Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
I'm flying out of La Guardia next month down to Florida. Does anybody have any personal experience in this area? I have all the TSA regulations down, more worried about the city and my flight back.
Flying with Guns
- Thread starter Magnus
- Start date
Trauma47645
.357 mag
you are protected by FOPA.. Whether or not the Port Authority Police or NYPD agree with that is the question..
Call your airline, see what their proceedure is for checking your firearm, and adhere to that.
Call your airline, see what their proceedure is for checking your firearm, and adhere to that.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Out of Stewart Airport flying to Orlando, I declared my pistol at the checkout counter.
They asked see the case and to open it. It was one of those combo cases with the padding. They verified it was unloaded along with the magazines and placed a tag in the box and told me to lock it and place it in my luggage.
They then asked me where was the ammo was. I produced one of those cheap ammo cases reloaders use that have 50 indivisible slots for each round.
They told me to put it back in my luggage and to lock the luggage with my TSA approved lock.
That was it. They threw the bag on the conveyor belt.
At Orlando the process was the same except after I locked the luggage they escorted me to a special x Ray machine, took my bag, ran it through and told me to have a nice flight.
NYC is the same except you have to deal with the Port Authority Police at the ticket counter.
To be on the safe side, I would call the PAPD first, get confirmation, and a name. Me personally, I would record the conversation.
They asked see the case and to open it. It was one of those combo cases with the padding. They verified it was unloaded along with the magazines and placed a tag in the box and told me to lock it and place it in my luggage.
They then asked me where was the ammo was. I produced one of those cheap ammo cases reloaders use that have 50 indivisible slots for each round.
They told me to put it back in my luggage and to lock the luggage with my TSA approved lock.
That was it. They threw the bag on the conveyor belt.
At Orlando the process was the same except after I locked the luggage they escorted me to a special x Ray machine, took my bag, ran it through and told me to have a nice flight.
NYC is the same except you have to deal with the Port Authority Police at the ticket counter.
To be on the safe side, I would call the PAPD first, get confirmation, and a name. Me personally, I would record the conversation.
Last edited:
Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
When dealing with NYC and PAPD, recording is sound advice.
No personal experience, but I have heard of nothing but bad things in regards to flying with a pistol out of an NYC airport.. Airlines go by the FAA and TSA rules. NYPD go by their own. Be careful man. Have a lawyer's number ready JIC.
Long guns different story. Ive heard that is only a minor PITA.
Long guns different story. Ive heard that is only a minor PITA.
Phazer
.338 Win Mag
I'll admit, I was scared to fly out of LGA with pistols. Because of that, I left out of White Plains.
When I leave out of LGA, I park in an off-site long term parking lot. I didn't know the legality of bringing pistols (locked in case and case in luggage) from the lot, onto a shuttle bus, and finally to the airport.
Sounds like I'm just too cautious (and afraid) with regards to NYPD.
BTW - According to FAA sites, the actual pistol case lock is NOT supposed to be a TSA-approved lock. The lock on the plain luggage into which the case is placed should be a TSA-approved lock.
When I leave out of LGA, I park in an off-site long term parking lot. I didn't know the legality of bringing pistols (locked in case and case in luggage) from the lot, onto a shuttle bus, and finally to the airport.
Sounds like I'm just too cautious (and afraid) with regards to NYPD.
BTW - According to FAA sites, the actual pistol case lock is NOT supposed to be a TSA-approved lock. The lock on the plain luggage into which the case is placed should be a TSA-approved lock.
Phazer
.338 Win Mag
For those interested, here are some pics of custom inserts that I made for a Pelican case:
I purchased some of this foam from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Fastcap Kaizen Foam 57mm (2-1/4") Black
It's about 2.5 inches thick. It is composed of multiple layers. So, it is possible to cut partially through the thickness, remove the pattern, and still have a floor to support the items (in this case, pistols).
I purchased some of this foam from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Fastcap Kaizen Foam 57mm (2-1/4") Black
It's about 2.5 inches thick. It is composed of multiple layers. So, it is possible to cut partially through the thickness, remove the pattern, and still have a floor to support the items (in this case, pistols).
Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
Hey this is really good, I'm going to make one for travel.For those interested, here are some pics of custom inserts that I made for a Pelican case:
I purchased some of this foam from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Fastcap Kaizen Foam 57mm (2-1/4") Black
It's about 2.5 inches thick. It is composed of multiple layers. So, it is possible to cut partially through the thickness, remove the pattern, and still have a floor to support the items (in this case, pistols).
dwa12479
.338 Win Mag
I've flown plenty of times with pistols, just need to declare at the check in counter that you're traveling with a firearm. It adds some time to your trip, but should be fine. However, I've heard plenty of horror stories of people trying to travel out of LGA or JFK due to the draconian NYC laws, so tread carefully.
misunderestimated
.223 Rem
I travel often with fire arms, NEVER OUT OF JFK or Laguardia .Just quietly declare them. Walk up to counter and as your handing your ID to the clerk and let the clerk know, good morning I need to declare I am traveling with an Unloaded firearm in my luggage.with less then 10lbs of ammunition What would you like me to do. from there they will will ask you to open the luggage and then the case,(Hard sided lockable that only you have the key to) to show its unloaded? I always turn my luggage to face them when its open so every one in line is not aware of what happening .I put a flag in the chamber showing its unloaded so I don't have to handle the fire arm. they will either hand you a hand tag to put in the case or connect to the case. NEVER ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR LUGGAGE ! Some times they throw the luggage on the belt and off it goes or other times they walk you to TSA for them to see the firearm or for it to be inspected by the local PD or as mentioned in the Orlando airport you go to a special TSA entrance and they ask you to stand by why they scan and then they let you go . I keep copies of the airlines rules for flying with a fire arm, I keep copies of the federal statues,I keep copies of TSA rules, I keep copies of my CCW licenses all in a little binder thats in my luggage with me just incase some is not aware of the rules or regulations. I NEVER Travel with Hollow points incase I have to travel into NJ , and I also try and travel with NO stop overs
Eddie Gunks
.338 Win Mag
Flying out of New Jersey is easier and better than JFK or LaGuardia. I have several friends that do that even with pistols has New Jersey seems to have a better handle on it.
FWIW. People are very mistaken about hollow points in New Jersey. You are allowed to own hollow points and shoot hollow points. They become a proplem if added to another prime. A pocket of hollow points will not get you in trouble if you rob a liquor store with a pocket of power points then they charge you with the robbing of the liquor store and the hollow points.
That is why people get in trouble, because they are illegally carrying a firearm so that's of the charge and then the hollow points are an added charge because you are committing a crime already so the hollow points are now illegal, while you're committing a crime. I hope that makes sense.
FWIW. People are very mistaken about hollow points in New Jersey. You are allowed to own hollow points and shoot hollow points. They become a proplem if added to another prime. A pocket of hollow points will not get you in trouble if you rob a liquor store with a pocket of power points then they charge you with the robbing of the liquor store and the hollow points.
That is why people get in trouble, because they are illegally carrying a firearm so that's of the charge and then the hollow points are an added charge because you are committing a crime already so the hollow points are now illegal, while you're committing a crime. I hope that makes sense.
Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
Don't rob liquor stores in Jersey with hollow points, pretty clear. lol
NOTHING in New Jersey makes sense.
li02liberty
9mm
I have flown out of JFK many times with my pistol. It is not as bad as everyone says. Just make sure your pistol is on your permit. When I check in I tell the person at the counter they need to call papd I have a firearm to check. So far I've been lucky and it hasn't taken more than 15 min for them to come. They ask for your permit and write your info then check to make sure you gun is unloaded. Then you lock it up and put your suitcase on the belt. I do have to say Florida is a lot easier where the person at the counter just checks it.
Glenn B
.308 Win
I have flown several times with firearms in my luggage. I have never had a problem that was not minor and easily and immediately resolved.
Firearms need to be in a locked hard sided case. That case can itself be the piece of checked luggage (like a gun case) or it can be placed inside another piece of luggage (like a small pistol case). Depending on the airline, only the case holding the gun needs to be locked although some airlines regs seemingly require an outer piece of luggage holding the gun case to also be locked. I just flew to FL, on Southwest, with my pistol in a locked Samsonite attache case that was inside my unlocked soft side bag and have done likewise in the past - no problems. Another airline might have required the soft side bag to be locked as well. TSA only requires the gun case / hard container to be locked.
To avoid problems I always check and then bring along a current copy of both the TSA regs and airline regs about firearms and ammo in checked luggage. That is just in case I am checked-in by know it alls who don't know and who want to give me grief.
You want to assure you not only follow TSA regs but those of your particular airline too. How much ammo you can carry in luggage depends in great part on how much the airline allows. Whether or not you can place loaded mags in your luggage also depends on airline regs, some allow it, others do not even though that is okay by TSA. For instance, Southwest allows up to 11 pounds of ammo in checked luggage and also allows loaded mags that are enclosed so as to cover the top round as in a mag case. I think that it was Sun Country when I flew to Alaska that did not allow loaded mags in luggage or at least had regs that were open to such interpretation. It is imperative to know both TSA rules AND the airline rules and to realize that if airline rules are more restrictive they usually, if not always, take priority.
