid without having to do any work. 90% don't care if your plane blows up. I know because I managed a random 6 to 12 of them every day.
6. TSA management only care about how to maximize their bonus. Management will tell the uniform workers to do the job the wrong way. They do not care if your plane blows up. They only care about bonuses. i know because I worked for them, and repeatedly whistle-blew turned them in to TSA office of investigation. Eventually I decided to only care that my 6 employees did the job right, per SOPs, and they didn't want to.
7. At my airport an idiot manager forced us to open every checked bag containing a firearm to look for the locks and the declaration form, even though regulations state to never open a bag solely to determine the firearm is properly stored and declared.
8. TSA sucks. After 7 years I decided to quit. Would rather not work at all, than work for TSA
9. The minimum fine a TSA inspector can give you is $10,000 USD.
I flew often with a 1911 during the 1980s.
The airline employees would always ask me to show them it is unloaded. I'd pull back the slide,engage the slide stop, while keeping the pistol and my hands in the lockbox. Then every time, the airline employees will ask "how do I know it is unloaded?". I'd answer no magazine, and no bullet in the barrel. If I would travel today, I would probably have the slide off the pistol. If asked I'd open the lockbox and say its disassembled, can't fire, no bullets. Then in 1980s they'd attach the red declaration form to the outside of the checked bag, which I hated. But today I think the form is placed on top of the lockbox within the checked bag, of inside a large hard sided rifle case.
I worked for TSA from 2005 to 2012.
1. Never check the bag with firearm at the curb. Always go inside, and wait in line to check the bag.
2. Never buy a TSA lock with "3" next to the keyhole. The number 3 master key is slender and breaks easily. 90% chance your airport has no #3 key. TSA purchased super hardened steel number 3 master keys, but they also break. Why does TSA cut off TSA locks ? Because they do not have the master key. All the keys eventually break, and airports try to keep spares in the office. But there have been times that half my keys were broken waiting weeks for replacements. If your TSA lock is cut off, complain and TSA will buy you a replacement.
3. The xray machine computer can cause a Shield alarm on the firearm or ammunition causing a mandatory bag check. Shield means there is too much metal in a small area for anyone to determine via xray machine that the bag is safe to go on the plane.
4. TSA is prohibited from even touching the firearm. They will look, they will push down on the foam searching for hidden prohibited items. Things like sticks of TNT.
5. TSA is full of workers who don't give a damn. Never follow written procedures. Lazy, and wish they could get paid without having to do any work. 90% don't care if your plane blows up. I know because I managed a random 6 to 12 of them every day.
6. TSA management only care about how to maximize their bonus. Management will tell the uniform workers to do the job the wrong way. They do not care if your plane blows up. They only care about bonuses. i know because I worked for them, and repeatedly whistle-blew turned them in to TSA office of investigation. Eventually I decided to only care that my 6 employees did the job right, per SOPs, and they didn't want to.
7. At my airport an idiot manager forced us to open every checked bag containing a firearm to look for the locks and the declaration form, even though regulations state to never open a bag solely to determine the firearm is properly stored and declared.
8. TSA sucks. After 7 years I decided to quit. Would rather not work at all, than work for TSA
9. The minimum fine a TSA inspector can give you is $10,000 USD.
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Pretty much what Bren said. Cases similar to the one he posted are at Academy Sports for about $10. Personally, I am able to fit a Glock 43, 3 mags, and a box of self defense ammo in the locking box. Uncle Google is your friend. Google TSA Flying with a firearm and also look at the AA Site. (last time I looked, they were pretty close). Been in and out of multiple airports and all seem to be just a little different. At check in, they always want a picture ID. I give them my ID and state " I am checking in for the flight to XYZ, I am checking one bag and am declaring an unloaded firearm and one box of ammunition packed in accordance with TSA regulations." After that, they will give you a form to sign and from there, follow his directions. Remember, the form goes in the BAG, NOT in your locked firearms box as only you have the key/combo to that. If TSA does search your bag, they are looking for that "Declared Firearm Card" and if it is in the locked box, they will not find it. From personal experience, GRK, DFW, MCI, ORF, and RDU are fairly easy. Orlando and Atlanta were a bit of a PITA, just follow their directions and be polite. Also, arrive about 15-30 minutes earlier than you normally would just in case Mr. TSA wants you to go behind the door, open the bag, open the box and show him it is unloaded.
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Thanks. I just ordered a car gun safe from Amazon.Yes - most people use something like one of these small pelican cases, with a couple of pad locks. Probably set you back close to $100, depending on how big the case is and how good the lock are.
MUCH cheaper and simpler and easy to find in a store is one of those car gun safes. Last trip I took, I bought one of these:
Amazon.com : SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes Lock Box, 2 Keys and Patented Security Cable – An Ideal Car Gun Safe – Large, Black, 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 Inches : Gun Safes : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes Lock Box, 2 Keys and Patented Security Cable – An Ideal Car Gun Safe – Large, Black, 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 Inches : Gun Safes : Sports & Outdoorswww.amazon.com
Cheap car gun safe you can get at Walmart or any sporting goods store that sells guns. Costs $20-40 and includes the lock. Plus, it only has one lock and one key.
I just left the cable out, but it might also be possible to use the cable to lock it inside a larger bag.
![Image]()
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Unloaddd, declared to the airlines, locked unloaded in a box inside your bag, or unloaded, declared in your bag that is a hard sided case (nylon roller bag OK) that is locked.
PLACED IN CHECKED BAGGAGE to go in the belly of your plane.
DO NOT try to put it in your CARRY ON.
Piece of cake I do it all the time.
PLACED IN CHECKED BAGGAGE to go in the belly of your plane.
DO NOT try to put it in your CARRY ON.
Piece of cake I do it all the time.
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Now that wouldn't suprise me at all. 'When I read your reply, I flashed back to one of my favorite book series as a Kid, the "Miss Pickerell" series. "Miss Pickerell" was an (what was called then) old maid, who's cow was her near constant companion. She would load it into a trailer just for a trip to the store. An "emotional support" animal no doubt before there were emotional support animals.
I can just imagine someone trying to board a plane with a cow as one these days.
Sorry, totally off topic I know.
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All good information. I have flown many times with weapons packed in a checked bag with not much of a problem. The TSA secondary screening usually takes an extra 15 minutes before heading through security (depending on the airport). Most domestic airlines are agnostic to packed guns and invoke the same rules.
Probably the hardest part of my travels with a weapon is staying up to date on "local" laws regarding firearm carry/transport. Some places have peculiarities that you would not expect. TX CCW has been accepted most places but some places that do not only allow transport to/from home, range, PD, gun store, etc. and as I was informed - some feel a hotel does not qualify as a domicile!
I carry a book with me but the local revisions change so much I keep a couple of references on my phone as well.
Probably the hardest part of my travels with a weapon is staying up to date on "local" laws regarding firearm carry/transport. Some places have peculiarities that you would not expect. TX CCW has been accepted most places but some places that do not only allow transport to/from home, range, PD, gun store, etc. and as I was informed - some feel a hotel does not qualify as a domicile!
I carry a book with me but the local revisions change so much I keep a couple of references on my phone as well.
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Even a Glock box with the original cable lock wrapped around the handle to keep it closed works fine. These days, if I’m checking, I usually use a gun vault nanovault.
Special services (what it’s called where I usually fly out of) sees people checking guns all day long. They aren’t scared or impressed by someone checking a firearm.
The process differs as far as where you actually hand off, airport to airport. But airline agents and TSA have generally been quite efficient and helpful.
Special services (what it’s called where I usually fly out of) sees people checking guns all day long. They aren’t scared or impressed by someone checking a firearm.
The process differs as far as where you actually hand off, airport to airport. But airline agents and TSA have generally been quite efficient and helpful.
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