Nearly everyone out there has this misconception that flying with a firearm is the most difficult part of traveling. Honestly, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, things are even much easier than before, with the TSA having effected few policy changes.
With little pre-trip planning, you can always offer you & yours that crucial security & extra peace of mind. You just might make the difference.
8 Tips for Flying With a Firearm
It may be understandable that some people don’t carry their firearms aboard a flight if they are flying out of America or to any of the previous Soviet states like Connecticut, New York, or California.
However, it becomes hard to understand if you’re not carrying your rifle on a trip to Texas that will see you spend a week in Dallas. If you’re flying in from certain stages to certain states, this can be much easier. For example, Dallas & Colorado are in a reciprocity agreement that’ll allow the use of the other’s concealed carry permit in the other state.
Let’s look at eight easy tips to successfully fly with your favorite Glock.
Check With the Laws
If you’re flying to a state, I assume you have plans to conceal carry your weapon into it. If you do, the appropriate step is to first check with the regulations before you get to the state. Also, if a long rifle is what you’re flying with, you need to check beforehand if it is accepted in your host state. Flying into NY with an AR-15 would be a terrible idea.
Get Good Cases for Your Gun & Ammo
Before your flight, you have to get a hard case to carry your gun in, although you have to first check with the TSA for approved locks. You don’t want to be searched by a TSA agent because your case looks illegal.
In the same vein, you’ll need to buy the appropriate case for your ammo caliber. The popular option is a hard plastic carrier. You can go with the gun’s factory packaging, but I always prefer a hard case for my ammo. The typical weight for ammo allowed by most airlines is 11 pounds, although you may have to check again with your airline’s website.
Remember to keep your keys with you, and I mean that keys to your hard case. I prefer to keep two separately: one in my pocket & the other in my backpack.
Keep Yourself Reminded
Never make the mistake of forgetting to declare your firearm when required to. I always avoid this by having my ammo case in hand as I walk into the airport. That way, I don’t think it’d be possible to forget. The TSA guy is out there to stop a potential terrorist or hostage situation. Don’t give him the impression that you could be a perpetrator.
Conclusion on Flying With a Firearm
Among the tips above is keeping your gun unloaded. An obvious no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. Your gun has to be empty when you fly. Every time, I keep my magazines unloaded & separated from my pistol, with the lock opened to the rear. The only flight you’re allowed to carry a loaded gun on is the one flying you into battle — if you’re with the military. Also, don’t be a jackass to others because you’re flying with a firearm. Avoid confrontations too.