I almost always place a lock through the open action and or use an unloaded chamber indicator tab in the action to show it cannot be fired and is not loaded. The use of both or either is a good way to assure yourself, as well as airport authorities, that you unloaded the firearm. It has been noted and appreciated by airline, police and TSA personnel when I have done so.
My ammo is usually packed in its original boxes and sometimes I take loaded mags (like on my currnt trip). The ammo CAN be in the same case as the gun but must be boxed or cased in its own container while insjde the gun case. No magazines are allowed in the gun but the can be in the same case as the gun.
Make sure not only to pack everything properly but to have your pistol permit with you if your firearm is a handgun. Remember that when entering NYC, unless you have a retired LEO pistol license, your gun has to be in the luggage and in the trunk. Also make sure you have the keys for the gun case and luggage if using keyed locks - and for your gun lock(s). Likewise, remember to bring your ID and ticket and boarding pass.
Bear in mind that once at the airport you absolutely cannot use curbside check-in. You must check in at the ticket counter to declare your firearm(s). At LaGuardia that means being early just in case the lines are backed up or the PAPD is busy. I have waited up to just about an hour for a PAPD officer to show up at the counter. You could conceivably miss your flight if the officer does not get there in a timely manner so get there early. Officers can be delayed by other more pressing duties. Thus, I much prefer to travel from MacArthur Airport in Islip but even there try to arrive at the airport at least 2 bours before my flight. At LGA and JFK, I might make that 2.5 to 3 hours.
If after doing everything right and having a problem with airline check-in person, ask that person to call the airline's Ground Security Coordinator (GSC) to resolve the issue. If the PAPD officer is telling you airline or TSA regs say something that you know is incorrect, show him your copy of airline or TSA regs and ask him to check with the GSC or TSA with you present. Do everything politely.
Chances are, you will have zero problems if you have done your due diligence but be prepared nonetheless.
Have a nice trip.
All the best,
Glenn B
Firearms need to be in a locked hard sided case. That case can itself be the piece of checked luggage (like a gun case) or it can be placed inside another piece of luggage (like a small pistol case). Depending on the airline, only the case holding the gun needs to be locked although some airlines regs seemingly require an outer piece of luggage holding the gun case to also be locked. I just flew to FL, on Southwest, with my pistol in a locked Samsonite attache case that was inside my unlocked soft side bag and have done likewise in the past - no problems. Another airline might have required the soft side bag to be locked as well. TSA only requires the gun case / hard container to be locked.
To avoid problems I always check and then bring along a current copy of both the TSA regs and airline regs about firearms and ammo in checked luggage. That is just in case I am checked-in by know it alls who don't know and who want to give me grief.
You want to assure you not only follow TSA regs but those of your particular airline too. How much ammo you can carry in luggage depends in great part on how much the airline allows. Whether or not you can place loaded mags in your luggage also depends on airline regs, some allow it, others do not even though that is okay by TSA. For instance, Southwest allows up to 11 pounds of ammo in checked luggage and also allows loaded mags that are enclosed so as to cover the top round as in a mag case. I think that it was Sun Country when I flew to Alaska that did not allow loaded mags in luggage or at least had regs that were open to such interpretation. It is imperative to know both TSA rules AND the airline rules and to realize that if airline rules are more restrictive they usually, if not always, take priority.
I almost always place a lock through the open action and or use an unloaded chamber indicator tab in the action to show it cannot be fired and is not loaded. The use of both or either is a good way to assure yourself, as well as airport authorities, that you unloaded the firearm. It has been noted and appreciated by airline, police and TSA personnel when I have done so.
My ammo is usually packed in its original boxes and sometimes I take loaded mags (like on my currnt trip). The ammo CAN be in the same case as the gun but must be boxed or cased in its own container while insjde the gun case. No magazines are allowed in the gun but the can be in the same case as the gun.
Make sure not only to pack everything properly but to have your pistol permit with you if your firearm is a handgun. Remember that when entering NYC, unless you have a retired LEO pistol license, your gun has to be in the luggage and in the trunk. Also make sure you have the keys for the gun case and luggage if using keyed locks - and for your gun lock(s). Likewise, remember to bring your ID and ticket and boarding pass.
Bear in mind that once at the airport you absolutely cannot use curbside check-in. You must check in at the ticket counter to declare your firearm(s). At LaGuardia that means being early just in case the lines are backed up or the PAPD is busy. I have waited up to just about an hour for a PAPD officer to show up at the counter. You could conceivably miss your flight if the officer does not get there in a timely manner so get there early. Officers can be delayed by other more pressing duties. Thus, I much prefer to travel from MacArthur Airport in Islip but even there try to arrive at the airport at least 2 bours before my flight. At LGA and JFK, I might make that 2.5 to 3 hours.
