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Flight Layovers With Firearms

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2.9K views 36 replies 18 participants last post by  ShawnO  
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#1 ·
Wife and I are going to Florida in February for our annual getaway. I plan on shooting at Silver Dollar for a day or two. I called and they have A400s for rent, but I’m not overly hyped about not shooting with my own gun. Especially for registered targets.

I’ve never flown with firearms, but have asked a lot of questions with our preferred airline’s agents at both my departing and arrival airports over my travels this past year. I have a hard SKB case I purchased specifically for travel. I’m comfortable with the rules processes and locations at the airports. The only thing I’m not comfortable with is that we have a layover on our way down. Our return flight is nonstop and I have far less anxiety about that.

What has been your experiences with layovers while traveling with firearms? We’re flying Southwest and have never gad issues with our regular luggage before, but we typically are able to get nonstops most of the time.

Our layover is currently scheduled to be through Atlanta (popular flight delay location).
 
#4 ·
What are you worried about specifically? Are you talking a couple hours between flights or a day? What does this SKB case look like, plastic, metal, I’d be more worried about the case sturdiness than the luggage getting misdirected.
also remember that locks must be installed in all the locking points (holes) not just one.
I'm sure others will pipe in with suggestions too.
 
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#5 ·
The layover is a couple hours. Mostly worried it doesn’t end up there. My case is a polymer with the cut out foam. I know how bags get manhandled and flung around, but I im not worried about its durability.

I’m pretty brushed up on the travel requirements and have asked a lot of questions. I’ve asked a lot of questions at the airports about where to go and the processes to drop off and pick up.
 
J
#11 ·
I’ve had plenty of layovers from hunting trips out West and in Canada- never had any issues getting my guns. I have had them not make it back to my home destination with them, but the airline has delivered them right to my house when they did arrive so other than some anxiety- no problem.

I wouldn’t worry about it and if I was traveling for a registered shoot, there’s no way I would go without my competition gun.
 
S
#12 ·
Great advice on many levels here so far. Also, use your own padlocks. You do not have to use TSA locks. EVERYONE has keys to those universal locks.
Arrive at the airport early. At least 1-2hrs. Go to check in and have them inspect the firearm and contents. Once they have, secure it with your locks and they put their red tag on it and initial it. If they come back later and ask for the keys to inspect it again, tell them it was inspected at check in by their personel and secured. If they persist, have them bring the weapon to a secure area and have a supervisor present to inspect it again.
 
#15 ·
I have traveled with my shotgun probably 30 times. I'm not sure what airports SercondChance uses, but I have never had my shotgun "inspected". I walk up to check luggage, declare it is a shotgun, fill out a card, sign it, open the gun case and put the card inside. Then I spin the combo locks and off it goes on the conveyer. I never heard of them sticking anything on the outside of the case or initialing anything. They do have the right to call a supervisor and inspect it, but it has never happened to me. Also, i would advise buying insurance from Gun and Trophy just in case.
 
S
#18 · (Edited)
When l was still working, we traveled with more weapons and ammo than l care to speak of. Depended if we were on duty or not. We ALWAYS checked our gear, they provided a red tag and WE had them initial it to keep from BS later. Upon arrival, our gear went to a secure area of their security area. We opened and checked our gear in front of them to be sure all was there. We had copies of our credentials and agency. End of conversation. We had guys gathering bags at the rotunda and we went on our way. So yes, they do have red tags and do/will initial them if you ask.
I have done exactly the same when traveling on my own.
 
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#16 ·
Thanks for the replies. I’ve thought about it some this afternoon. There are two people that have A400s that will be shooting in my winter league. I’m going to ask them if I could shoot a round with their guns. Im sure that’s not going to be an issue. Since I’m only shooting one or two days, I’d much rather not have the extra hassle of traveling with my gun. I shoot a fairly flat gun compared to a lot of trapshooters so, I don’t think that would be as big of an issue as it would be to some.

I’ve started to work some things out with my handicap game, so I was just wanting to avoid a bump in the road if possible.

I’m hoping to get a buddy to travel to a shoot or two with me in the future, so all of this info is helpful regardless of my decision on this particular trip.
 
#25 ·
He is not concerned about flying with an A400, he can rent/borrow an A400 in Florida if he chooses to leave his gun(s) at home…..i am guessing he has a more considerable Trap Gun/combo he is a little anxious about flying with, along with the layover/plane change in route…..

As others have offered, make sure your shootin‘ iron(s) are insured properly, packed and protected in proper case(s), and even take the extra step of adding a gps tracker hidden in the case, and try not to worry about it. Otherwise, leave em at home and shoot a few days with a loaner and have fun.
 
S
#31 ·
That's why we use pelican cases. Break down guns fit perfect, can pack clothes as well. Ours had zero markings or decals. Just pelican and our locks. And they would have blew their Pampers off if they saw what was in our cases!!!!
 
#32 ·
Pelican cases are one of the few good to best options that remain (that don’t weigh a ton) for transporting a firearm on an airplane safely and securely. There are a few other airline safe/approved case options available, but i believe Pelican is the best & most affordable option.

Zero decals, stickers, and markings on the outside = fantastic advice.

Locked case, insured guns, tracking device hidden, and follow the TSA guidelines and go have fun.
 
S
#34 ·
I put my case inside a pelican vault and I have an air tag inside the factory case. Have flown many times without serious issue. My case didn’t make a connection one time but I was able to show them where it was and it came on another flight a couple hours later. The airports are used to it and other than a little extra time I’ve never experienced any issues with declaring and checking it in. They occasionally get a hit on my factory case when they inspect it and have to check it closer but still only adds a few minutes. Mine always comes out wherever the oversized luggage does and they will check your Id.
 
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