How to Fly with Firearms - Randy Newberg, Hunter

Randy Newberg, Hunter explains a few "How To" tips that make it easier to fly with firearms. Randy flies on many trips each year, on many different airlines and goes through many different TSA stations. If there is a challenge related to flying with firearms, Randy has probably encountered it.
Get yourself the best gun case you can find. Randy prefers the wheeled cases by Pelican. Super durable and the wheels are great asset when hauling loads of gear in and out of airports.
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[@michaeltait4850]

You did a very great job. Representing yourself. In the video. Lot of knowledge. Showing it very carefully. What to do. And not to deal with the headaches. Or hassles. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. One love God bless. Long live the Republican. ❤️🙏👼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ColoradoHunterHiker]

Have you tried notching out a small section of foam for shotgun ammo? Just a thought... Thanks for the video, Randy!

[@Fresh_Tracks]

I have not.

[@captseamus]

Master Locks are one of the easiest locks to pick... Buy a more expensive lock not a Walmart cheap lock!

[@kevinlkirby]

I know this is an old video but I have a pelican case I used for my laptop in Iraq back in 2003 and I just cut away the foam to place hardrives and cords. The same should be able to be done for shotgun shell boxes.

[@j6784d]

I'd love to see a short video about methods for getting meat/antlers home when you're flying to a destination. Options and approximate costs and other details to consider.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

That is so variable by airline, species, and distance traveled. Hard to do that in one video. Best is to call your airline and find out. Some require all meat to be frozen solid, some only that it be chilled, some do not allow dry ice, some do, some won't allow antlers, some allow antlers so long as they are not over a certain size/space. Check before you leave on your hunt.

[@Maverick101594]

One thing that helps all hunters and responsible gun owners wishing to travel with firearms - be polite! Many people working at the airline counter may not fully understand TSA regs, so politely and patiently educate them. I've even pulled up TSA's website at the counter and walked a lady through the regs to let her know I was playing by the rules. If airline employees have good interactions with gun owners, it makes it easy for the rest of us. Don't make their job hard and they won't make it hard for us to have fun.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Agreed. And sometimes the airlines have even stricter regulations than TSA, which is the case of Delta. Being rude or mad is not a good way to get through the check-in. Thanks for watching.

[@jsl1497]

Randy's point about waiting until your firearm has cleared security is very good. You'll have to go through another check, but don't board or go through TSA until your weapon has been cleared to fly.

[@ericthemantis]

TSA lets you fly with ammo in your checked bag, and it can't be "loose". I've flown with a reloader's case twice with no issues. Airlines may have different rules, though (I flew southwest both times).

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Yes, TSA will have a set of rules different from the airlines. Delta, United, and Alaska, require it be packed in your firearm case. Thanks for watching.

[@drivenoutdoors_208]

Thanks Randy this helps a ton 👍🏻👍🏻

[@richardjackson3939]

Just to add, flying from the UK to the US using Delta, they do not allow you to fly with ammo in with the rifle, i learned this the hard way!!! And that damned rule about locking all points came in during the 2 weeks of our last stay, flying out, 2 locks, flying back out of Bozeman, sorry sir you need to purchase 2 more locks as the rules have just changed!

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Been there, done that.

[@29Beowulf]

I'm not sure how much the airlines differ with their rules, but American Airlines requires that your ammunition be stored in a different luggage than your firearm. Took some serious rearranging on my last flight. I would suggest printing the regulations and keeping a copy with you.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

That is why I emphasized knowing not just the TSA rules, but your airline rules. Delta, Alaska, and United all ask that it be in the case with your firearm. Sounds like American is different. Thanks for watching.

[@Shikaari1]

How about TSA approved locks to avoid them asking for a key or worst?

[@hollywoodhefner2]

The last time I flew Jetblue with a rifle they wouldn't allow me to keep the ammo in the same case as the gun. I had to put it in separate checked luggage.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Good to know and thanks for sharing. Always interesting to know what rules each airline has.

[@tinasherman1872]

Thank you Randy, very helpful.

[@swampwhiteoak1]

Yikes Randy! The ammunition cannot go in the same case with the firearm. If I am incorrect, someone correct me with details.

[@awalker4663]

I'm flying into Missoula today for spring bear. Video came in handy when I was packing last night.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Good luck.