If after doing everything right and having a problem with airline check-in person, ask that person to call the airline's Ground Security Coordinator (GSC) to resolve the issue. If the PAPD officer is telling you airline or TSA regs say something that you know is incorrect, show him your copy of airline or TSA regs and ask him to check with the GSC or TSA with you present. Do everything politely.
Chances are, you will have zero problems if you have done your due diligence but be prepared nonetheless.
Have a nice trip.
All the best,
Glenn B
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
I recommend you also take the slide off the receiver. Both times when asked by the ticket agent to show them that it was unloaded, all I did was pick up the slide and show them.
This was much easier and discreet than locking the slide back with two hands and showing them in a crowded airport with people behind me.
This was much easier and discreet than locking the slide back with two hands and showing them in a crowded airport with people behind me.
Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
Thanks for the info guys! I'm sure I won't have much of an issue, but...... it is NYC.
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
JFK was easy. Longest part was waiting for an available port authority officer to come check it. They couldn't have cared less about it. Two actually showed up because they were trying to get out of something else that was going on and arrived at the same time.
Eddie Gunks
.338 Win Mag
When i was a kid. I just threw the 22lr inthe luggage. Just took it downand stiffed it in.
One time the barrel was poking outta the luggage on the Carousel. No one said anything. And i was a kid.
Ny to Id and back. Many times
Boy the 70s and 80s were great.
One time the barrel was poking outta the luggage on the Carousel. No one said anything. And i was a kid.
Ny to Id and back. Many times
Boy the 70s and 80s were great.
gtbiker81
.177 BB
ThePatroitNurse just posted a video about this today on YT
I never really considered using a large pelican case as the suitcase. Only issue with that is that pelican cases are very heavy. It might be cheaper to check the pelican as a second bag than it is to go over weight on one bag.
I never really considered using a large pelican case as the suitcase. Only issue with that is that pelican cases are very heavy. It might be cheaper to check the pelican as a second bag than it is to go over weight on one bag.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
That case is huge. A small case like this one available at Gander does the trick. It'll fit 2 broken down pistols and goes right in your luggage. It also doubles as a car safe under the seat as well.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Also, a cheap case like this for your ammo goes right in the suitcase as well. This one is for a hundred rounds but they make them in 50 as well with a hole for a small padlock.
misunderestimated
.223 Rem
I have 2 cases I use. One is the the box my Kimber came in. I can fit 3 of my clocks in it when going to a competsion out of state you can put a pad lock on each side of the case, Or If i am just traveling with one fire arm I have a Glock lockable case that I use.
GLOCK Pistol Case with Lock | GLOCK USA
the Kimber and the Glock case are thin and don't take up much room and can be left on the top of the clothing so you don't have to mess up all of your neatly packed clothes to open the case to show its unloaded
GLOCK Pistol Case with Lock | GLOCK USA
the Kimber and the Glock case are thin and don't take up much room and can be left on the top of the clothing so you don't have to mess up all of your neatly packed clothes to open the case to show its unloaded
misunderestimated
.223 Rem
is she saying she carries that as a second bag? As far as I understood the only thing allowed in the Locked hard sided case is the gun,and magazines. and to follow federal traveling laws we need to have the ammo separate. She can't put her clothes and other stuff in the hard sided locked case . thats a big expense to add another bag to most plane trips 35 to 75 for the second checked bag. I mean would that make sense to have that Giant Locked case that is Screaming "Steal Me I have valuable gear inside" on the baggage claim belt The cable that comes with the little lock box above is what I use when I am traveling out of any other airport except HPN to TPA , have a tiny slice in the liner and have that cable through back bone/handle
I did it for the first time just this past holiday season going out to Arizona from Stewart Airport. I REALLY overdid it with locks and such. In hindsight it was absolutely silly, but for a first time flying with a handgun I wanted to get it right.
I had the gun locked open in the case with a keyed wire/bike lock . Two seperate padlocks (w/ different keys) on the case , and then the whole case was locked to the interior metal frame of my checked bag by another keyed bike lock.
4 keys for one little case holding a CZ SP-01 , two mags, and a little 25rd box of SD ammo. Overkill for sure.
The whole process though was really much easier than I expected it to be.
I had the gun locked open in the case with a keyed wire/bike lock . Two seperate padlocks (w/ different keys) on the case , and then the whole case was locked to the interior metal frame of my checked bag by another keyed bike lock.
