TSA how to fly with firearms | TSA approved pistol case

[@nozlnut36]

The TSA website says the following about locks. 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.

[@joegonzales9053]

Great video. I travel with firearms about 10 months out of the year. The only discrepancy I saw was, do not have a magazine (loaded or unloaded) in the firearm while transporting. I keep 2 magazines loaded in the case with the firearm, and have never had issues with that. I have, however, been told by TSA to never have a magazine in the magwell. Not sure if it has been an issue for anyone else, just passing on the info I have learned. I travel about 10 months out of the year for work, from airport to airport. I think this is a great video. I never thought about cable-locking the firearm case to my luggage. I travel with a pelican case, so I need to figure out a way to do that! Thanks for the video!

[@lsprague1970]

I heard a full magazine in the firearm case (out of the firearm) can be allowed by airlines but American recently made me remove all the rounds from mine and I didn’t have an ammo container to put them into. They confiscated them. That’s just one data point. So I’ll be sure to bring the original ammo box from now on.

[@deandre333]

@@lsprague1970 American has that policy on their website that you can not have ammo in the clips or mags and must be in the original package or ammo box.

[@jb6027]

April 2022: I just made a round trip from Newark, NJ to Washington DC (Reagan) on United airlines. These are 2 airports where one might expect "regulatory issues". First, if you have a firearm in your luggage, NEVER USE CURBSIDE CHECK IN. It seems obvious, but people do it all the time. One thing to anticipate is that check in procedures will be different from airport to airport and may not even be the same from the last time you flew out of the same airport - maybe even from different terminals at the same airport. The last time, when I previously flew out of Newark on Jet Blue, I was escorted to a small nearby TSA inspection area that seemed to be set up just for firearms or other declare-able items. On this instance the TSA agent asked me to open the gun vault (more on that later) and show that the pistol was un-loaded, even though it had an orange chamber empty plug indicator showing. There was no issue with the 3 loaded 1911 mags encased in mag pouches that were contained in the same vault. This last time, after talking to the baggage clerk, I was escorted to a back room on the same level, but some distance away, where TSA took my suitcase while I waited outside. After a few minutes a TSA agent opened the door and gave me the thumbs up and off I went to the gate. The next day at Reagan's UAL baggage check in I was escorted a very short distance to what appeared to be a back entrance to the main inspection area, where TSA took charged of the suitcase. And after a very few minutes a TSA agent returned to give me the OK and that was that. At no time was I given extra scrutiny and at all times the UAL and TSA personnel were completely professional, cheerful and genuinely helpful. Despite numerous delays, changes of departure gates and flight numbers on both days (Spring Break) , my bag arrived with the flight I flew on, unmolested and undamaged. My personal preferred security device is a metal gun vault, like Club or other companies sell on Amazon. There are extremely affordable. I find that the Club vaults have a bit more depth than some of the other designs, if that's important to you. They come with a proprietary non-TSA lock, which the TSA had no issues with. If they decide to peek inside, that's why they have you wait while they inspect the suitcase. Like Hammer II illustrated, the metal vaults also come with a steel cable that you can use to affix the vault to the structure of the suitcase's extendable handle. The key thing to keep in mind though, is that the TSA inspections for travelers checking firearms seems to be dictated in large part by the physical layout of the airport, so just expect it to be somewhat different at each airport, depending on what space they have for TSA use, and always be prepared to be flexible. They will help you as much as they can.

[@2chill2worry]

Great advice. Thanks

[@Svaren]

A great point to cable lock the case to your suitcase, I'll definitely be using that!

[@lauriemilichichi7446]

I love the idea of the cable securing the case to your luggage. great tip!

[@HammerIIHammer]

Thanks it seems to work well, and its a deterrent to theft. :-)

[@edmundpoplawski474]

You don’t need a TSA approved lock. I actually would never use one. Those are ones that people can get into with special keys. I use regular locks that only I have a key. Only “drawback” is that if they need to open it for any reason you need to be available with the key. Even after you check it at the counter if they need to get into it somewhere along the way they need to find you to come to where they tell you to get the key to open it for an “inspection”. If you really read theor rules it states you must be in possession of your keys at all times.

[@michaellawrence1531]

(c) In checked baggage. A passenger may not transport or offer for transport in checked baggage or in baggage carried in an inaccessible cargo hold under § 1562.23 of this chapter: (1) Any loaded firearm(s). (2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless - (i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally or in writing, before checking the baggage, that the passenger has a firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded; (ii) The firearm is unloaded; (iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and (iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

[@Themuffenthusiast]

Loop the cable around the whole case, under the handle and put a "stop" bolt on the cable so it can't be loosened easily. Just a thought.

[@AkiemEL]

Followed your instructions, traveled to Florida no problems.

[@HammerIIHammer]

👍😎

[@luisperalta3839]

Going to Florida too this month. Does MCO throw your gun with regular baggage or did you have to go to baggage claim?

[@AkiemEL]

@@luisperalta3839 You have to go to baggage claim office to pick it up, not regular baggage claim. They have to verify your identity and hand it to you directly.

[@luisperalta3839]

@@AkiemELTook my trip earlier and arrived today. Funny thing was that they (Frontier) throw my pistol with all the normal baggages. Luckily I got it, part of my stuff got sent to Tampa by mistake. Now I am waiting for some company to deliver it.

[@AkiemEL]

@@luisperalta3839 I flew American, not sure about frontier.

[@ucenic1]

Do they make you show the actual chamber is empty? Or do they just look at the mag-well?

[@michaellawrence1531]

no grey zone at all "the key or combination shall be retained by the consumer"

[@josemora6448]

I thought you had to bring the ammo on a different box. Then it's cool to have both the gun unloaded plus ammo on it?

[@FrankGarcia-q8u]

Great video. Thanks!

[@melindaalvarado7917]

This may seem to be a ridiculous question, however this is my first time flying with a firearm. Do I have to pack my hardcover case in a hardcover suitcase, and does that suitcase have to be empty? I was planning on packing my hardcover gun case with everything in it, in a suitcase but I didn't know that it had to be hardcover? Also, I'm planning on packing a bunch of other items in the suitcase with the hardcase carrying firearm. Is that ok, or does it have to be empty like his suitcase appears to be in the video?

[@HammerIIHammer]

Your hard sided firearm case can be within a hard or soft sided suitcase. Suitcase does not have to be empty.

[@daking8374]

The laws simply state the requirements. Problem is some airlines don’t respect that

[@almirantecarvalho]

Awesome video, man. About the valve, I don't think you need to close it. It's a pressure relief valve and it works automatically. It also has a membrane that only allows air to go out and not in.

[@HammerIIHammer]

Thanks! Thanks for info on valve.

[@anthonygallo3576]

It seems like u know what your talking about. I was under thr impression that thr mags had to be unloaded and stored separately from thr gun

[@fubringbackdownvotecounts3379]

That looks like the Pelican v100. It would've been nice if you said the proper lock SIZE that fits it for TSA approval.

[@strickdog18ent29]

Can I have my gun case inside my bag that’s already being checked also so my luggage and weapon stays together? Or will tsa need to keep it separate

[@HammerIIHammer]

If you are taking a pistol it has to be in a hard locking case, then inside your checked bag (together). Must declare at airline counter that you have a firearm. Larger rifle cases etc may be “checked” usually for an additional charge as an ‘additional luggage item’. Thanks

[@johnporter9752]

So just to confirm the magazines can be loaded ?

[@HammerIIHammer]

Yes most airlines will allow this as long as the primers are covered (1st round I usually put a piece of tape over the end of the mag). I mainly fly southwest and have never had a issue. If I’m flying somewhere else/different airline then sometimes I will throw a empty original ammo box in my bag so if they asked me to I can put ammo back in original packaging (rather than toss it). But always check with your airline yourself and do your homework. Thanks for watching.

[@Jose-it9po]

I thought ammo was supposed to be stored separate from the gun? 🤔 will be traveling soon from Texas to Michigan with my EDC.

[@HammerIIHammer]

Check online with whichever airline you are flying with. All that I know of allow ammo to be in same case. Some require it to be in the factory box etc, some will allow it in the magazine.

[@adrianrodriguez8363]

Could I use a hard business styled brief case that has a combination lock built in ?

[@HammerIIHammer]

Probably if it is rigid enough, but hard telling without seeing it.

[@jasonmartinez7582]

If i use a large pelican case for my personal luggage can i throw ammo and 2 firearms in there and put 2 locks on the pelican case? And travel?

[@HammerIIHammer]

No it needs to be for firearm/ammo only. It can’t be locked in with clothes/headphones etc. you can use large pelican cases for numerous firearms/mags etc but not mixed with your general goods. I have a large case used for multiple firearm transport but it is dedicated for that and locked etc separately.

[@jasonmartinez7582]

What if the firearm is put in the original glock box locked then in the large pelican case ?

[@HammerIIHammer]

Probably would be ok but I have tested it so can’t say for certain.

[@texman1166]

Are the two Brinks locks you're using TSA-certified?

[@nozlnut36]

FYI, They do not need to be. The TSA website says you can use your own locks or they can be TSA approved.

[@anaquanda]

Do they consider the weight of the case as apart of the ammo weight?

[@HammerIIHammer]

no

[@gem4hems]

Do they charge extra when you notify tsa you have a firearm?

[@taylorwilliamm]

No

[@gRzOmBiE412]

thanks man 🤘🏾

[@zachwulf-americanpatriot5015]

Does lock size matter ? I have 4 on my rifle case, that are just a tad bit longer..will that be an issue

[@HammerIIHammer]

No, just have to make sure they are not too big diameter wise to fit through the holes in the case. Longer would be fine. Shorter may not clasp closed however, as these clasp closed with very little room to spare between lock housing and the case. Hope this helps. Thanks

[@martinsanders995]

This may be a dumb question but would i need to do anything if i am bringing 2 empty gun cases and a third one with only a cleaning kit and a empty magazine? The case i am checking in with my handguns cannot fit everything and i want to bring the original cases the guns came with.

[@HammerIIHammer]

From my understanding you do not need to do anything with a empty case within your checked baggage. But as for the case with a magazine in it I believe you have to declare that as it is a “part” of a firearm. Cleaning kit should not be a problem to check in bag. Good luck 😎

[@danhatton2229]

I thought you couldn’t have loaded mags in your hard case with your firearm?

[@HammerIIHammer]

Most airlines are ok with it as long as mag is NOT in mag well. Some require top round primer to be covered. So check with your airline as none of them seem to be on the same page. I usually just put a piece of tape over 1st round/primer and that meets criteria of primer covered, and I have never had a issue since.

[@quidambrujah]

From tsa.gov: “You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition.” Also: “Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.” Airline regs can be more restrictive. Best case is to transport in locked case with gun in original manufacturer packaging.

[@andreattai7481]

why not the TSA lock? how about if they need to open it? they will cut those beautiful Brass locks!

[@joshhopkins2109]

TSA locks are not at all secure. Anyone can easily obtain the keys that open these locks. At most they are a feelgood and allow for TSA to easily access your luggage. LockPickingLawyer KZbin channel has some excellent videos on the subject of lock security, if you're interested in learning more. No affiliation with the channel, but some eye opening information.

[@anthonyevans535]

use your own locks....anyone can buy bolt cutters

[@weewee9464]

TSA don’t allow ammunition in the magazines

[@HammerIIHammer]

I have flown with the mags loaded dozens of times, as long as you cover the primer they have not cared a bit/I have never had an issue with it. I fly frontier and southwest mainly. Do your own research if you are planning to fly but yes I do leave my mags loaded.

[@fubringbackdownvotecounts3379]

Yes, they DO.

[@edmundpoplawski474]

How did you fly with loaded mags??? That’s definitely against TSA and Airline rules! Mags and ammo can go in same case but have to unloaded and ammo Must be in a factory box or a “reloaders” case (plastic case with separate round compartments in it) not lose. And Absolutely No loaded mag in weapon! Wow

[@HammerIIHammer]

Some airlines want you to have ammo in the factory box but most of them are ok with it being in the magazine. I’ve never had a problem with it. Per TSA website: Ammunition: - firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard sided case containing an unloaded firearm. - small arms ammunition including ammunition not exceeding.75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard sided case as the firearm as described in the packaging guidelines above.

[@edmundpoplawski474]

@@HammerIIHammer I usually only Fly Delta, United or American and have run into what I’ve stated above. Those 3 have an issue with loaded magazines. They refer you to a conflicting part of the TSA guidelines that state: “Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.” They emphasize that because the top round is exposed in a magazine it violates TSA rules. So I just throw them in a box and the empty mags with them all in my locked case

[@edmundpoplawski474]

@@HammerIIHammer CORRECTED COMMENT. When I tried to highlite the sentence I was referencing it didn’t post for some reason. And it won’t let me correct it or delete it. Here is the sentence I was referencing that is the third sentence in that section. “You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition.”

[@HammerIIHammer]

It would be nice if tsa and all airlines agreed and was universal in their interpretation, but unfortunately that will probably never happen 😂🤣. Thanks for watching.

[@ozysjahputera7669]

It is my understanding that if you have loaded magazines the top round must be protected. MTM makes a hardside case to store pistol magazines. This could be the way to carry loaded mags while meeting the requirement of protecting the exposed top rounds on the loaded mags.