[@steveshockey7805]

hi Randy, will a combination and 4 key locks that are fixed to the gun case get through TSA it has no holes from padlocks? thanks, Steve

[@stevenlaubach7222]

I never saw it listed anywhere that is said ammo needs to be in manufactures box, only thing I saw was transported in fiber such as cardboard, wood, plastic or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition.

[@bmiller1795]

The most important thing you said was Read The Airlines Rules. Like you said, there are nuances in the different companies rules that will bite you in the butt at the last minute. Most will let you travel with ammo in any carry on bag.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Roger that!

[@raccoontrapper]

There's no way you can take ammo with you in a carry on bag. Follow this like to the TSA website. The very first point under "Ammunition" deals with this specifically. www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

[@bmiller1795]

raccoontrapper you are correct. I meant to say "Checked Bag"

[@robertwilson9999]

Put your shotgun ammo in 5 round slug boxes.

[@itypefaster]

Good video Randy, avoid flights through NY, and DC just in case you have to spend the night, major headaches.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Thanks for the heads up. Fortunately my hunting seldom takes me to those locations.

[@josephirwin1168]

Randy, They produce TSA. Locke's Designed for Tsa, inspection with , with their own keys just delivered in december a rifle to my brother, Tsa,said couldn't fly with Ammo in same case, I had no ammo, just delivering a pair of rifles to,Brother, Requirments must differ ,They inspected for Ammo,said, Kindly, FYI, Ammo must be locked in separate LOCKED approved case, so you I would know. Absolutely correct in advising to do your own research. Thank You for sharing your experience and knowledge, I wish I was as Techie as you, Thats a whole new World to me.Enjoy Montana.

[@raccoontrapper]

Joseph Irwin You aren't supposed to use TSA locks on firearms. The regulations specifically state that only the passenger is to retain the combo/key to their firearms. www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

[@bayoubilly6971]

Would a mystery ranch metcafe pass for a carryon. Should I chance it !?? Going to Alaska !?

[@Fresh_Tracks]

I've used it as carryon many times. If you do it, I hope they allow it for you as they have for me.

[@johnsimonelli9988]

Randy, I have traveled all over the continental United States since 1991. Everything that I am about to say can be found at the TSA website or the airlines website. So you do not have to take my word for it. Number one, the ammunition MUST be stored with the rifle. It can be stored in a plastic, fiber, wood, or metal case. Nowhere does it say in the original manufacturers box. If you Store ammunition inside your suitcases you are going to have a big problem! Number two,you must secure your case with locks that only you have a key to. Number three nowhere does it say at the TSA website or the airlines website that you have to remove the bolt, I'm not gonna argue with you, if you want to remove the bolt go ahead but you don't have to. Number four, read the rules before you book.. If the rules change and you don't know about it shame on you. That's the best advice that I can give.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

All good points, but I will say that some airlines have different rules among them. TSA has their rules within which airlines can make their policies. Note some of the comments here where other airlines require the ammo to be away from the rifle. I know Delta, United, and Alaska will require it to be in the case with the firearm. And I have seen each of them confiscate ammo that was not in a manufacturers box, even though TSA does not require that.

[@stevenmcmillan2047]

I realize it may depend on which airline you use but I flew with reloads in a small, green ammo box. No issues. This was from Delta and American rule was similar. "Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges." Not a big deal, just thought it was worth mentioning. Also, if they do want to open your gun case, I ask to be present just so everything ends up back where it started.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Good to hear. I have a sleeve of 300 Win Mag that some airport employee got to take home because I checked my rifle and the ammo was in a plastic sleeve that protected them from all other rounds and not a factory box. I saw a guy in Montana and another in Alaska have to leave his reloads at the counter because they were in the normal green plastic ammo box.

[@mikecarlson6083]

do they usually charge u extra for travelling with rifles?

[@Fresh_Tracks]

No,t anything different than regular bag fees. It is treated as an extra bag.

[@StormWidgeon]

Good info, thanks for the insight Randy.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Thanks for watching.

[@Cameron-bk5gk]

shotgun ammo doesn't fit because you didn't cut the foam... lol

[@erichaskell]

Haha, perhaps the word "bombproof" was accurate, but not well chosen! Great video, thanks.