4 keys for one little case holding a CZ SP-01 , two mags, and a little 25rd box of SD ammo. Overkill for sure.
The whole process though was really much easier than I expected it to be.
I have flown out of Westchester with my Glock 26 and it was extremely easy. Checked at the counter, walked me over to the xray machine, notified the xray tech and that was it. I did not have a copy of the tsa rules but definitely will next time. I also used my stock Kimber case with couple of locks, but I'm going to pick up another case.
@Phazer which Pelican case is that? I like what you did and think I want to copy it.
@Phazer which Pelican case is that? I like what you did and think I want to copy it.
Phazer
.338 Win Mag
It's the Pelican 1450 Case (Black):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00013J86I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_34K8xb3WM6Q5Q
Marlinspike
22lr
I fly A LOT with firearms in and out of NY because of my business (and for personal reasons as well)..... NOT NYC however. The reason being is that my NYS permit specifically does not allow me to be in or travel through NYC with a gun.
It's just that simple.
I am not a lawyer and I won't argue the legality of that restriction.
Like the rest of you, I find it absurd; BUT that's just the game that is in play and I don't have the time, money or inclination to fight NY State or NYC over it.
It's a pain in the ass and costly to buy tickets from the other locations such as Stewart, west Chester, Albany, SYR and or BGM, BUT it's what it is.
Beyond that I have found it rather easy and uncomplicated to fly from the other locations I have used and within the different airlines.
I fly often enough that I have the drill down pretty solid and even when my wife is with me, be it a biz trip or personal, it's just a part of our routine and we have actually gotten to the point of getting amusement out of watching the reactions from other travelers and in some cases employees of the airlines/ airport.
DON'T let the foolishness of the NYC airports or NYC for that matter deter you. Unless you have no option and must utilize LGA or JFK In that case well..... leave you gun at home (God forbid)....
Again, I am not a lawyer (not even on TV) and don't know what an "expert" is. I'm just offering my experience and acquired knowledge from about a decade+ of doing it.
EDIT- Re cases etc for carrying the gun.....
The above noted Pelican case is a great box... BUT way over kill for air travel because of it's bulk and weight.
Per Pelican's webpage: 1450 Protector - Hard Case | Camera Cases | Pelican Products, Inc. Costs $90 And weighs over 6lbs. That's a lot given the airline restrictions of 50lbs and one suitcase for MOST airlines. Is it a great box? Hell yeah buuttt.....
Whereas the can I use (for only 1 pistol): GunVault Nano Vault 100 Pistol Safe | Factory-Express.com $22 and a fraction of the weight.
Remember The pistol container will go INSIDE you luggage not travel as it's own separate bag.
Is my way best? I don't know. I'm not an expert and I meant no criticism of the previous suggestions.
It's just that simple.
I am not a lawyer and I won't argue the legality of that restriction.
Like the rest of you, I find it absurd; BUT that's just the game that is in play and I don't have the time, money or inclination to fight NY State or NYC over it.
It's a pain in the ass and costly to buy tickets from the other locations such as Stewart, west Chester, Albany, SYR and or BGM, BUT it's what it is.
Beyond that I have found it rather easy and uncomplicated to fly from the other locations I have used and within the different airlines.
I fly often enough that I have the drill down pretty solid and even when my wife is with me, be it a biz trip or personal, it's just a part of our routine and we have actually gotten to the point of getting amusement out of watching the reactions from other travelers and in some cases employees of the airlines/ airport.
DON'T let the foolishness of the NYC airports or NYC for that matter deter you. Unless you have no option and must utilize LGA or JFK In that case well..... leave you gun at home (God forbid)....
Again, I am not a lawyer (not even on TV) and don't know what an "expert" is. I'm just offering my experience and acquired knowledge from about a decade+ of doing it.
EDIT- Re cases etc for carrying the gun.....
The above noted Pelican case is a great box... BUT way over kill for air travel because of it's bulk and weight.
Per Pelican's webpage: 1450 Protector - Hard Case | Camera Cases | Pelican Products, Inc. Costs $90 And weighs over 6lbs. That's a lot given the airline restrictions of 50lbs and one suitcase for MOST airlines. Is it a great box? Hell yeah buuttt.....
Whereas the can I use (for only 1 pistol): GunVault Nano Vault 100 Pistol Safe | Factory-Express.com $22 and a fraction of the weight.
Remember The pistol container will go INSIDE you luggage not travel as it's own separate bag.
Is my way best? I don't know. I'm not an expert and I meant no criticism of the previous suggestions.
Last edited: