Air Travel to shoots

[reloader243]

I have a question that I was hoping one of the members who travel to attend shoots might have an answer based on your own experiences. I am about to travel by air from Philadelphia.Pa. to Dallas,Tx. I have a son and two fine grand-sons who love to shoot...I wonder why?....and they asked me if I could bring one of my target rifles to take them to a 1000yd range in east Texas to shoot. I have not taken a firearm on-board an airliner in 35yrs or so. Back then I had the rifle in a case and handed it to the Captain, he stored it up front behind the jump seat and gave it back to me upon arrival. But then....there were no cockpit doors, just a canvas curtain...no high-jacking and no terrorists...
Anyone travel by air with a target rifle? I contacted the airline and they say it can be put in a hard case and locked and put into baggage only. I have one of PLANO's up-right hard cases I always carry my .243Ack or .Savage F T/R 308 in.That is ok with me, IF anyone has done it and found they take care of it,Minus scope of course).
Help or thoughts on this?

 

[280man]

Contact your airline and find out about there checked bag restrictions most limit you to 62 linear inches without paying an "over sized bag fee" which can be pretty steep. Ammo is limited to 5kg which is about 11lbs ammo has to be packed in a factory type container meaning each shell must be protected from coming in contact with each other and your containers count in the weight. As far as your case I would recommend the best on the market Pelican, Storm one of those and don't try to carry on your scope because there are some TSA agents that will classify it as a gun part and wont allow it

 

[expiper]

it is pretty simple...when you arrive be shur and get the process started quikly,to avoid any delays) I store my loaded ammo in the case with the rifle in MTM 50 round boxes...no more than 11 lbs of loaded ammo....,,absolutely NO PRIMERS IR POWDER can be transported)),,,,they will "snif" the weapon and components for "explosives" ...YOU will lock the case and keep the key with YOU>>>>the rifle will count as one of your checked items...they put it in the cargo where no one can get to it ...when you arrrive it varies whether you go to the over withigt luggage area and show ID and retrieve your weapop ...or just pik it up with your other checked luggage...ask how it will before you fly..it will save confusion when you arrive....the protocal varies with each airline!!!!....Roger

 

[fdshuster]

reloader243: Obtain a "hard copy" of the TSA regs. regarding transportating firearms, and carry it with you, on your person. Be prepared for at least one "agent" who has no knowledge whatsoever about the legality and the regulations. Check out the limits on insurance coverage: depending on the airline, it may be a maximum of $1200, so higher coverage may be in order. All previous info regarding lockable case, ammo, etc. is all good info.

 

[powderBurnz]

Lately with the amount of luggage I have been getting back from those wonderful airlines with wheels and/or handles busted off, I keep thinking the next time I fly to a shoot I will ship the rifle UPS or FEDEX ahead of me.

 

[redneckturkeycaller]

You must have an airline approved case. You must have locks on the case. You will be required to open the case and sign a document that says the weapon is unloaded.One copy of this document is then put inside the case. I usually take the bolt out of the gun. This was the procedure the last time that I flew. I would suggest calling the airline just to double check. You don't need any surprises at the airport.I have never carried any ammo with me.

 

[armaster]

I think shipping it to yourself is the way to go, avoiding allot of hassle.

 

[BZR]

I flew with my rifles at Christmas...

No big deal.

I flew with American Airlines. Their policy is declare you rifles at the ticket counter. They check to make sure they are unloaded and in a hard locked case. They have you sign a card saying it is unloaded. Then you give that to TSA... That is it.

You can carry up to 11 lbs of Ammo that has to be stored in a case that is made to hold ammo. They didn't even check this for me they just asked if it was less than 11 lbs.

Then when you get to your location you have to pick up your case at the baggage counter with your claim ticket... They will not send out firearms on the carosel.


It was not too bad except that I had to pay $25 for a second bag and lug two bags by myself...


It was not tough at all.

Each airline has about the same policies as far as I have seen so far.