How long ago was this?
Please read and understand all of the rules posted on the
INDIVIDUAL airline websites and those rules posted on the TSA website before booking any flight on which you will be transporting firearms.
I fly with competition rifles, usually once a month and I have NEVER run into any problems with airlines or TSA. You are responsible for reading and understanding their rules. 'rardoin' just stated the exact explanation:
Upon arrival you must go to the ticketing counter. At your turn, approach the agent and let them know you need to declare a firearm for inspection. They direct you to the TSA inspection area where an officer will have YOU open the case in front of them. They perform the inspection, place an acceptance card inside that case then have YOU re-lock it with the locks of your choice. They have always been polite and know their job.
Not all airlines use the same rules so it's important to find the current rules and read them before booking any flights. If you want a real 'come to Jesus' confrontation about Firearms and airlines, try flying British Airlines.
You best be in lock step with their rules long before booking a flight!
In point of fact, I skip BA if I have to fly to the UK.
Ammunition is a nuisance if you're competing. Our volume is far higher than is allowed by the airline's rules. You need a friend, acquaintance, hotel, or shooting group which will receive and hold ammunition for you before your arrival. Many hotels/motels will hold a package addressed to yourself when shipped to them. Call first to make these arrangements. Be sure to pick it up with ID on arrival at their establishment.
And just for fun, here are the rules published by Southwest Airlines:
Guns and Ammunition
Guns
- Customers are responsible for knowing and following the firearms laws of the state(s) that they will be traveling to, from, and through.
- Our Customers must declare the gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter (no firearms will be accepted curbside) and ensure that the firearm(s) chambers are free of ammunition and the magazine clip has been removed (when applicable). Paintball guns and BB guns are considered the same as all other firearms.
- Paintball guns are allowed in checked baggage and are not subject to the container requirements of firearms. Customers must declare the paintball gun to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter. Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carryon only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e., the cylinder has an open end). TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
- Firearms must be encased in a hard-sided, locked container that is of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling, as follows:
- A firearm in a hard-sided, locked container may be placed inside a soft-sided, unlocked suitcase.
- A firearm placed inside a hard-sided, locked suitcase does not have to be encased in a container manufactured for the transportation of firearms.
- The locked container or suitcase must completely secure the firearm from access. Cases or suitcases that can be pulled open with minimal effort do not meet the locked criterion.
- The Customer checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock, and may use any brand or type of lock to secure the firearm case (including TSA-recognized locks).
- Firearms may be checked and will count toward the two-piece free baggage allowance for each fare-paying passenger. We allow multiple firearms to be transported inside one hard-sided case.
- Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the misalignment of sights on firearms, including those equipped with telescopic sights.
- Firearms are never allowed in carryon luggage.
Ammunition
- Small arms ammunition for personal use (provided it is properly packed) is permissible in checked baggage only.
- The ammunition may be placed in the same container as the firearm and must be securely packed in cardboard (fiber), wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
- When checking ammunition, Customers are limited to 11 pounds gross weight (ammunition plus container) per person.
- Magazines or clips containing ammunition must be securely packaged (placed in another small box or in a secure cutout in the carrying case, in order to protect the primer of the ammunition).
- Make sure guns are unloaded and definitely never transport a gun in your carryon baggage!
- Gunpowder (black powder) and primers or percussion caps are not allowed in checked or carryon baggage.
- Loose ammunition or loose loaded magazines and/or clips are not allowed.
- Paintballs must be packaged in a leak-proof container and will be subject to limited release.
