Flying with Guns | What to Expect from TSA!?

[@lyfandeth]

Deviant Ollam, who is a security professional, has documented numerous instances where the TSA at Delta Airlines have cut off his high quality padlocks, despite ticket counter personal having just taken the bags and given them to TSA. The same TSA that routinely fires some 500 baggage handlers every year for tampering and theft. So you want to press legal charges (free, criminal charges) if it happens to you.

[@IrradiatedLimes]

I cannot stress this enough, GET AN AIRTAG FOR YOUR GUN CASE!!!! I flew about two weeks ago, and United decided to leave my bag in another state. Having an AirTag hidden inside the case allowed me to have a pretty up to date location on where my gun was at all times. They’re like $25, and totally worth it.

[@g.medina3717]

Thanks so much for your Advice and warning, I Just purchased an Airtag because of you, i’m Flying out on Saturday with U/A and will be flying with my CC Gun, don’t want any issues and a lost gun. BTW were you able to get the gun and possessions back?

[@christianhamiltonskinner]

You are, bar none, THE best content creator in the firearms scene for women, and a fabulous resource for all firearms owners generally speaking. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@tessahbooth]

Wow! What a huge compliment! Thank you :)

[@Smol_Eri]

I would argue even the best for men. My brother watches her with me and there has been stuff she brought up that the other gun tubers just don't think about. For them it's typical to be super involved in all things firearms, but my brother is a designer, and usually is in a hurry when he needs to fly or something, so videos like this have helped him prep without needing to sift through tons of videos. She answers questions that normal people have which makes her bar none the best general source of information.

[@jesseflores3999]

Agreed, great content as always!!!

[@lyfandeth]

You are also required to put locks on ALL fittings on the case. If it has two fittings, you must have two locks, etc.

[@XrayyIsGaming]

Actually you don’t have to. You just need to insure the person can not fit a finger in it

[@feeish]

Just a note on TSA Locks @1:05. NEVER use TSA Locks for guns. It would actually be against TSA policy to do so. 49 CFR 1540.111(c)(2) requires that ONLY YOU the firearm owner can retain the key/combo. No other person than you can have the key/combo to the firearm case. You word it as "I don't want them accessing the gun case" sounds as if you could do it but you really can't. Just a small pedantic note in case anyone was thinking of using TSA Locks.

[@tessahbooth]

I could be wrong, but I believe TSA has changed their wording on this. You 'can' technically use TSA locks now, but it still wouldn't be wise. This is where I got that information, please feel free to correct me if I'm reading it wrong: www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

[@MikeHammer1]

From TSA.GOV: Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. 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.

[@danielaramburo7648]

Also look up the laws of the state you are traveling to. Do not take 15 round magazines to NYC or California.

[@bhuff9185]

Does TSA really check the magazine capacity?

[@AnimsOnDemand]

I wouldn't take anything firearms related to NYC PERIOD

[@danielaramburo7648]

@@bhuff9185 TSA does not inspect the firearm, but sometimes the airline staff will ask a cop to inspect it.

[@davidb9323]

@@danielaramburo7648 How nice of them.

[@bradleypumba]

​@@AnimsOnDemandor California 😂

[@jeffholm3503]

Great video. Had an interesting experience first time we traveled with a firearm when we lived in Bakersfield. Flew from San Francisco to Houston on Southwest. SWA check in was great until the porter accompanied me to the TSA inspection door. He asked if I was law enforcement or ex-military. When I replied I was just a responsible armed citizen his demeanor changed from personable to hostile. As we were waiting for TSA he radioed for relief stating he had a “gun toter” and did not have time to wait. He left in disgust but I took it as a compliment...

[@bhuff9185]

Flying from CA to Texas (vice versa), did TSA or anyone inspect your magazine capacity?

[@jeffholm3503]

@@bhuff9185 Yes TSA inspected my magazines at San Francisco because they were loaded. I encased them in sections of foam pipe insulation to ensure they were contained. Assume anything in your locked container will be inspected.

[@zeitgeist888]

I fly a lot with firearms and I have a lockable case that I can also cable lock to the suitcase handle and when I arrive I can use the same system to have a safe/secure place to lock the container using the cable to a rental vehicle seat frame if needed. I also use a packing envelope that is self adhesive stuck to the outside of the gun vault that has TSA and airline regs printed out. I add my name, flight number and phone number should I need to be contacted after my bag leaves my possession. I also use a chamber flag that came with a new gun so it keeps the slide partially retracted visible in X ray. The weed wacker string is a cool idea similar to Greg Ellifritz use of clothesline.

[@sherrigodbey9244]

By the way I just received my enigma! Now I’m waiting on getting my holster and then looking forward to setting it up and adjusting my enigma holster to fit my needs.

[@colscott5016]

Another tip: cut a slit in the center of one of the sides of a foam piece and slide an AirTag in it. If someone manages to get into the case, there will atleast be an AirTag hidden and it could potentially help you locate and retrieve your firearm with the help of police.

[@jacegallagher8589]

Do you have to have an Iphone for an airtag?

[@colscott5016]

@@jacegallagher8589 yes, but I suppose you could use a Tile instead of an AirTag. Though Tile isn’t as good as AirTag in my opinion.

[@jay23ktf1]

Great idea

[@yamyzf2002r1]

I do this with the lockbox in my vehicle👍

[@Shadow__133]

Or at least retrieve an empty case if you are more unlucky 😂

[@daragrieger5427]

Also you need to make sure you know the gun laws at your destination airport. There are some places where the words, "Hi, I'm here to pick up my gun" will cause all sorts of trouble. I used to live in NYC and periodically someone would fly into JFK or LGA from a gun friendly state and be arrested on the spot when they went to pick up their gun. Because in NYC, you must have specific permit for each specific gun that is issued by the city to even be allowed to touch that gun- no reciprocity exists. Even if the airport you land in isn't your final destination (for example, one typically has to fly into Boston to get anyplace in New Hampshire). Know if guns are allowed, what types of guns, magazine restrictions, etc, etc in the jurisdiction of the place where you will go say, "Hi, I"m here to pick up my gun".

[@davidb9323]

So you can drive through Mass with 30 round mags stored in the back of your car to either a sanctioned match or to another state but you can’t transfer flights if your held over or something ?

[@PewPewFreedom]

I've never flown with guns. Hope my first time goes smoothly.

[@bhuff9185]

How did it go? Did TSA inspect your magazine capacity?

[@MonteeAdamsdacoach]

I'm learning how to travel with a weapon.

[@lextalionis3754]

For several years now, I’ve traveled with loaded magazines in the hard shell container with the empty firearm; all magazines out of the mag well. Zero problems.

[@DAKINGOFTEXAS87]

Thank you so much for this information. Will be flying out next week with my firearms for first time.

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

You’re putting out great and useful content. 👍 keep it up. Very informative

[@brassmule]

5:16 Kinda random to see El Paso International Airport on a video about traveling with guns. "Hey wait a minute, I know this!" Thanks for a great video.

[@EDC_Bond]

It’s funny how different airports treat handle this differently. I’ve flown with one several times, and always with a loaded mag, in the same small locked case as the firearm. Empty chamber and I typically field strip the gun so that they know it’s inoperable. And they’ve always asked me for the claim ticket. Not saying anyone with a different experience is wrong, just what my experience is.

[@OBrandt-i5c]

Thank you very much. Was very helpful.

[@bullseyepewfessor6393]

Great video. I'm looking to start flying to my competitions instead of driving. This is very helpful

[@sherrigodbey9244]

Wow! As usual you come through with flying colors! Your videos are so informative and to the point and I just couldn’t imagine doing concealed carry without having you in your video saved in my KZbin files to review again and again!

[@tessahbooth]

That is so heart warming to hear! I'm so glad you have found my videos to be helpful

[@BarbieFarbie]

Thank you for posting this video

[@jimwlouavl]

Very helpful. I really like your communication style.

[@klah2u]

Thank-you for this information

[@Killer-SeveN]

TSA rules don't require your magazine to be empty, that is just a rule for certain airlines. I have traveled many times with my unloaded firearm but magazines loaded in the same secure case. You just need to make sure there is no ammunition in the firearm period.

[@tessahbooth]

That’s correct! For me, I try to keep things as clean cut and simple for TSA as possible, so having my mags unloaded serves as one less thing to trip them up. Same goes for putting in a chamber flag, it’s not necessary, but it’s a visual thing to hopefully help reduce the amount of time they’re messing around in my bag 👍🏻

[@OakCliffTX82]

Respect. Great vid. Thanks

[@MrLavajet]

Love the advice about weed whacker twine.

[@MrMambasnake]

I wouldn't trust putting a holster or any innocuous related items of value in checked luggage. TSA, specifically in Denver, has stolen from my checked luggage several times.

[@tessahbooth]

The reason I suggest putting it in checked luggage was so that you could avoid the potential headache of explaining it to TSA while you're going through security, and eliminating the possibility of having to throw it away. Like I said, I've personally never had to do this, but I know of people who have.

[@Lovingoddess28]

Thank you just wat I needed 🙏🏾👍🏾💯

[@gtximpulse4392]

It's actually in the regulation that you NOT use TSA locks TSA nor anyone else should be in your firearms case without you there with your key/combo. Loaded magazines are ok as long as it's not in the firearm, the key is that the ammo is not loose in the case(it has to be secured in a way that prevents it from rattling around, aka magazine, ,manufacturer's box, aftermarket plastic ammo box, etc.). Never had an issue with bringing a holster either with the gun in the holster in the case or with the holster outside of the case. The biggest thing is that the TSA inspects the checked bag before you go through security. Some smaller airports don't know the regulations as well and the best thing is to get word from TSA and NOT from the airline.

[@gtximpulse4392]

Another tip is to not use locks that are loose enough to allow opening the case. Technically speaking if an agent can open the case enough to even touch the firearm(regardless if they can even take it out) they could flag the case and not let you fly. This is not common in my experience, but has happened to people I know.

[@treylibra]

Thank you so much, I believe your video is the best in explaining flying with firearms

[@denniswatson5066]

Thank you for the great informational video. 🤗

[@laanierhae]

I'm new to your channel. Great info. Thank you.

[@jthrelf]

Appreciate you covering this! Just a quick correction: loaded magazines in the case (NOT inserted in the gun) are ok per TSA rules, but not necessarily airline rules. They just want the primer protected from being detonated. (fun fact I actually stood my ground with San Antonio TSA over this and a supervisor got involved but they backed off when they realized I was right). I like mags to be loaded to quickly load up and holster as soon as feasible.

[@tessahbooth]

You're correct, although those rules can be read differently (they're somewhat contradictory), which is probably why TSA gave you such grief over it. Honestly, that sounds like a whole lot of trouble that could be avoided by loading your magazines upon reaching your final destination :)

[@jthrelf]

@@tessahbooth very true so depends on your appetite for dealing with an issue. A dozen other airports I've been to the issue never came up.

[@redactedCowboys]

Thank you!!!

[@dr.omar.insights2000]

I have Wisconsin ID. Planning to bring my old firearm I left in California some 20 years ago. Will depart from San Diego and Land in Minneapolis. Is there any concern?

[@alexcusma4908]

Great info. Thanks again

[@B_R_]

Thank you

[@ZenAkita]

Do you ever put your locked case in your checked bags? I am trying to deside if i can put it inside instead of having my small case checked.

[@tessahbooth]

Yes, absolutely

[@MrMattCh00]

definitely a power move using the weed wacker wire

[@jfrost412]

Love your content. Your gorgeous. Thanks for the tips on TSA

[@davidb9323]

I saw another video that stated the locks could not let the case open a certain amount. Your locks look like there would be a lot of travel once unlatched?

[@cody4873]

If just using a small hard-sided handgun case, can I place said case inside my main luggage bag as long as I declare it? Or does it have to be a completely separate "checked" bag?

[@tessahbooth]

It doesn’t have to be a completely separate checked bag.

[@joshuad1299]

Can u pack ammo in a Another case. Is separate from the firearm That goes in the same check bag

[@RayDoyouagree]

How many people have had their guns stolen by baggage handlers? Just wondering if this is common?

[@TheOVprodigy]

Do the magazines have to be in the locked case or just in your checked bag?

[@alexcusma4908]

Can the ammo be in the same locked case as your firearm or does it have to be a separate case?

[@tessahbooth]

Double check with your specific airline, but per TSA guidelines, the ammo just has to be in it's original box, or in a box that is designed to hold ammunition. I've always locked my ammo in the same case as my declared firearms.

[@bibisheppardlmp]

Do I have to have a big case like that or can I use a lock box in my hard case suitcase? Does it need to be in its own case or can it be in my check in luggage?

[@corruptbytes]

have you had any difficult with "scary black" rifles (AR-15s or AKs)?

[@tessahbooth]

I have not had issues with TSA when traveling with our AR specifically :)

[@jirifrybort5877]

My case is actually TSA approved case I think that it should have air equalizer holes because air pressure different up in the air

[@silentlineac]

life saver

[@HCheatNcool]

TSA guidelines have changed. You no longer have to be in the presence of the case for it to be opened. They can demand your key and open it without you.

[@tessahbooth]

That one was never a TSA Guideline, it was in the Code of Federal Regulations. Is that what you’re referring to that has changed?

[@drmouton]

Do you pay extra travel cost for the hard sided case as a”second” luggage cost by the airline or is it a “free add on” like they do with wheelchair etc.

[@tessahbooth]

Its like checking another bag. Most airlines charge 30.

[@Dan-bj1cz]

Hi Since you lock your gun case and put it in your luggage do you use TSA locks on it.

[@tessahbooth]

I don’t usually put it in my luggage, but when I do I haven’t made the effort to track down TSA locks for my suitcase.

[@LongNguyen-p9t]

Can you put your hard/locked gun case in your suite case after declared?

[@tessahbooth]

Yes

[@secondlibertygunclub924]

What if you have a layover, how does that work when flying with a firearm?

[@tessahbooth]

Like normal luggage they should move it to your next plane.

[@kappyd1963]

Could you list the law saying TSA can’t ask you to open your gun case.

[@tessahbooth]

I think you misunderstood, TSA can and does ask you to open your gun case. TSA cannot take your keys and open your gun case without you physically present. It’s in the Code of Federal Regulations. I put the rule as a screenshot in the video itself and it’s also listed in the pew pew tactical article linked in the description of the video 🙂

[@paulperez2477]

1st time flying with my forearm no problem.

[@jakmak52]

I usually carry a Sig P365 using Federal HST 124gr. Is this permissible. ?

[@tessahbooth]

I'm not sure I understand your question.

[@jakmak52]

@@tessahbooth I'm asking if it's legal to fly with JHP's ?

[@tessahbooth]

I'm not aware of any laws or guidelines against having hollow points on a plane. However, there are certain states/cities that restrict them, so you would want to make sure the place your traveling to doesn't have any restrictions on them. @@jakmak52

[@tbyron]

What model Plano case do you show for this video?

[@tessahbooth]

I believe it's the Plano Fieldlocker :)

[@jacegallagher8589]

What if the airlines lose your weapon?

[@tessahbooth]

I’m sure it becomes a legal issue at that point. I’m not really sure what the process is like though. I’ve started hiding AirTags in all my baggage.

[@logicstv]

Do I need a pistol permit for the state I'm traveling to?

[@tessahbooth]

Depends on the law where you’re going.

[@Frank-dz7or]

They REQUIRE tsa locks tho 😂

[@tessahbooth]

They don't require TSA locks on the case the gun is in, just the suitcase if you place the gun case into it.

[@rabbivj]

Flying with Delta sucks. They tag your luggage that says "STEAL ME!"

[@roflchopter11]

TSA locks are actually not allowed. TSA keys can be bought on Amazon. Loaded magazines are allowed per TSA rules. Also don't get diverted to a communist state, lest they lock you in the gulag.

[@OutlawAR15]

Wrong. "You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks." www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition Get you shit together and stop passing out bad info.

[@OldGrowthRedwood]

TSA agents don’t know the law? That’s absurd.

[@889976889]

And that’s why I don’t fly. If I can’t drive there with one I’m not going there period. To many rules when flying

[@OutlawAR15]

"It's against the law for TSA to have the key." Wrong. "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. " www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

[@tessahbooth]

I wasn’t referencing TSA guidelines for that one, but the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically title 49 part 1540, 1544, 1540.111. Personally, I’d rather request that the firearm be inspected within my eye line anyways.

[@chomps1211]

…and his declaration that you were wrong came with a link that had exactly ZERO information concerning or confirming His assertion! Thanks for being thorough! 😎

[@OutlawAR15]

@@chomps1211 Dude. The link was to the TSA website that sacrificially said what I quoted in the reply. According to the TSA website, they are authorized to require you to turn over the key.