[@Alan.livingston]

You have to have one Lockerbie for every hole in the case.

[@jsl1497]

The case simply needs to be "hard-sided". You'll have to show them the firearm is unloaded and there's no ammunition stored with the firearm.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

In the case of Delta, United, and Alaska, they require the ammo be with the firearm case. TSA is not specific on the topic and each airline seems to have their own rules.

[@jsl1497]

Agree Randy

[@realist7190]

Great job Randy and good information. The biggest problem or issue I've seen is hunters not being prepared or flexible! (And being a smart ass or making degrading comments to the security staff or check in staff! Doesn't help and a Bad move!) Great information and most of all be patient and be early. Canadian airlines will not allow ammunition stored with the firearms, and trigger locks are sometimes required. It is far better to arrive with your guns in a solid case, trigger locked, locks in all the spots supplied to secure the case, (I had to buy more locks at the airport in Seattle), with factory grade commercial ammunition boxes. Be prepared to remove your ammunition from your rifle case to your other checked bag. (Changing planes from Alaska air to Air Canada.!) The TSA are just doing a very important job on minimum wages, so they don't know all the rules. Then when you get to small Comercial aircraft they don't want your big case and want a soft sided case! So check with your guide and outfitter! The frustration of travelling with your favourite gun is part of the adventure! Meet it by being prepared!

[@Fresh_Tracks]

All good advice. Thanks for watching.

[@realist7190]

Really like your videos please keep them coming!

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@dbc603]

Which model Pelican case is that?

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Not sure. When I ordered from their website I only saw on model of rifle case that would hold two rifles in the manner shown. Sorry I don't have more information.

[@dbc603]

Thanks just the same.

[@davidplatt8915]

Appreciate the tips, Randy. Your padlocks did not appear to be TSA approved/accessible such as those we have to have on our luggage. Is that pretty standard across the different airlines? I don't anticipate flying with a firearm any time soon and will do as you suggest (read the TSA's site and my airlines' site) when I do, but I'm curious what your experience has been with the padlock types, please. Thanks for all the great info you provide.

[@Maverick101594]

Most major lock manufacturers now include 'TSA approved' on the back of their packaging. If a padlock has a slot for an emergency key, it's a good indicator that the lock is probably TSA approved as they will likely have a master key for that manufacturer.

[@davidplatt8915]

Right. I know what TSA approved locks are. Thanks. Wasn't my question, though.

[@29Beowulf]

The way the rules read for firearms are a bit different. It says that the locks can't be accessible by anyone other than the owner, and that the case cannot be opened outside of the owners presence. That is why the TSA prechecks your case and makes you wait while that firearm is moved through.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Those padlocks exceed TSA requirements. If you look at TSA approved locks, many of them do not have a wide enough gap to span the hole through which a heavy-duty gun case lockspace is made. I travel extensively with firearms. I have flown many different airlines from many different destinations. I've never had an issue with those locks. I have discussed this with many TSA supervisors and all have stated it is fine. If you do use locks like these, you will have to stay near the check-in counter and possibly give them the keys. Once it is examined, you can then go to security.

[@jsl1497]

I've flown all over the world with firearms. But, as a general rule, all firearms have to be unloaded, in a hard-sided case that is lockable. Ammunition needs to be stored in a separate container and cannot be in any way connected to or near the firearm. These are fairly simple rules, but if you follow these, you'll be able to fly nearly anywhere.

[@jsl1497]

Make sure it's a "TSA Lock". That way, TSA can, without needing the code, examine the firearm.

[@Heeman5]

Dominion Outfitters it must not be a TSA approved lock. It has to be your personal lock that only you can open.

[@jsl1497]

Agree. But a true "TSA Approved Lock" allows them to open the container for examination.

[@jsl1497]

TSA Regulations: When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments. Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply. Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock. This does not in anyway prohibit TSA from examining a piece of checked luggage for inspection. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. With that in mind, I prefer them not to destroy my lock. But allow them to access it in the event they need to examine the contents. Just insure your firearm, ALWAYS!

[@raccoontrapper]

Dominion Outfitters The regulations specifically state that only the passenger is to retain the key/combo to their firearms. Therefore, TSA locks are not allowed. If they need to inspect it they must get the key from you. www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition