I hear that flying with a gun is the most sure fire way to keep your bags from going missing. The airline doesn't want to run the risk of having to deal with the ATF if they misplace someone's firearm. That's the one thing I'll give the ATF credit for.
Never heard of that personally. Flying with guns is extremely routine, and if you pay attention at a baggage claim, there will be people flying with guns on your flight almost certainly.
We were delayed, and nearly weren't allowed to disembark on a cruise because my wife had a single, spent .556 casing she kept in her purse as a remembrance of her father's funeral (a Vet). None of the idiot security even knew the difference between an inert spent casing, and a live round - badgering us why we would bring "ammunition" on board, asking where the "gun" was etc etc. It took two hours of this nonsense before the captain came down, took one look, apologized, and let us board.
Maybe to bypass that she could have made a neckless out of it and just took it off during the metal check. Not saying it's not still ridiculous one time when i was a kid i had a dime in my pocket i forgot about during airport security and the guy yelled at me "step back" because it set of the detector he only chilled out after i took the dime out
In what country did you go on to the cruise ship, what country flag did the ship have and what countries did you visit with the cruise ship? Because you know, most other countries don’t allow their civilians to have guns or bullets. That’s why is so safe in these countries. The USA has the most civilian owned guns and the most shootings and shooting victims on this planet and Americans love to use their guns. Most other countries don’t tolerate guns or shootings. And therefore it’s clear that cruise ships won’t allow you to take any guns, bullets or other weapons on to the cruise ship.
No idea why this happens but nearly every time I fly my right shoulder sets off the metal detector. I've had no surgery there and nothing is in my shoulder yet it's happened more than once. I usually just get a groping on my shoulder by the TSA and am allowed to be on my way. But it's still very strange. I work out a lot and usually make a cheesy joke about the gym paying off. It often falls flat though and barely gets a smile lol.
Made a rookie mistake a long time ago of not having ammo in a appropriate container. SWA took all my ammo. The Check-in supervisor said the ammo would be “properly disposed of”. I bet, right at the police range no doubt.
One time I did my bag check thoroughly, so I thought... turned out that I missed two loaded glock mags in the hidden secret pocket in back of the bag... when the xray picked it up, I was looking at them like wtf? Then I realized where I had left them. TSA COULD NOT FIND THEM.. I had to show them where they were.. the unt from tsa called the cops immediately... they came up, told them what happened. They said were sorry sir, but we cannot let you take those mags at all now... I told them okay... keep em.. I donate them to local law enforcement enforcement... he said they had to destroy them... okay, then they let me go... I was pretty happy and relieved.... didn't make that mistake twice...
@@shagnasty6391 I'm sure the officer donated them right into his pocket and wrote up the paperwork stating that they were destroyed. What cop would turn down free magazines?
I had to fly to DC for an expo with a *non-functional* prototype firearm. Going to DC, super easy. Flew out of my airport, they saw it was a demo and not capable of firing live rounds, zero paperwork. Flying back FROM DC: Total nightmare. I had to declare it as a real firearm, and the agent freaked out because the mock gun was borderline artillery-sized. I flew with an actual firearm because I stayed in Virginia during the trip, and the TSA of DC cared far more about a mostly 3D printed concept piece, than the actual gun I brought. Upon returning home, the prototype was waiting in the customer service area, however my actual handgun was in my checked bag on the carousel where anyone could have grabbed it. Clown show. Every other time I've flown with a firearm, which is every time I fly, zero issues. Unless I'm in the DC area.
@@MrHav1k You are correct, sir. I colloquially refer to places nearby DC as "DC" anyways out of convenience. That said, the airport experience was still just as cartoonishly bad as I described.
It's a political statement from the DC authorities which means, "if the unit should be legal, then you should be ready for it to get stolen by any criminal AS WELL [since we deal with investigating these thefts a lot, and it's kinda hard because we're not robots and we can only care so much], or WE should at least be eager to accept the opportunity to investigate A LOT of cases where these products get stolen." Is there any doubt as to whether our political party, comprised solely of vigilantes, was doomed to die (and that none of its members were developmentally at the stage where everyone else develops souls -- they were all anomalies)? FFS, gameboys are barely justifiabl/legal. Why talk about arms so much?
I spent 2 months in New Mexico last spring doing a ton of shooting. I check my 2 rifles and 4 pistols without a hiccup but didn't realize that I had ONE light primer strike .22lr in my coat pocket. I was soon whisked away to the "Room" where I was sure I was going to get a inside out cavity search. The TSA had called the El Paso police and they came with to the room and stood there with their hands on their weapons. one of the officers looked at the round and said "yeah that's not going to fire at all" and then left. Thank god this happened in El Paso and not a place like California or New York.
THANK YOU!!!!!! The first comprehensive video on flying with a gun. I am a cop @ a NY airport. And I have seen so many people arrested because they did not follow these steps. EVERY AIRLINE SHOULD HAVE A LINK TO THIS VIDEO ON THEIR WEBSITE….. Thank you for doing this. Other flying videos I have seen I had to comment about things they said were wrong, or left out. This is a perfect video.
Your right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed... but we have all these conflicting laws and regulations which are designed to limit and trip-up law-abiding folks but for which criminals will never, ever follow.
@@transtubular Name a politician that was arrested or detained for illegally owning firearms, bringing firearms onto airlines illegally, or really just any illegal activity revolving around firearms. I'll wait.
But these laws make it easier to catch those criminals who would take advantage of the 2nd amendment. So I don't see what the problem with restricting firearms is. Because it goes against the 2A? If that's the only reason then maybe we should think about making some changes to it.
If only I had seen this video 6 months ago. This past March I accidentally had loose ammo in my carry on bag on a flight home from Turks and Caicos. JFK missed it on the way down, it was found while I was attempting to board my flight home. I was arrested, charged, spent 6 days in jail and had to surrender my passport and fight the case in which they were trying to send me to jail for 12 years. Yes, you read that right. Fortunately I was able to find a great attorney who was able to argue for special circumstances. There is no plea bargaining down there, so it was either 12 years or nothing. To make a long story short, I was very fortunate. A very expensive mistake. Moral of the story, know what is in your bags at all times and equally important, know the laws of the places you are visiting. Another great video CN.
The best piece of advice is to be prepared during check-in to follow whatever instructions the attendant gives you. No matter how many times you’ve done this, even with the same airline at the same airport, it seems like each time is different. Every attendant has their own interpretation of how this works. I’ve even had a couple of times where I had to tell them how to do it because they had no clue. It’s always a bit of an adventure.
As a person who has flown with a gun and had to look this up independently for fear of catching federal charges, thank you so much for making this for those that don't know. Also, for anyone interested, calling your local airport's TSA or sometimes knowledgeable staff from your airline is a great resource with people who want to make sure you're good to go and squared away. But this video is concise and on point.
I appreciate this video. Earlier this year, I gifted my sister a pistol. I inherited my fathers when he passed away and so I gave her my concealed carry. She had to fly home with it and we didn’t know the procedures and laws. It took us a while to figure things out but eventually she was able to return home with it lawfully. It would’ve been nice to have a video like this to reference and to guide us through the procedures. We were able to figure it out, but if we had a video like this, it would’ve taken a lot less time to figure out and a lot less worry. Even though we now have the knowledge is still good to post this video for those still trying to figure it out.
@@FlyAwayChi that is what we did but Google doesn’t like to give any 2A information up easily. I had to dig just to get to the TSA, airline and state law information. There is a lot of things that change year to year and if you look at the wrong place on google you could get into trouble. Having a video like this gives basic directions and a beginning point for people to start from. It’s also nice to to know what to expect.
I would also add you should always add a tracker to each bag or case containing a firearm. This way not only do you know what area they have it, should it not be where you expect it the search can begin. In the pods I hide them under the foam. The pod in my truck always has an tracking tag in case the truck gets stolen or they manage to find the pod and get it out in the 1% of times I have to leave something in there.
@@oldmanjenkins771 Its so strange how the states with the strictest firearm laws always seem to be the most dangerous places to live in. Really gets the noggin jogging.
@@MoaRider its a no brainer… take away guns from the good law abiding people, criminals have free reign and will become far more emboldened to commit crime and kill.
From someone who also flies commercial with firearms numerous times a year, this is the most comprehensive and succinct rundown I have seen to date, on the process. Good work, Colion!
One critical thing you didn't mention- the lock(s) used to secure the case with your firearm/ammo in it must NOT be TSA locks (the kind that TSA agents all have a key for); the lock must be openable only by you.
@@darklordzqwerty It is a violation of Federal Law to lock your gun with any lock that somebody besides for you has a key for. DO NOT PUT A TSA LOCK ON A GUN CASE. Besides for the fact that TSA all has keys for it, TSA masterkeys are very common and anybody can buy them online for about 5 bucks.
@@kairodriguez3934you’re wrong. It’s literally on TSAs website that it does not need to be TSA approved and nobody can open your gun case without you present. If they need to see inside they’ll ask you to come by then and show them.
@@davidbean1218sometimes they will let it slide if you use a TSA lock but it’s against their official policy & if you’re going to try it you better have other locks with you so you don’t risk missing your flight having to go out & buy new locks if they make an issue of it.
Leaving San Diego and today and wanted some info about traveling with a handgun. You videos likes always are super informative and helpful. Thanks from California!
Flying through any NY City airport will get you an up close and personal meeting with the NY Port Authority Police Department. I was traveling from Oklahoma to Connecticut and I flew through New York City. When I flew into New York I didn't have any problems and the process was just as easy as you described in the video. When I flew back to Oklahoma I ran into an issue. The woman at the counter checked me in then called for the police. Two police officers approached and demanded my ID and airline tickets. I was on leave from military training so I showed them a copy of my orders and pass. They looked at my weapons, ran the serial numbers on them, and told me to stand by while they went to have a conversation with each other. I think that they didn't arrest me because I was on orders and not breaking any laws. Federal law allows you to travel with locked firearms but New York City will arrest you for having the audacity to travel with a firearm in their city. A few days after arriving in Oklahoma I found out that a diamond merchant was arrested for carrying a gun in New York City. Just because it's legal doesn't mean you won't get hassled for exercising your rights and obeying the laws.
Check the regs. To help avoid the hassle you may still be allowed to have your firearms listed on your orders. Usually it will have Type, Serial Number and may have a statement "Authorized to Hand Carry" on the orders. Before 911 I traveled to Korea With My Shotgun (disassebeled) in my carry-on. Best part was you get escorted through the checkout & to the aircraft to meet the pilot to let him know you have a weapon. Ultimately it's up to the airlines.
@@John-li6tn I was at Fort Sill for BOLC, went to Connecticut on Christmas block leave, and couldn't leave anything in the hotel. NYC just likes to disregard federal law and take as many firearms off the streets, even if there aren't any laws being broken.
I understand, on the way back home I ran into a TSA Agent (before they were Frederal) who hassled me & insisted I had to put them in my stowed baggage. Just trying to give you a possible way to elevate the hassle. You may have been able to put it on your orders to Ft Sill & showed it to them.
New York is the absolute MOST difficult and time consuming. I have several buddies that are police officers, and under federal law HR 218, they are allowed to carry their guns in any state, including NY. Every one of them that have flown in/out of NY said that after going through the typical stuff indicated in this video, the NYPD Port Authority Officers showed up and escorted them to a private room. Then, in addition to checking the officer's badges and identification, they telephone the police department the officer works for to verify their employment. I'm not sure how they handle a retired officer that is sill within training compliance and is also allowed to carry via HR 218. My issue is not with them being thorough; my issue is that their process is generally guaranteed to take an additional hour in and of itself. So if you're flying in/out NY, get to the airport like at least 3-4 hours before your flight or you'll miss it.
That is absolutely not the case as to why they were called. Don’t misinform and cause mongering! NY Port Authority get called EVERY TIME there is a firearm checked as their weird policy is they have actually write a report and document it. If ever flying out of (not through or into) photocopy your DL a copy of TSA regulations/airline policy, and any military or LE ID and keep a copy in the case. I hand them over a photocopy of my ID’s that has the gun make/model/serial number on it and they are gone and on their way.
Colion; Even my wife of 53 yrs enjoys your vids. We are super impressed with your knowledge and your delivery. Thank you for taking all the time it takes to inform the public of the many ways to enjoy weaponry. Just another happy subscriber.
One thing I do is I put an Apple Airtag in the case with the firearms, that way I can track it while traveling. It also helps you figure out where they took it when you get to your destination. It's also true that different airports handle checking a firearm differently. In Tucson they try to see if they ca pry the case open with their hands, in other places they just ask to see it real quick. Great video and very informative.
Speaking from experience; when your case is wiped down by TSA and the agent says, “Sir, your case came back positive for explosive residue.” You may not want to respond with, “No shit, Sherlock. It’s a gun case.” 😂
@@charliefoxtrot5001 I have had a gun case (specifically, the foam inside a current-design Glock case) test positive for explosives way back when the geniuses at TSA in the Austin airport hand checked all bags with declared firearms. They had to get a supervisor but they were eventually like "okay". I left the "no shit, Sherlock" in my internal monologue. LOL! But I was highly annoyed and they have thankfully stopped tossing bags with guns and just X-ray them.
@@ds78613 Cool story, bro! Did you know that pretty much all US currency in circulation tests positive for trace amounts of cocaine? How many people test positive for cocaine residue at airport scanners? Yes, those scanners also test for narcotics, yet I have not seen a single person testing positive. The same way I have not tested positive when shooting and flying on the same day. 🤷
@@charliefoxtrot5001 certain hand lotions will cause a false positive for explosives with the TSA scanners Jeff Dunham has a bit in one of his old acts because the lotion he uses caused the butt of one of the puppets to test positive.
It's no joke about checking your backs BEFORE you pack. A friend of mine had a few loose rounds in his bag when he flew in to town but TSA missed it. When he went to leave, they found it and the hassle was on. They eventually let him through but not without some new documentation dropped on him.
A TSO once held me up for having a holster on going through security; it's not a "firearm component" so ultimately no issue but he was an absolute tool about it lol.
I've had the experience of going into a place after placing my weapon securely in my vehicle, only for me to get stopped and checked because I forgot to remove the holster. It's always a good laugh.
Last time I flew I had just a holster in my checked luggage. Did not bring firearms or ammo. I am sure they saw the holster and that’s why they searched my bag that ONE time because they suspected a firearm that wasn’t declared. Otherwise uneventful.
@@OGXDreamYou need to look at the actual Xray sometime. Everything shows up. Especially if a computer scans the image. Plastic or leather holster....doesn't matter. Still shows up.
As a TSO myself thank you for making this video! Gun lover myself, along with most of my coworkers, so we try our best to be gentle about the rules when we can. With a few things there simply is no give in the system... It is overly complex...
I haven't flown with a firearm in over a decade. The information supplied in this video is great. I recall an early TSA encounter with a checked firearm in my bag. I was able to watch the bag's progress on the ramp and saw a TSA agent pull my bag and start trying to open the combination lock. I politely told the agent it was my bag and I would gladly tell him the combination. He thanked me and opened the bag. He would have cut my lock off. I told him there was a declared firearm in the bag in a locked case. He said he wasn't concerned about the gun. My bag has a metal linger and I had packed a pair of thick sole boots in the bag and the soles were in contact with the liner. He used chemical wipes and checked the boot soles for explosives. I thanked him for the information and went on my way. For the return trip, I packed the boots in my carry-on bag and they went through the X-ray machine without a problem. I would also suggest downloading the most recent TSA guidelines for travel with firearms in addition to the state requirements you are traveling to. And always be polite and respectful to TSA agents even if you don't like their intrusive methods.
Just a point about optics: friends of mine annually fly to Kansas for Prairie Dog Season. Their advice is to equip their rifles with Quick Release Mounts so that they can bring their expensive scopes in their Carry-on bags. They learned(the hard way!) That the Unpressurized Cargo hold caused destructive seal damage and glass fogging and ruined the $1000+ Scopes..
Great video, it is amazing the hoops you have to jump through. I sometimes get a chuckle from the agent at the counter when checking a firearm. Some of them are scared to death and seem to want to curl into a ball, some of them will put the form inside the case, some of them on the outside, and some of them are gun enthusiasts and we end up having a short conversation about my gun. I usually fly Spirit and I have never taken my ammo out of my magazines. I just put the loaded magazine inside the case with the gun. The gun is unloaded of course. However, I just ordered one of the ammo cases mentioned in the video. Every airline and even every airport is different. Some come out and say you're good to go while others make you stand in a corner for 20 minutes.
Excellent as always. The pick up really is random like you say. Here is my experience in flying twice roundtrip from Louisville International Airport( SDF) to Miami International Airport (MIA). Arriving at Miami the first time, they told me to meet someone behind the ribbon divider by the escalator behind the curtain to pick up. But the second time, it was in an office. At Louisville, the first time they put it on the conveyor normally. The second time, I assumed it was the same place. I waited for a half hour. Then, I noticed an employee off to the side waiting with a bag that looked like mine. I approached him and identified myself. I got my bag from him, and he said that he was about to leave because I was taking a long time to get to him. (Nobody told me it would be different. I should have asked instead of assuming). So, there were 4 different ways of getting the bag on four different arrivals.
I flew with one the first time this summer, and was shocked how little fuss they made. Leaving Tampa the airline lady walked me over to TSA check, they ran my bag through an X-ray and I was done. Flying home from Austin the airline just put my shit on the belt and said see ya. On arrival, I had my bag from claim both times before the rest of the family had theirs from the carousel
I'm no lawyer.... but i believe if you are TRAVELLING with your firearm and you are passing through a state, you have certain protections under federal law against more restrictive laws in specific states.
Take New York for example... you can travel through New York with prohibited items... just make sure you are not there longer than 24 hours and that you comply with their crazy gun transport laws.
@@rudder727 Hope people catch your "24 hours" in your comment, residing in a state "overnight/for a day" does change the technical dynamic. Flying in at 0100 and leaving at 1200 "same day", is a boatload different between 1500 in and next day leaving at 1700 (lawyer bullshiet). Hey, you should do your comment as an OP. Take your comment and make it stand alone.
Some states will still arrest you, put you in jail, charge you with violations of their gun laws, and allow you to use safe passage as a DEFENSE at your trial.
Yup, you are correct! But you’ll have to post bail and prove your innocence in court in accordance w/ the constitution… 🙄 Why? Because it’s what We The People tolerate🤷♂️ Yup, that simple. We tolerate it so that way we can have our $10 Starbucks and multiple cars, because if we rock the boats then our “30 pieces of silver” will be at risk…. What’s worse than 1 Judas? 300million Judas that vote
Thanks for the info dude. just got my first gun a couple days ago because im going to be making a cross country drive “im moving “ and i wasn’t feeling safe without something to defend myself with in case things go left. I was a little scared about flying with my gun but this info was really helpful. I appreciate all the advice you give. Been following you in facebook for a long time now
One note: the lock on the case can NOT be a TSA lock. Also, do NOT expect the TSA to leave your external lock intact if that's how you secured the case. They will cut it off IF you can't be contacted by the airline when TSA trys to contact you. I carry replacements & keys. Great video.
@@chadrech9230 Here is what the law says on locks in 49 CFR 1540.11 (c)(w): "The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination." A TSA lock, by definition, violates 9 CFR 1540.11 (c)(w), as the TSA also holds the key to unlock the container. There has been a lot of confusion on this subject. The TSA on its own Web site even provides contradictory guidance: "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks." The best option is to use a gun case that has an internal lock that can't be cut off. If the gun case goes into a checked bag, then use a TSA lock on that bag.
I do agree that flying with a firearm shouldn’t be anywhere near as difficult as it is right now. However, I can understand why the TSA is in place so we don’t have another 911 or other similar attacks. But none of that is gonna stop me from being frustrated from time to time with how annoying this whole ordeal can be😂
@@samritterbusch5716 The TSA does not exist to protect anyone and has never been responsible for thwarting a single attack. On top of all the bullshit they do to inconvenience you, they’ve failed countless tests conducted by the FBI proving that they are incapable of even sniffing out a potential threat, let alone stopping an attack. Their job is to give the people who don’t know any better a false sense of security so they don’t get nervous about flying. Intelligence is why he haven’t had another 9/11, not the TSA.
Thanks Colion, there is a few videos and guides out there but none as comprehensive and simple as your for the variety of situations that come from experience! Hope you do one on “what not to do after traveling from a big gun show”. Haha
Just flew with a pistol for the first time a month ago. I printed the TSA rules and American airline rules, laid those in the case with the pistol, just so I would have them if anyone said I wasn't following the rules. Both flights were very easy, my checked bag was in oversized luggage office before my wife's bag came out on the carousal.
I am a 30 yr, 18,000 hour 767 Captain (and former Black Hawk pilot) and a FAA Part 121 Ground Instructor. Colin's explanation, and more importantly-advice, are all correct. I especially like the advice about inspecting your bag for accidental ammo in some nook or cranny of your bag.
If for any reason you end up at a New York airport on your way to another destination, do NOT take possession of your checked bag, you will be arrested. This happened to a guy whose flight was diverted You need to tell the airline to hold onto the bag and to get you a flight to your destination.
I've worked in the airline industry for years. You did a good job explaining this. The airline that I work for has a policy where if it looks like a gun case and has a lock on it. Then it's treated like it's a gun and needs to go to someone in our baggage office and have an ID check. This sometimes upsets some passengers who have something other than a gun in a locked Pelican style case. But I'd rather play it safe and not risk a possible firearm going to someone besides the owner.
Pro Tip: EMT shears are legal to carry on board, per TSA's website, and they're great for dealing with the pesky zip ties. They're also cheap enough to lose if you happen to get a TSA agent who doesn't know their own policies and confiscates them.
Gun and ammo do NOT have to fly separate. The ammo also does not have to be locked up at all. Original box is preferred, largely because it's the easiest most obvious option but I put those in a ziplock back for when the bag invariably gets wet or the cardboard gives up from getting tossed around so I don't wind up with a scavenger hunt in my bag to find every last round. I always check by bag with two loaded mags in a mag holder in the locked case with the gun and additional unloaded mags and ammo in original box in the suitcase the pistol case is in. The only requirement (at least on SWA) is that the ammo is "packaged to prevent accidental activation of the primer".
I only recently learned that ammunition doesn't have to be declared. You can just put it in your checked bag as long as it's in factory boxes or some other sort of sealed container.
I think blanket statements like these are well meaning but potentially dangerous. Laws vary from state to state and what is legal in your state may be a felony in another/liberal state. Besides, they keep changing guns laws so even if it was legal in all 50 states today, what about next 5 years or ten? Just my 2 cents ...
I checked 2 shotguns on a flight from texas to Arkansas and the outfitter told me not to bring any ammo. I did go through security really fast carrying a locked gun case though..
flew with my p365xl for the first time earlier this year while on vacation. it went pretty smooth and fairly easy. Def will do again if given the chance.
I have yet to fly with a firearm, but the loose brass/ammo thing is why I have a dedicated range bag that goes only to/from the range. My other suitcases, backpacks, etc. that do go on planes, have never had a firearm or ammo in them, and have never seen a shooting range. I still have to check them for other prohibited items before I fly, but I can be certain there's nothing firearm related in them.
I’ve flown with my gun before, but just one. And there’s no way in hell I would fly so much into a liberal state for even a layover with the bullshit they’d try to pin on me.
If you fly into a liberal state like California, don’t take it. If you have a layover in a liberal state DO NOT under any circumstances take possession of your bag. Flat out refuse if they try to coerce you into doing so. Sure fire way to catch a felony for carrying a gun in an airport.
I have flown out and into some of the most dangerous and in the case of the United States anti-firearm airports in the world. Plan, prepare, and have credentials prepared and you will not have issues.
Great tips, thank you! I've only ever flown with a firearm on chartered jet, not on a public airline. I've always wanted to do so but have been afraid of trying. Silly, I know. Anyhow, your explanation gives me confidence to do so next time I fly, cheers!
You’re allowed to have ammo within the same locked container as the firearm. Gun has to be unloaded. Ammo can be kept in the magazines or inside an ammo container or cardboard packaging. At least that’s how it’s been for me flying on Alaska, southwest and American. Great video 🇺🇸
Nope, nobody allows ammo in the magazines. The logic is , they expect the gun to be not quickly made "ready". If you doubt me, name one airlines that states ammo can be in magazine.
Directly from TSA website “Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).” www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition Individual airlines may make that more restrict. So always double check
Listen to CN as this is an excellent presentation. Vaultek Life Pod is a good one. 80 flights a year for decades and always with checked firearm(s). Oh the changes over the years…
I have flown quite a bit. Just Delta and United. TSA a couple years ago said they came to a conclusion that magazine’s were an acceptable ammo container as long as there are no loose ones. Haven’t flown with an extra ammo box since.
I flew from Nevada to Texas in the 90’s with a couple of pistols. Just showed up at the airport with them in my carryon, unloaded, asked for security and asked them their procedure. Put them in my checked baggage and flew home. That was back in the day when guns simply didn’t just up and start shooting people on their own.
I believe tsa rules state that the bag your gun is in needs to be locked so tsa can't even get in. Deviant Ollam has several videos on this in greater detail on how to talk to the tsa and the airline/airport employees to be sure you are in compliance with the law. He also will travel with a stripped ar-15 lower if he has a bag with something delicate or valuable that he doesn't want the tsa to have the opportunity to break or steal because by law they are not supposed to open it without you present with a declared firearm.
If you've followed Deviant Ollam for any amount of time, you know that TSA has chopped the locks off his gun cases multiple times. If you read the federal law on traveling with a firearm, the TSA policy doesn't abide by the law. Only the traveler is supposed to have access. The lock cutting violates the law. So does the TSA placing their crappy locks on your case one they cut yours off. I use to have a copy of the federal law in a FedEx type sticky envelope, as well as my name and phone number in the event the case requires reopening. My present Pelican case has reinforced hasps (so they don't cut through the factory lock location and I use shielded shackle Abloy padlocks.
@@gungadinn yes, yes, yes, and yes. The Orlando airport has been his worst offender by far, and he makes a big stink over it and I believe has gotten them to pay for the locks before when he had extra time to deal with them.
Ahh, but that's where you're right AND wrong. Federal law gives TSA the ability to cut off the lock on your cases IF your case sets off their alarms during screening procedures OR if they cannot reasonably find you in a given amount of time (which differs by airline and airport) to have you open your locks for them to check your case. Why? Certainly it SHOULD violate your 4th amendment rights and the laws and regulations put into place by that system, right? Wrong! The TSA is not under the law enforcement side of our federal laws and regulations, but the administration side, meaning that search and seizure without a warrant is one of the things you agree to when you purchase a ticket to fly out of a federally backed airport that has TSA security screenings. If you try to follow up with cut locks through your airline or TSA, that's their adorable loophole that allows them to screen your shit.
I flew to California with a firearm and ammo. It was relatively painless process. I had to pick up my lost luggage with that firearm at LAX. It was hilarious and sad having to speak in code with the airport employee to let him know that a firearm was in my luggage. I never said the words gun or firearm.
I love it. Kind of like in Groundhog Day when Phil is trying to ask the hotel lady if a policeman showed up looking for him. " Has anyone been around here looking for me this morning? Maybe a state employee, blue coat, hat, nightstick, badge, driving a late-model Ford or Chevy, black and white with bubble lights on top?" 😂
@@jason200912 Los Angeles, California is anti-gun. I didn’t want to alarm anyone and the airport employee knew what was going on. He wasn’t anti-gun based on how he was communicating with me.
I’m from California but I live in Georgia now. Every time I go back, I take my EDC 10mm. It’s a surprisingly easy process. Colion is spot on with everything he said on this video.
@@KGFIQ it’s super easy. You need a combination/ lock box for your gun that you can purchase at Walmart. Make sure the gun is empty preferably with the chamber open. Also remove the ammo from the magazine and put everything in the box. You would need to check a bag. when you go to check in your bag, just tell them that you have a firearm to declare, you will sign a card and they’ll stick that to the gun box. Then they will have you take your checked in bag to the oversized luggage office where they’ll scan it. They’ll have you wait until they scan it just incase they need you to open the box( i never have) Then they say tank you and you go on and board the plane. When you pick it up, sometimes your luggage will be in the oversized office as you drop it off or sometimes it will come out on the carrousel. I usually go straight to the oversized office with the claim ticket that they’ll give you when you check in the bag, and they tell you if your luggage is there or if it’ll come out on the carrousel. I just flew in from Texas yesterday and both in Texas and coming back to Atlanta, my luggage came out from the carrousel. Previous times, I had to pick up from oversized. Maybe it has to do with the airline or how busy they are, but either way the process is super easy. Hope that helps! Let us know about your experience.
Been carrying for years as well. Good video. I have a couple of things to add. 1. He’s right about the crapshoot how your bag arrives. Go wait at the baggage carousel until all the bags have arrived. Last thing you want is your bag with gun to be going around the carousel while you are waiting at the baggage office. 2. Pack some kind of a cutter in an outside compartment of the checked bag. The airline WON’T cut the zip tie off your bag. 3. Put an Apple Air Tag or a Tile Tracker in that suitcase. 4. IF your plane unexpectedly diverts to a location such as NYC because of weather or an emergency, DO NOT CLAIM THAT BAG!!! As long as the airline still has possession of your bag, you haven’t broken any laws. Once you claim the bag, YOU will now need to do the same check-in process for the next flight and they WILL arrest you when you do.
🤣 my double amputee marine veteran buddy accidentally left a couple loose rounds in his carry on bag and me and another friend were joking they thought he had coke in his legs as we waited and saw him being wanded down with what we thought was the drug wand but was a gun powder residue wand and get taken away not knowing about the rounds. Suffice to say he didn’t get fined and had to wait for the next flight to make it to a sled hockey tournament we were going to. There was an army platoon sergeant that made one of his privates give up his seat for him to make the last game.
I watched this video just to see what you had to say, most of it was stuff I already knew, but the tidbits about the airlines baggage claim and the exact process of the TSA... great information.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve flown with guns. I never had an issue; unless you count being pulled out of line at my gate while boarding, by several TSA agents and local police, then patted down, while simultaneously having my carry on (backpack) searched again. That’s happened to me a couple of times.
Thanks, for your content, luv it, keep up the great job. I like your detail attention to laws and rules for airline companies and state laws. I am glad to hear your TSA EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE your sharing. Thank you, TSA Officer, prior USMC Veteran, Retired USAF. prior USMCVETERAN, Retired USAF
Just flew with a pistol. Had no problems. Super easy!!! I didn't even need to empty the magazine, or seperate the mag, weapon in seperate locked case. The entire process took 20 min, and everyone was super friendly about it.
I'm a retired LEO and in the 30 years that I was on the job, I've flown many times on job-related trips; cases, training, seminars, as well as just just going on family vacations. I've always checked a firearm in luggage and really never had an issue. Only slight bumps were Boston where I flew in with an AR and a pistol enroute to a training class at the Sig Sauer Academy. I secured a "Right of Passage" letter from the Mass. State Police beforehand. And they recommended that we not stop anywhere between the airport and getting into New Hampshire. Lol! The other was LaGuardia Airport in NJ where after I checked my pistol in with my luggage at the ticket counter, I had to wait about 10 minutes and then follow a Port Authority officer to a small office where he checked my bag to make sure I secured my gun properly which I had and my case went through. Those were the only two minor things over 30 years of traveling with firearms.
Every single time I’ve flown with a weapon I was required to check it and receive it in a different area, other than general luggage carousel. (Around 2000) Until Covid. The first time I experienced this,(2022) I was shocked to realize the fact my weapon came back on the conveyor belt with the rest of the luggage from the flight. While standing in line at the oversize baggage, I could see my checked bag was not in the inventory that I could see. I just happened to look over my shoulder at the carousel saw what looked like my luggage, grabbed it and stepped back in line,I asked the airline employee why. They didn’t know. Then I realized because of my responsibility to that firearm that I was very exposed. I imagined what I would need to go through if it was stolen from the carousel. Lil side note. While picking up my rental I easily defeated the zip tie with a simple twist, think of tightening a tourniquet. Great video. Thank you.
Good point, I thought i thoroughly checked a carry on one time, but missed a new bottled water way at the bottom on my return flight. They saw that and took everything out of carry on backpack to reach bottom for it... Lesson learned, search carry on in good lighting, not at 5am before flight when its too freaking dark outside is also a thing to note.
Oh and sometimes they dont even ask for your id...I went to washington state...I was shocked that they just left my gun case unattended..when I asked for the manager she said "oh it's ok, most people dont even know what a gun case looks like"...I was flabbergasted! I told her she was stupid and was going to get someone killed or have someones gun stolen..
Sixth comment. Flown several times with guns. Pretty simple. Although once the tsa agent that was checking me, had to get his supervisor because the gun was setting off his wand that senses gun powder. On my way back home from a waterfowl hunt…with boxes of ammo in the same gun case. I shot it 200 times on the hunt. OF COURSE it has residue in it. No problem when the supervisor showed up but just weird. Never said anything about boxes of ammo in the locked gun case with the gun 🤷🏼♂️
Thanks for taking the time and sharing this. I despise traveling for any reasons to include vacations. Maybe one too many bad deployments and just not liking people but if given the choice I would remain local the rest of my days and be perfectly content with that.
Do you go through a metal detectors trying on the bus or train? I used to carry on them, but have not traveled on them in 25 years. There were no security checks on trains or busses back then. It was not just me.
Lol I have flown round trip from SC to UT about a half dozen times in the last few months using the same airports with the same airline (Delta) with a firearm and it has been a different experience every single time. It's crazy how consistently inconsistent it is lol
I got a kick out of it in the pre-TSA days. I was coming home after college and had an SKS in a rifle case. My roommate was with me and be both just laughed at the looks we got walking through the terminal with the thing on the way to check-in. As for double checking your carry-ons, YES. I know several people, including a pastor who simply forgot it was there. Especially true if you switch between flying private, where the rules are completely different and there's no TSA, and commercial. I've done it with large knives as a General Aviation pilot. I kept two own in my flight bag in case I ever went down somewhere, and sometimes used my flight bag as a carry-on. These days, that oopsie will be a larger pain in the ass than a flaming hemorrhoid.
Flown twice to Florida and once to Nevada with my CCW. No problems at all. Gun unloaded in an approved mini lockable metal case. Ammo in original manufactures box. Tell the airline check in about the firearm and ammo in the checked baggage. So far everything was smooth and problem free. Airline and security personnel were helpful, polite and professional.
Not every airline requires the gun and ammo to be separated. Not every airline requires magazines to be unloaded. Not every airline requires you to check in at full service. These things vary by airline as well as by airport
Ihave a conceal carry for NY upstate shity state with gunlaws they have but at least im able to carry and protect mines and myself i usually fly to puerto rico but im not sure if im able to fly with it and carry it over there was going to take it last time iflew there but iwas a nervous wreck lol i prefered to leav it but it would deff be nice to take it anyone know whats the process or if my NY license covers other states?
Great video Sir. Ammo in magazine, mag out of %100 unloaded/chamber firearm legal as well, never had problem with even with multiple loaded mags in same case. When using TSA approved locked hardcase. Odd how many times perhaps in smaller airports the TSA agents don't seem to know protocol for proper firearm travel. Even had Sheriff come around, stand near check in as I waited and mean mug me for about 10 mins while I waited near security to board plane after checking firearm. Always been smooth sailing in the end. Great advice on always double checking reciprocating laws.
You see, I take advantage of the system… I want to transport all of my stuff in a container that only I can access so my gun goes into a soft sided container, and my hard sided container is a pelican footlocker with a disk lock. This means that everything in my luggage and secured from TSA and anyone else who would want to steal it
Yeah no thanks! As much as it would be nice to be able to fly somewhere and take my firearm with me I read and heard too many horror stories about people checking their guns and then all of a sudden the flight gets diverted or makes an emergency landing into either a liberal city and/or state and then the passenger gets arrested even though they have their firearm checked. Pretty sure a while back thats what happened to somebody in new york. They were flying from one gun friendly state to another but for some reason they had to divert to new york and ended up getting arrested even though it wasnt their fault the plane went to that communist city. Not worth the risk imo!
Best rule of thumb: -Use separate bags for travel vs every day use. No need to get flagged due to residue from your last trip to the range. -Definitely check your bags for oopsies. I have lost a couple of knives that way. -Check with the Airline and TSA. Not only do rules vary, but have been known to change. -Expect to take extra time, for "inspections" and "random" searches. -Expect to get wrong answers, from person to person. I agree, keep your ammo separate. I like the unloaded mags with the ammo in a separate container. I have, however traveled with loaded mags, but if you do, definitely keep them separate from the weapon. I don't know about loading in the Ubber. That could cause it's own problems.
Thank you for all the information, This answered all of my questions. Never seen a video on this topic that was so clear and straight to the point. Thanks again.
I have my system as well when I fly which is pretty on par with what you do. Love the advertisement for Arrowhead tactical, I have a pair of their shorts and absolutely love them. Plan on getting some joggers next!
Thank you, thank you. This is the most detailed way of doing this. I work for one of the airlines and I see people all the time getting pissed off because they didn’t follow the rules. We always bring the case to our representative in baggage claim so they can do a positive bag match. One thing I will say is PLEASE if checking a rifle use ALL the lock holes.
So essentially everything I've done the past couple times. On one particular flight I had my bag checked in one of the airport's security rooms and the security officer had said "I wish I could take a picture of this to use as an example, because a lot of people get this wrong." It is definitely important to verify the state's, airport's and airline's rules regarding firearms before booking and boarding.
A lot to take in, but I will find a way to make thorough notes on this subject. Lots of customers ask me how to transport firearms legally and as secure as possible, but all I can advice is to check with airline policies and to consid buying Air Tags to track your package if it gets lost by the airline workers. It can be tricky working in a firearm shop because people assume you know everything on guns and laws. Thanks for the video. I have homework to do.
Bag checks are VERY important!!! I thought I did one but it was quick and dirty, and I forgot the spare mags in my backpack and my wife's purse. It wasn't until we got dropped off at the airport that I remember and had a "OMG" moment. Thankfully, I was able to deal with the situation prior to it being a problem with TSA, but OMG it was close and a lesson learned! I now do a triple bag check and take my time and be thorough. Before packing, after packing, and then once more right before leaving the house.
I hear that flying with a gun is the most sure fire way to keep your bags from going missing. The airline doesn't want to run the risk of having to deal with the ATF if they misplace someone's firearm.
That's the one thing I'll give the ATF credit for.
That’s a good point
Never heard of that personally. Flying with guns is extremely routine, and if you pay attention at a baggage claim, there will be people flying with guns on your flight almost certainly.
They don’t care. My team had several full auto rifles “disappear” once. That sure sucked.
@@targgthewise2892 "I lost my guns in a skyboating accident."
@@targgthewise2892 holy shit. NFA weapons stolen??? Wow
We were delayed, and nearly weren't allowed to disembark on a cruise because my wife had a single, spent .556 casing she kept in her purse as a remembrance of her father's funeral (a Vet). None of the idiot security even knew the difference between an inert spent casing, and a live round - badgering us why we would bring "ammunition" on board, asking where the "gun" was etc etc. It took two hours of this nonsense before the captain came down, took one look, apologized, and let us board.
Maybe to bypass that she could have made a neckless out of it and just took it off during the metal check. Not saying it's not still ridiculous one time when i was a kid i had a dime in my pocket i forgot about during airport security and the guy yelled at me "step back" because it set of the detector he only chilled out after i took the dime out
Should have just mailed it
Thats nice of her to have that. never heard anybody doing that. Vet myself
In what country did you go on to the cruise ship, what country flag did the ship have and what countries did you visit with the cruise ship? Because you know, most other countries don’t allow their civilians to have guns or bullets. That’s why is so safe in these countries. The USA has the most civilian owned guns and the most shootings and shooting victims on this planet and Americans love to use their guns. Most other countries don’t tolerate guns or shootings. And therefore it’s clear that cruise ships won’t allow you to take any guns, bullets or other weapons on to the cruise ship.
No idea why this happens but nearly every time I fly my right shoulder sets off the metal detector. I've had no surgery there and nothing is in my shoulder yet it's happened more than once. I usually just get a groping on my shoulder by the TSA and am allowed to be on my way. But it's still very strange. I work out a lot and usually make a cheesy joke about the gym paying off. It often falls flat though and barely gets a smile lol.
Made a rookie mistake a long time ago of not having ammo in a appropriate container. SWA took all my ammo. The Check-in supervisor said the ammo would be “properly disposed of”. I bet, right at the police range no doubt.
And that’s why you just don’t fly lol
What did you have the ammunition in? I keep my magazines loaded and have never had an issue.
I live in California & have had zero problems flying with guns so far. Knock on wood lol
One time I did my bag check thoroughly, so I thought... turned out that I missed two loaded glock mags in the hidden secret pocket in back of the bag... when the xray picked it up, I was looking at them like wtf? Then I realized where I had left them. TSA COULD NOT FIND THEM.. I had to show them where they were.. the unt from tsa called the cops immediately... they came up, told them what happened. They said were sorry sir, but we cannot let you take those mags at all now... I told them okay... keep em.. I donate them to local law enforcement enforcement... he said they had to destroy them... okay, then they let me go... I was pretty happy and relieved.... didn't make that mistake twice...
@@shagnasty6391 I'm sure the officer donated them right into his pocket and wrote up the paperwork stating that they were destroyed. What cop would turn down free magazines?
I had to fly to DC for an expo with a *non-functional* prototype firearm. Going to DC, super easy. Flew out of my airport, they saw it was a demo and not capable of firing live rounds, zero paperwork.
Flying back FROM DC: Total nightmare. I had to declare it as a real firearm, and the agent freaked out because the mock gun was borderline artillery-sized. I flew with an actual firearm because I stayed in Virginia during the trip, and the TSA of DC cared far more about a mostly 3D printed concept piece, than the actual gun I brought. Upon returning home, the prototype was waiting in the customer service area, however my actual handgun was in my checked bag on the carousel where anyone could have grabbed it.
Clown show. Every other time I've flown with a firearm, which is every time I fly, zero issues. Unless I'm in the DC area.
DCA is in Virginia though, so at no point should DC anyone have been involved
@@MrHav1kexactly
@@MrHav1k You are correct, sir. I colloquially refer to places nearby DC as "DC" anyways out of convenience.
That said, the airport experience was still just as cartoonishly bad as I described.
It's a political statement from the DC authorities which means, "if the unit should be legal, then you should be ready for it to get stolen by any criminal AS WELL [since we deal with investigating these thefts a lot, and it's kinda hard because we're not robots and we can only care so much], or WE should at least be eager to accept the opportunity to investigate A LOT of cases where these products get stolen."
Is there any doubt as to whether our political party, comprised solely of vigilantes, was doomed to die (and that none of its members were developmentally at the stage where everyone else develops souls -- they were all anomalies)?
FFS, gameboys are barely justifiabl/legal. Why talk about arms so much?
@seanrowshandel1680 are you having a stroke?
I spent 2 months in New Mexico last spring doing a ton of shooting. I check my 2 rifles and 4 pistols without a hiccup but didn't realize that I had ONE light primer strike .22lr in my coat pocket. I was soon whisked away to the "Room" where I was sure I was going to get a inside out cavity search. The TSA had called the El Paso police and they came with to the room and stood there with their hands on their weapons. one of the officers looked at the round and said "yeah that's not going to fire at all" and then left. Thank god this happened in El Paso and not a place like California or New York.
They inspected all of the primers?
Where in the hell in NM did you go you went to El Paso to "fly in?" Unless it was near the Las Cruces area or the Gila, that makes zero sense.
If he was in Southern New Mexico it makes perfect sense.
Or Illinois. Glad all is well
Why do you emphasize where their hands were as if its a bad thing?
THANK YOU!!!!!! The first comprehensive video on flying with a gun. I am a cop @ a NY airport. And I have seen so many people arrested because they did not follow these steps. EVERY AIRLINE SHOULD HAVE A LINK TO THIS VIDEO ON THEIR WEBSITE….. Thank you for doing this. Other flying videos I have seen I had to comment about things they said were wrong, or left out. This is a perfect video.
Your right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed... but we have all these conflicting laws and regulations which are designed to limit and trip-up law-abiding folks but for which criminals will never, ever follow.
And politicians never have to follow in the first place.
Never know you could be a terrorist and not even know it your self.
@@transtubular Name a politician that was arrested or detained for illegally owning firearms, bringing firearms onto airlines illegally, or really just any illegal activity revolving around firearms. I'll wait.
But these laws make it easier to catch those criminals who would take advantage of the 2nd amendment. So I don't see what the problem with restricting firearms is. Because it goes against the 2A? If that's the only reason then maybe we should think about making some changes to it.
@@truesentrie1185 Hunter Biden?
If only I had seen this video 6 months ago. This past March I accidentally had loose ammo in my carry on bag on a flight home from Turks and Caicos. JFK missed it on the way down, it was found while I was attempting to board my flight home. I was arrested, charged, spent 6 days in jail and had to surrender my passport and fight the case in which they were trying to send me to jail for 12 years. Yes, you read that right. Fortunately I was able to find a great attorney who was able to argue for special circumstances. There is no plea bargaining down there, so it was either 12 years or nothing. To make a long story short, I was very fortunate. A very expensive mistake. Moral of the story, know what is in your bags at all times and equally important, know the laws of the places you are visiting. Another great video CN.
So you only were charged at the island? or have you had trouble with US laws as well?
I saw your story on the news, what a cluster f*ck! Sorry you had to deal with that, and glad you’re ok. 🇺🇸
I will never visit that place. I have zero respect for a place that has no respect for me.
The best piece of advice is to be prepared during check-in to follow whatever instructions the attendant gives you. No matter how many times you’ve done this, even with the same airline at the same airport, it seems like each time is different. Every attendant has their own interpretation of how this works. I’ve even had a couple of times where I had to tell them how to do it because they had no clue. It’s always a bit of an adventure.
That's been my experience as well!
Kinda bad when even the attendants don’t know anything 😂
As a person who has flown with a gun and had to look this up independently for fear of catching federal charges, thank you so much for making this for those that don't know.
Also, for anyone interested, calling your local airport's TSA or sometimes knowledgeable staff from your airline is a great resource with people who want to make sure you're good to go and squared away.
But this video is concise and on point.
I appreciate this video. Earlier this year, I gifted my sister a pistol. I inherited my fathers when he passed away and so I gave her my concealed carry. She had to fly home with it and we didn’t know the procedures and laws. It took us a while to figure things out but eventually she was able to return home with it lawfully. It would’ve been nice to have a video like this to reference and to guide us through the procedures. We were able to figure it out, but if we had a video like this, it would’ve taken a lot less time to figure out and a lot less worry. Even though we now have the knowledge is still good to post this video for those still trying to figure it out.
In PA all handgun sales thru FFL..except grandparent to grandchildren or parent to child. Would get complicated with not being a resident of PA.
Bro you have the internet, there was no excuse for you to not google the laws and what to do man
@@FlyAwayChi that is what we did but Google doesn’t like to give any 2A information up easily. I had to dig just to get to the TSA, airline and state law information. There is a lot of things that change year to year and if you look at the wrong place on google you could get into trouble. Having a video like this gives basic directions and a beginning point for people to start from. It’s also nice to to know what to expect.
@lisagardner6429 True I feel you
I would also add you should always add a tracker to each bag or case containing a firearm. This way not only do you know what area they have it, should it not be where you expect it the search can begin. In the pods I hide them under the foam. The pod in my truck always has an tracking tag in case the truck gets stolen or they manage to find the pod and get it out in the 1% of times I have to leave something in there.
I never go anywhere without mine. Unless of course I'm flying into a state like CA... but I just try to avoid that altogether
Seems that’s the state you’ll likely NEED one.
I fly to and from California with mine all the time. Find me with it you won't find me without it
@@oldmanjenkins771 Its so strange how the states with the strictest firearm laws always seem to be the most dangerous places to live in. Really gets the noggin jogging.
I don’t go to California. No exceptions.
@@MoaRider its a no brainer… take away guns from the good law abiding people, criminals have free reign and will become far more emboldened to commit crime and kill.
From someone who also flies commercial with firearms numerous times a year, this is the most comprehensive and succinct rundown I have seen to date, on the process. Good work, Colion!
One critical thing you didn't mention- the lock(s) used to secure the case with your firearm/ammo in it must NOT be TSA locks (the kind that TSA agents all have a key for); the lock must be openable only by you.
@@darklordzqwertythat's just not true
@@darklordzqwerty It is a violation of Federal Law to lock your gun with any lock that somebody besides for you has a key for. DO NOT PUT A TSA LOCK ON A GUN CASE.
Besides for the fact that TSA all has keys for it, TSA masterkeys are very common and anybody can buy them online for about 5 bucks.
@@kairodriguez3934you’re wrong. It’s literally on TSAs website that it does not need to be TSA approved and nobody can open your gun case without you present. If they need to see inside they’ll ask you to come by then and show them.
Using a tsa lock is the best quickest way to go and the passenger isn't allowed in baggage when the gun is checked if it needs to be checked
@@davidbean1218sometimes they will let it slide if you use a TSA lock but it’s against their official policy & if you’re going to try it you better have other locks with you so you don’t risk missing your flight having to go out & buy new locks if they make an issue of it.
Leaving San Diego and today and wanted some info about traveling with a handgun. You videos likes always are super informative and helpful. Thanks from California!
Flying through any NY City airport will get you an up close and personal meeting with the NY Port Authority Police Department. I was traveling from Oklahoma to Connecticut and I flew through New York City. When I flew into New York I didn't have any problems and the process was just as easy as you described in the video. When I flew back to Oklahoma I ran into an issue. The woman at the counter checked me in then called for the police. Two police officers approached and demanded my ID and airline tickets. I was on leave from military training so I showed them a copy of my orders and pass. They looked at my weapons, ran the serial numbers on them, and told me to stand by while they went to have a conversation with each other. I think that they didn't arrest me because I was on orders and not breaking any laws. Federal law allows you to travel with locked firearms but New York City will arrest you for having the audacity to travel with a firearm in their city. A few days after arriving in Oklahoma I found out that a diamond merchant was arrested for carrying a gun in New York City.
Just because it's legal doesn't mean you won't get hassled for exercising your rights and obeying the laws.
Check the regs. To help avoid the hassle you may still be allowed to have your firearms listed on your orders. Usually it will have Type, Serial Number and may have a statement "Authorized to Hand Carry" on the orders. Before 911 I traveled to Korea With My Shotgun (disassebeled) in my carry-on. Best part was you get escorted through the checkout & to the aircraft to meet the pilot to let him know you have a weapon. Ultimately it's up to the airlines.
@@John-li6tn I was at Fort Sill for BOLC, went to Connecticut on Christmas block leave, and couldn't leave anything in the hotel. NYC just likes to disregard federal law and take as many firearms off the streets, even if there aren't any laws being broken.
I understand, on the way back home I ran into a TSA Agent (before they were Frederal) who hassled me & insisted I had to put them in my stowed baggage. Just trying to give you a possible way to elevate the hassle. You may have been able to put it on your orders to Ft Sill & showed it to them.
New York is the absolute MOST difficult and time consuming. I have several buddies that are police officers, and under federal law HR 218, they are allowed to carry their guns in any state, including NY. Every one of them that have flown in/out of NY said that after going through the typical stuff indicated in this video, the NYPD Port Authority Officers showed up and escorted them to a private room. Then, in addition to checking the officer's badges and identification, they telephone the police department the officer works for to verify their employment. I'm not sure how they handle a retired officer that is sill within training compliance and is also allowed to carry via HR 218. My issue is not with them being thorough; my issue is that their process is generally guaranteed to take an additional hour in and of itself. So if you're flying in/out NY, get to the airport like at least 3-4 hours before your flight or you'll miss it.
That is absolutely not the case as to why they were called. Don’t misinform and cause mongering! NY Port Authority get called EVERY TIME there is a firearm checked as their weird policy is they have actually write a report and document it. If ever flying out of (not through or into) photocopy your DL a copy of TSA regulations/airline policy, and any military or LE ID and keep a copy in the case. I hand them over a photocopy of my ID’s that has the gun make/model/serial number on it and they are gone and on their way.
Colion; Even my wife of 53 yrs enjoys your vids. We are super impressed with your knowledge and your delivery. Thank you for taking all the time it takes to inform the public of the many ways to enjoy weaponry. Just another happy subscriber.
Why because he black lol yall sick
Colion, thank you doing this video! This definitely helps reinforce what you can read on the airlines' website and state/local laws.
Thanks!
One thing I do is I put an Apple Airtag in the case with the firearms, that way I can track it while traveling. It also helps you figure out where they took it when you get to your destination. It's also true that different airports handle checking a firearm differently. In Tucson they try to see if they ca pry the case open with their hands, in other places they just ask to see it real quick. Great video and very informative.
Speaking from experience; when your case is wiped down by TSA and the agent says, “Sir, your case came back positive for explosive residue.” You may not want to respond with, “No shit, Sherlock. It’s a gun case.” 😂
Gun cases do not test positive for explosives, unless you have been playing with Semtex, C4 or similar materials.
@@charliefoxtrot5001 Or if you use facial moisturizers with glycerine...
@@charliefoxtrot5001 I have had a gun case (specifically, the foam inside a current-design Glock case) test positive for explosives way back when the geniuses at TSA in the Austin airport hand checked all bags with declared firearms. They had to get a supervisor but they were eventually like "okay". I left the "no shit, Sherlock" in my internal monologue. LOL! But I was highly annoyed and they have thankfully stopped tossing bags with guns and just X-ray them.
@@ds78613 Cool story, bro! Did you know that pretty much all US currency in circulation tests positive for trace amounts of cocaine? How many people test positive for cocaine residue at airport scanners? Yes, those scanners also test for narcotics, yet I have not seen a single person testing positive. The same way I have not tested positive when shooting and flying on the same day. 🤷
@@charliefoxtrot5001 certain hand lotions will cause a false positive for explosives with the TSA scanners Jeff Dunham has a bit in one of his old acts because the lotion he uses caused the butt of one of the puppets to test positive.
I’ve flown with guns a few times over the last couple of years. I have found it to be much less hassle than I was anticipating.
It's no joke about checking your backs BEFORE you pack. A friend of mine had a few loose rounds in his bag when he flew in to town but TSA missed it. When he went to leave, they found it and the hassle was on. They eventually let him through but not without some new documentation dropped on him.
Unless you live in Cali, New York. The most that will happen now is they will just take them and you will be on your way
A TSO once held me up for having a holster on going through security; it's not a "firearm component" so ultimately no issue but he was an absolute tool about it lol.
I've had the experience of going into a place after placing my weapon securely in my vehicle, only for me to get stopped and checked because I forgot to remove the holster. It's always a good laugh.
Last time I flew I had just a holster in my checked luggage. Did not bring firearms or ammo. I am sure they saw the holster and that’s why they searched my bag that ONE time because they suspected a firearm that wasn’t declared. Otherwise uneventful.
@@cll1outThey most likely saw something else. Your holster would not stand out on the x-ray like that
I tried to return mail a holster once at a mail stop, and they wouldn't even touch it when I set it on the counter for being a 'firearm component'.
@@OGXDreamYou need to look at the actual Xray sometime. Everything shows up. Especially if a computer scans the image. Plastic or leather holster....doesn't matter. Still shows up.
As a TSO myself thank you for making this video! Gun lover myself, along with most of my coworkers, so we try our best to be gentle about the rules when we can. With a few things there simply is no give in the system... It is overly complex...
This is helpful for everyone who flies in the US. No enemies here, just learning the laws and ensuring our safety and rights at the same time.
How can you take a job as TSa and violate peoples rights so easily
Why did you sign on as a TSA agent if you're a gun lover?
@@danielgoodman3578Would you rather TSA be filled with only those who favor gun control? We should be thanking this person for diluting the pool.
@@anamericanpatriot5230I was asked the same thing when going into law enforcement. How is having fewer good cops the solution of too many bad cops?
Short, informative and 100% useful.
Thanks for the video ❤
I haven't flown with a firearm in over a decade. The information supplied in this video is great. I recall an early TSA encounter with a checked firearm in my bag. I was able to watch the bag's progress on the ramp and saw a TSA agent pull my bag and start trying to open the combination lock. I politely told the agent it was my bag and I would gladly tell him the combination. He thanked me and opened the bag. He would have cut my lock off. I told him there was a declared firearm in the bag in a locked case. He said he wasn't concerned about the gun. My bag has a metal linger and I had packed a pair of thick sole boots in the bag and the soles were in contact with the liner. He used chemical wipes and checked the boot soles for explosives. I thanked him for the information and went on my way. For the return trip, I packed the boots in my carry-on bag and they went through the X-ray machine without a problem. I would also suggest downloading the most recent TSA guidelines for travel with firearms in addition to the state requirements you are traveling to. And always be polite and respectful to TSA agents even if you don't like their intrusive methods.
Just a point about optics: friends of mine annually fly to Kansas for Prairie Dog Season. Their advice is to equip their rifles with Quick Release Mounts so that they can bring their expensive scopes in their Carry-on bags. They learned(the hard way!) That the Unpressurized Cargo hold caused destructive seal damage and glass fogging and ruined the $1000+ Scopes..
Great video, it is amazing the hoops you have to jump through. I sometimes get a chuckle from the agent at the counter when checking a firearm. Some of them are scared to death and seem to want to curl into a ball, some of them will put the form inside the case, some of them on the outside, and some of them are gun enthusiasts and we end up having a short conversation about my gun. I usually fly Spirit and I have never taken my ammo out of my magazines. I just put the loaded magazine inside the case with the gun. The gun is unloaded of course. However, I just ordered one of the ammo cases mentioned in the video. Every airline and even every airport is different. Some come out and say you're good to go while others make you stand in a corner for 20 minutes.
Excellent as always. The pick up really is random like you say. Here is my experience in flying twice roundtrip from Louisville International Airport( SDF) to Miami International Airport (MIA).
Arriving at Miami the first time, they told me to meet someone behind the ribbon divider by the escalator behind the curtain to pick up. But the second time, it was in an office.
At Louisville, the first time they put it on the conveyor normally. The second time, I assumed it was the same place. I waited for a half hour. Then, I noticed an employee off to the side waiting with a bag that looked like mine. I approached him and identified myself. I got my bag from him, and he said that he was about to leave because I was taking a long time to get to him. (Nobody told me it would be different. I should have asked instead of assuming).
So, there were 4 different ways of getting the bag on four different arrivals.
Thank you for this. I've seen other youtubers show how to fly with a gun but out of all them, I trust you the most.
I flew with one the first time this summer, and was shocked how little fuss they made. Leaving Tampa the airline lady walked me over to TSA check, they ran my bag through an X-ray and I was done. Flying home from Austin the airline just put my shit on the belt and said see ya. On arrival, I had my bag from claim both times before the rest of the family had theirs from the carousel
Thanks for the info. I was planning to fly with my EDC next month - on Delta. I appreciate your real-world experience.
I'm no lawyer.... but i believe if you are TRAVELLING with your firearm and you are passing through a state, you have certain protections under federal law against more restrictive laws in specific states.
Take New York for example... you can travel through New York with prohibited items... just make sure you are not there longer than 24 hours and that you comply with their crazy gun transport laws.
There is the "safe passage" provision of the Firearm Owners Protection Act. States have violated it in the past, though.
@@rudder727 Hope people catch your "24 hours" in your comment, residing in a state "overnight/for a day" does change the technical dynamic. Flying in at 0100 and leaving at 1200 "same day", is a boatload different between 1500 in and next day leaving at 1700 (lawyer bullshiet).
Hey, you should do your comment as an OP. Take your comment and make it stand alone.
Some states will still arrest you, put you in jail, charge you with violations of their gun laws, and allow you to use safe passage as a DEFENSE at your trial.
Yup, you are correct! But you’ll have to post bail and prove your innocence in court in accordance w/ the constitution…
🙄
Why? Because it’s what We The People tolerate🤷♂️ Yup, that simple. We tolerate it so that way we can have our $10 Starbucks and multiple cars, because if we rock the boats then our “30 pieces of silver” will be at risk….
What’s worse than 1 Judas? 300million Judas that vote
Thanks for the info dude. just got my first gun a couple days ago because im going to be making a cross country drive “im moving “ and i wasn’t feeling safe without something to defend myself with in case things go left. I was a little scared about flying with my gun but this info was really helpful. I appreciate all the advice you give.
Been following you in facebook for a long time now
One note: the lock on the case can NOT be a TSA lock. Also, do NOT expect the TSA to leave your external lock intact if that's how you secured the case. They will cut it off IF you can't be contacted by the airline when TSA trys to contact you. I carry replacements & keys. Great video.
Or, travel with a gun case that has an internal lock.
That’s false. It can and TSA has no issue with it being a TSA lock. That being said, definitely not the smarter option if given.
@@chadrech9230 Here is what the law says on locks in 49 CFR 1540.11 (c)(w): "The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination." A TSA lock, by definition, violates 9 CFR 1540.11 (c)(w), as the TSA also holds the key to unlock the container.
There has been a lot of confusion on this subject. The TSA on its own Web site even provides contradictory guidance: "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."
The best option is to use a gun case that has an internal lock that can't be cut off. If the gun case goes into a checked bag, then use a TSA lock on that bag.
That's not true at all. It can definitely be a TSA lock.
@@OGXDream Federal law says otherwise. Read my post above.
Planning to get my 1st gun soon. Thanks Colion, your videos have been very helpful
Security theater at its best. This B.S. is exactly why the Patriot Act and TSA need to be fully abolished.
I do agree that flying with a firearm shouldn’t be anywhere near as difficult as it is right now. However, I can understand why the TSA is in place so we don’t have another 911 or other similar attacks. But none of that is gonna stop me from being frustrated from time to time with how annoying this whole ordeal can be😂
they're not even armed - what are they going to do? They need drug sniffing dogs or bomb teams. TSA is useless@@samritterbusch5716
@@samritterbusch5716 The TSA does not exist to protect anyone and has never been responsible for thwarting a single attack. On top of all the bullshit they do to inconvenience you, they’ve failed countless tests conducted by the FBI proving that they are incapable of even sniffing out a potential threat, let alone stopping an attack. Their job is to give the people who don’t know any better a false sense of security so they don’t get nervous about flying. Intelligence is why he haven’t had another 9/11, not the TSA.
@@samritterbusch5716lol dude tryna smuggle
@@samritterbusch5716 It's been shown time and time again that the TSA is completely ineffective.
Thanks Colion, there is a few videos and guides out there but none as comprehensive and simple as your for the variety of situations that come from experience! Hope you do one on “what not to do after traveling from a big gun show”. Haha
Just flew with a pistol for the first time a month ago. I printed the TSA rules and American airline rules, laid those in the case with the pistol, just so I would have them if anyone said I wasn't following the rules. Both flights were very easy, my checked bag was in oversized luggage office before my wife's bag came out on the carousal.
That's the smart thing to do. I will copy that
This is actually a great tip. Noted.
So you kept the “rules” in the locked case with the death Ray that they don’t want you to touch….
Outstanding sir!
🙄
I am a 30 yr, 18,000 hour 767 Captain (and former Black Hawk pilot) and a FAA Part 121 Ground Instructor.
Colin's explanation, and more importantly-advice, are all correct. I especially like the advice about inspecting your bag for accidental ammo in some nook or cranny of your bag.
If for any reason you end up at a New York airport on your way to another destination, do NOT take possession of your checked bag, you will be arrested.
This happened to a guy whose flight was diverted
You need to tell the airline to hold onto the bag and to get you a flight to your destination.
I've worked in the airline industry for years. You did a good job explaining this. The airline that I work for has a policy where if it looks like a gun case and has a lock on it. Then it's treated like it's a gun and needs to go to someone in our baggage office and have an ID check. This sometimes upsets some passengers who have something other than a gun in a locked Pelican style case. But I'd rather play it safe and not risk a possible firearm going to someone besides the owner.
Pro Tip: EMT shears are legal to carry on board, per TSA's website, and they're great for dealing with the pesky zip ties. They're also cheap enough to lose if you happen to get a TSA agent who doesn't know their own policies and confiscates them.
They are, but as I found out, many foreign countries do not allow you to carry them onto the plane when leaving. I lost more shears that way...
Gun and ammo do NOT have to fly separate. The ammo also does not have to be locked up at all. Original box is preferred, largely because it's the easiest most obvious option but I put those in a ziplock back for when the bag invariably gets wet or the cardboard gives up from getting tossed around so I don't wind up with a scavenger hunt in my bag to find every last round. I always check by bag with two loaded mags in a mag holder in the locked case with the gun and additional unloaded mags and ammo in original box in the suitcase the pistol case is in. The only requirement (at least on SWA) is that the ammo is "packaged to prevent accidental activation of the primer".
I only recently learned that ammunition doesn't have to be declared. You can just put it in your checked bag as long as it's in factory boxes or some other sort of sealed container.
I think blanket statements like these are well meaning but potentially dangerous. Laws vary from state to state and what is legal in your state may be a felony in another/liberal state. Besides, they keep changing guns laws so even if it was legal in all 50 states today, what about next 5 years or ten? Just my 2 cents ...
@@Freedom-ef4fj And airline to airline.
I checked 2 shotguns on a flight from texas to Arkansas and the outfitter told me not to bring any ammo. I did go through security really fast carrying a locked gun case though..
Columbus Ohio Airport won't let you even check one, according to a call I made to the airport police and tsa.
@@MikeRichardson78 sure they will. They have to.
flew with my p365xl for the first time earlier this year while on vacation. it went pretty smooth and fairly easy.
Def will do again if given the chance.
It shouldn't be so hard to simply exercise your right. That said, this is a great video. Thanks for giving us that low down.
Thank you for this video. No politics, no jabs at people who don’t agree with your stance, just your own personal experience.
I dont fly anywhere because id rather drive, but im still gonna learn about it.
I quit flying. They treat you like a criminal.
I have yet to fly with a firearm, but the loose brass/ammo thing is why I have a dedicated range bag that goes only to/from the range. My other suitcases, backpacks, etc. that do go on planes, have never had a firearm or ammo in them, and have never seen a shooting range. I still have to check them for other prohibited items before I fly, but I can be certain there's nothing firearm related in them.
I’ve flown with my gun before, but just one. And there’s no way in hell I would fly so much into a liberal state for even a layover with the bullshit they’d try to pin on me.
This
If you fly into a liberal state like California, don’t take it. If you have a layover in a liberal state DO NOT under any circumstances take possession of your bag. Flat out refuse if they try to coerce you into doing so.
Sure fire way to catch a felony for carrying a gun in an airport.
I have flown out and into some of the most dangerous and in the case of the United States anti-firearm airports in the world. Plan, prepare, and have credentials prepared and you will not have issues.
Try flying out of one smh
Imagine having a layover in Newark, JFK, or Chicago.
Great tips, thank you! I've only ever flown with a firearm on chartered jet, not on a public airline. I've always wanted to do so but have been afraid of trying. Silly, I know. Anyhow, your explanation gives me confidence to do so next time I fly, cheers!
You’re allowed to have ammo within the same locked container as the firearm. Gun has to be unloaded. Ammo can be kept in the magazines or inside an ammo container or cardboard packaging. At least that’s how it’s been for me flying on Alaska, southwest and American. Great video 🇺🇸
Nope, nobody allows ammo in the magazines. The logic is , they expect the gun to be not quickly made "ready".
If you doubt me, name one airlines that states ammo can be in magazine.
You used to be able to have the ammo in magazine or container in same box as gun but not anymore. Now separate container/box.
Directly from TSA website
“Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).”
www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
Individual airlines may make that more restrict. So always double check
@@kfelix2934 Spirit, Southwest I can vouch for since I been flying with them, also in TSA policy.
@@RGTFLA85no it absolutely can still be in the same locked container as the firearm per TSA. It’s right in their regulations.
Listen to CN as this is an excellent presentation. Vaultek Life Pod is a good one. 80 flights a year for decades and always with checked firearm(s). Oh the changes over the years…
In NY and NJ (perhaps other states)
A Loaded Magazine is considered a Loaded Gun
🙄
I have flown quite a bit. Just Delta and United. TSA a couple years ago said they came to a conclusion that magazine’s were an acceptable ammo container as long as there are no loose ones. Haven’t flown with an extra ammo box since.
I flew from Nevada to Texas in the 90’s with a couple of pistols. Just showed up at the airport with them in my carryon, unloaded, asked for security and asked them their procedure. Put them in my checked baggage and flew home. That was back in the day when guns simply didn’t just up and start shooting people on their own.
What? When did they start?
Your calm tone really makes it seem like this is a doable/manageable option. Just be diligent and watch those laws in every state. 🤙🏼
I believe tsa rules state that the bag your gun is in needs to be locked so tsa can't even get in. Deviant Ollam has several videos on this in greater detail on how to talk to the tsa and the airline/airport employees to be sure you are in compliance with the law. He also will travel with a stripped ar-15 lower if he has a bag with something delicate or valuable that he doesn't want the tsa to have the opportunity to break or steal because by law they are not supposed to open it without you present with a declared firearm.
If you've followed Deviant Ollam for any amount of time, you know that TSA has chopped the locks off his gun cases multiple times.
If you read the federal law on traveling with a firearm, the TSA policy doesn't abide by the law. Only the traveler is supposed to have access. The lock cutting violates the law. So does the TSA placing their crappy locks on your case one they cut yours off.
I use to have a copy of the federal law in a FedEx type sticky envelope, as well as my name and phone number in the event the case requires reopening. My present Pelican case has reinforced hasps (so they don't cut through the factory lock location and I use shielded shackle Abloy padlocks.
@@gungadinn yes, yes, yes, and yes. The Orlando airport has been his worst offender by far, and he makes a big stink over it and I believe has gotten them to pay for the locks before when he had extra time to deal with them.
Ahh, but that's where you're right AND wrong. Federal law gives TSA the ability to cut off the lock on your cases IF your case sets off their alarms during screening procedures OR if they cannot reasonably find you in a given amount of time (which differs by airline and airport) to have you open your locks for them to check your case.
Why? Certainly it SHOULD violate your 4th amendment rights and the laws and regulations put into place by that system, right?
Wrong! The TSA is not under the law enforcement side of our federal laws and regulations, but the administration side, meaning that search and seizure without a warrant is one of the things you agree to when you purchase a ticket to fly out of a federally backed airport that has TSA security screenings.
If you try to follow up with cut locks through your airline or TSA, that's their adorable loophole that allows them to screen your shit.
I wish this video existed 3 months ago. I spent hours along with calling airport directly to figure out the process. You covered everything nicely
I flew to California with a firearm and ammo. It was relatively painless process. I had to pick up my lost luggage with that firearm at LAX. It was hilarious and sad having to speak in code with the airport employee to let him know that a firearm was in my luggage. I never said the words gun or firearm.
Use declaration....and they will say it for you.
Why did you use code words
I love it. Kind of like in Groundhog Day when Phil is trying to ask the hotel lady if a policeman showed up looking for him. " Has anyone been around here looking for me this morning? Maybe a state employee, blue coat, hat, nightstick, badge, driving a late-model Ford or Chevy, black and white with bubble lights on top?" 😂
I live in California & fly with my guns often but LAX is a different beast so im not surprised
@@jason200912 Los Angeles, California is anti-gun. I didn’t want to alarm anyone and the airport employee knew what was going on. He wasn’t anti-gun based on how he was communicating with me.
I’m from California but I live in Georgia now.
Every time I go back, I take my EDC 10mm.
It’s a surprisingly easy process.
Colion is spot on with everything he said on this video.
Im flying out of GA airport in ATL thru Delta to Flordia for the 1st time considering bringing my glock, how was the process overall in terms of TSA ?
@@KGFIQ it’s super easy.
You need a combination/ lock box for your gun that you can purchase at Walmart.
Make sure the gun is empty preferably with the chamber open.
Also remove the ammo from the magazine and put everything in the box.
You would need to check a bag.
when you go to check in your bag, just tell them that you have a firearm to declare, you will sign a card and they’ll stick that to the gun box.
Then they will have you take your checked in bag to the oversized luggage office where they’ll scan it.
They’ll have you wait until they scan it just incase they need you to open the box( i never have)
Then they say tank you and you go on and board the plane.
When you pick it up, sometimes your luggage will be in the oversized office as you drop it off or sometimes it will come out on the carrousel.
I usually go straight to the oversized office with the claim ticket that they’ll give you when you check in the bag, and they tell you if your luggage is there or if it’ll come out on the carrousel.
I just flew in from Texas yesterday and both in Texas and coming back to Atlanta, my luggage came out from the carrousel.
Previous times, I had to pick up from oversized.
Maybe it has to do with the airline or how busy they are, but either way the process is super easy.
Hope that helps!
Let us know about your experience.
This is why I drive instead.
If I can't get to my destination by driving a vehicle myself then I'm not going simple as that
@@mr.nelson8663that's how I feel.
Depending on where you're going, it's usually faster anyway
@@LorenzoJ0 how? that makes no sense to me (unless your flying for like 45 minutes, which I assume is incredibly rare)
Never been to Europe huh?
Been carrying for years as well. Good video. I have a couple of things to add.
1. He’s right about the crapshoot how your bag arrives. Go wait at the baggage carousel until all the bags have arrived. Last thing you want is your bag with gun to be going around the carousel while you are waiting at the baggage office.
2. Pack some kind of a cutter in an outside compartment of the checked bag. The airline WON’T cut the zip tie off your bag.
3. Put an Apple Air Tag or a Tile Tracker in that suitcase.
4. IF your plane unexpectedly diverts to a location such as NYC because of weather or an emergency, DO NOT CLAIM THAT BAG!!! As long as the airline still has possession of your bag, you haven’t broken any laws. Once you claim the bag, YOU will now need to do the same check-in process for the next flight and they WILL arrest you when you do.
🤣 my double amputee marine veteran buddy accidentally left a couple loose rounds in his carry on bag and me and another friend were joking they thought he had coke in his legs as we waited and saw him being wanded down with what we thought was the drug wand but was a gun powder residue wand and get taken away not knowing about the rounds. Suffice to say he didn’t get fined and had to wait for the next flight to make it to a sled hockey tournament we were going to. There was an army platoon sergeant that made one of his privates give up his seat for him to make the last game.
I watched this video just to see what you had to say, most of it was stuff I already knew, but the tidbits about the airlines baggage claim and the exact process of the TSA... great information.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve flown with guns. I never had an issue; unless you count being pulled out of line at my gate while boarding, by several TSA agents and local police, then patted down, while simultaneously having my carry on (backpack) searched again. That’s happened to me a couple of times.
Thanks, for your content, luv it, keep up the great job.
I like your detail attention to laws and rules for airline companies and state laws.
I am glad to hear your TSA EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE your sharing.
Thank you,
TSA Officer, prior USMC Veteran, Retired USAF.
prior USMCVETERAN, Retired USAF
Just flew with a pistol. Had no problems. Super easy!!! I didn't even need to empty the magazine, or seperate the mag, weapon in seperate locked case. The entire process took 20 min, and everyone was super friendly about it.
I'm a retired LEO and in the 30 years that I was on the job, I've flown many times on job-related trips; cases, training, seminars, as well as just just going on family vacations. I've always checked a firearm in luggage and really never had an issue. Only slight bumps were Boston where I flew in with an AR and a pistol enroute to a training class at the Sig Sauer Academy. I secured a "Right of Passage" letter from the Mass. State Police beforehand. And they recommended that we not stop anywhere between the airport and getting into New Hampshire. Lol! The other was LaGuardia Airport in NJ where after I checked my pistol in with my luggage at the ticket counter, I had to wait about 10 minutes and then follow a Port Authority officer to a small office where he checked my bag to make sure I secured my gun properly which I had and my case went through. Those were the only two minor things over 30 years of traveling with firearms.
Every single time I’ve flown with a weapon I was required to check it and receive it in a different area, other than general luggage carousel. (Around 2000)
Until Covid. The first time I experienced this,(2022) I was shocked to realize the fact my weapon came back on the conveyor belt with the rest of the luggage from the flight. While standing in line at the oversize baggage, I could see my checked bag was not in the inventory that I could see. I just happened to look over my shoulder at the carousel saw what looked like my luggage, grabbed it and stepped back in line,I asked the airline employee why. They didn’t know. Then I realized because of my responsibility to that firearm that I was very exposed. I imagined what I would need to go through if it was stolen from the carousel. Lil side note. While picking up my rental I easily defeated the zip tie with a simple twist, think of tightening a tourniquet. Great video. Thank you.
Good point, I thought i thoroughly checked a carry on one time, but missed a new bottled water way at the bottom on my return flight. They saw that and took everything out of carry on backpack to reach bottom for it... Lesson learned, search carry on in good lighting, not at 5am before flight when its too freaking dark outside is also a thing to note.
Oh and sometimes they dont even ask for your id...I went to washington state...I was shocked that they just left my gun case unattended..when I asked for the manager she said "oh it's ok, most people dont even know what a gun case looks like"...I was flabbergasted! I told her she was stupid and was going to get someone killed or have someones gun stolen..
His cheeky wee smile as he pulled out that big boy and looked at the camera was priceless.
Sixth comment. Flown several times with guns. Pretty simple. Although once the tsa agent that was checking me, had to get his supervisor because the gun was setting off his wand that senses gun powder. On my way back home from a waterfowl hunt…with boxes of ammo in the same gun case. I shot it 200 times on the hunt. OF COURSE it has residue in it. No problem when the supervisor showed up but just weird. Never said anything about boxes of ammo in the locked gun case with the gun 🤷🏼♂️
Thanks for taking the time and sharing this. I despise traveling for any reasons to include vacations. Maybe one too many bad deployments and just not liking people but if given the choice I would remain local the rest of my days and be perfectly content with that.
Never flown with a gun, but I have done it on Amtrak... basically the same rules as flying.
Except that Amtrak doesn’t inspect your luggage, at least from my experience. I’ve never carried on Amtrak though.
@@christophermitchell7925 👍🏻
It's always been a stress-free, quick & painless experience for me.
Do you go through a metal detectors trying on the bus or train? I used to carry on them, but have not traveled on them in 25 years. There were no security checks on trains or busses back then. It was not just me.
Lol I have flown round trip from SC to UT about a half dozen times in the last few months using the same airports with the same airline (Delta) with a firearm and it has been a different experience every single time. It's crazy how consistently inconsistent it is lol
I got a kick out of it in the pre-TSA days. I was coming home after college and had an SKS in a rifle case. My roommate was with me and be both just laughed at the looks we got walking through the terminal with the thing on the way to check-in. As for double checking your carry-ons, YES. I know several people, including a pastor who simply forgot it was there. Especially true if you switch between flying private, where the rules are completely different and there's no TSA, and commercial. I've done it with large knives as a General Aviation pilot. I kept two own in my flight bag in case I ever went down somewhere, and sometimes used my flight bag as a carry-on. These days, that oopsie will be a larger pain in the ass than a flaming hemorrhoid.
Flown twice to Florida and once to Nevada with my CCW. No problems at all. Gun unloaded in an approved mini lockable metal case. Ammo in original manufactures box. Tell the airline check in about the firearm and ammo in the checked baggage. So far everything was smooth and problem free. Airline and security personnel were helpful, polite and professional.
Not every airline requires the gun and ammo to be separated. Not every airline requires magazines to be unloaded. Not every airline requires you to check in at full service. These things vary by airline as well as by airport
Southwest has allowed me to fly with loaded mags in the same case as the gun. Not inserted, but still right there. It does vary apparently.
Thank you so much for elaborating on this. It was something I hoped to learn.❤
I've flown over most of the country with firearms. It's legal & I love it ‼️💯🎶declare them properly
Ihave a conceal carry for NY upstate shity state with gunlaws they have but at least im able to carry and protect mines and myself i usually fly to puerto rico but im not sure if im able to fly with it and carry it over there was going to take it last time iflew there but iwas a nervous wreck lol i prefered to leav it but it would deff be nice to take it anyone know whats the process or if my NY license covers other states?
It’s really that simple. Declare them, store them properly and be polite. Easy peasy.
Great video Sir.
Ammo in magazine, mag out of %100 unloaded/chamber firearm legal as well, never had problem with even with multiple loaded mags in same case. When using TSA approved locked hardcase.
Odd how many times perhaps in smaller airports the TSA agents don't seem to know protocol for proper firearm travel.
Even had Sheriff come around, stand near check in as I waited and mean mug me for about 10 mins while I waited near security to board plane after checking firearm.
Always been smooth sailing in the end.
Great advice on always double checking reciprocating laws.
You see, I take advantage of the system… I want to transport all of my stuff in a container that only I can access so my gun goes into a soft sided container, and my hard sided container is a pelican footlocker with a disk lock. This means that everything in my luggage and secured from TSA and anyone else who would want to steal it
@6:10, not if you fly Spirit. My first flight with them and both times my bag came out on the regular bag carousel.
Yeah no thanks! As much as it would be nice to be able to fly somewhere and take my firearm with me I read and heard too many horror stories about people checking their guns and then all of a sudden the flight gets diverted or makes an emergency landing into either a liberal city and/or state and then the passenger gets arrested even though they have their firearm checked. Pretty sure a while back thats what happened to somebody in new york. They were flying from one gun friendly state to another but for some reason they had to divert to new york and ended up getting arrested even though it wasnt their fault the plane went to that communist city. Not worth the risk imo!
I’m so glad that during my trip to Alaska everything went smoothly and quickly when I traveled with my firearm.
Then you get arrested when you come back from your trip at the state you left from. Oh wait that’s only the tyrannical states…
Best rule of thumb:
-Use separate bags for travel vs every day use. No need to get flagged due to residue from your last trip to the range.
-Definitely check your bags for oopsies. I have lost a couple of knives that way.
-Check with the Airline and TSA. Not only do rules vary, but have been known to change.
-Expect to take extra time, for "inspections" and "random" searches.
-Expect to get wrong answers, from person to person.
I agree, keep your ammo separate. I like the unloaded mags with the ammo in a separate container. I have, however traveled with loaded mags, but if you do, definitely keep them separate from the weapon.
I don't know about loading in the Ubber. That could cause it's own problems.
I recently traveled with my firearm for the first time. It was quite simple and less of a hassle than I expected
Thank you for all the information, This answered all of my questions. Never seen a video on this topic that was so clear and straight to the point. Thanks again.
I have my system as well when I fly which is pretty on par with what you do. Love the advertisement for Arrowhead tactical, I have a pair of their shorts and absolutely love them. Plan on getting some joggers next!
Thank you, thank you. This is the most detailed way of doing this. I work for one of the airlines and I see people all the time getting pissed off because they didn’t follow the rules. We always bring the case to our representative in baggage claim so they can do a positive bag match. One thing I will say is PLEASE if checking a rifle use ALL the lock holes.
Excellent info, everything I have encountered and experienced in the 40 years of flying and checking a weapon. Very nice job on the video!
So essentially everything I've done the past couple times.
On one particular flight I had my bag checked in one of the airport's security rooms and the security officer had said "I wish I could take a picture of this to use as an example, because a lot of people get this wrong."
It is definitely important to verify the state's, airport's and airline's rules regarding firearms before booking and boarding.
A lot to take in, but I will find a way to make thorough notes on this subject. Lots of customers ask me how to transport firearms legally and as secure as possible, but all I can advice is to check with airline policies and to consid buying Air Tags to track your package if it gets lost by the airline workers. It can be tricky working in a firearm shop because people assume you know everything on guns and laws. Thanks for the video. I have homework to do.
Bag checks are VERY important!!! I thought I did one but it was quick and dirty, and I forgot the spare mags in my backpack and my wife's purse. It wasn't until we got dropped off at the airport that I remember and had a "OMG" moment. Thankfully, I was able to deal with the situation prior to it being a problem with TSA, but OMG it was close and a lesson learned! I now do a triple bag check and take my time and be thorough. Before packing, after packing, and then once more right before leaving the house.