Recent Experiences on Airline with Rifle Case

[cjmill87]

I'm trying to plan some trips to matches this fall and was looking for some recent experiences from those who have flown the normal airlines (US Air, Delta, American, etc). Specifically I'm wondering how many people have flown with large rifle cases (Pelican 1750) and have been charged an oversize fee? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[effendude]

I fly Delta a couple times a year with a rifle case. It doesn't take much of a case and rifle to be over the weight limit. I don't know about oversize charges, I honestly just pay whatever the fees are because I have too.

A few years back, a friend and I flew down to Mexico for a mule deer hunt. He suggested we put both rifles in one case to save some money. We were dinged for overweight charges. Those charges bugged him the entire trip so on the return, he asked what I could remove from his rifle to lighten the weight. I took off his scope and we both removed the bolts from our rifles. Things went well leaving Hermosilla but going through TSA at Phoenix, his carry-on set off all kinds of alarms. He had put his rifle scope and rifle bolt in his carry-on back pack. He missed the flight. He was brought into a room, grilled and then the TSA idiots went so far as calling the airport chief of police and got him out of bed to come down to the airport. The chief was less than amused when he saw what all the drama was about. The chief told my friend to declare the scope and bolt as medical equipment, took him to a place where it could be boxed as such, and made sure it got on the later flight. My friend spent about $200 celebrating his freedom while waiting for the next flight. Bet he won't do that again.

Scott

 

[dickn52]

TSA and the word smart will never belong in the same sentence. UPS store would not ship my scope once, called it a rifle part. I asked if I could ship a telescope and they said "no problem", so guess what I called it?

 

[OldManTA]

It might interest youall to know that a riflescope is specifically listed on the TSA web site as allowable to include in carry on luggage. I went through the Phoenix TSA with similar experience to above. So, either pack the gear in check-in luggage or carry a copy of the web site material to show to the local TSA people.

Tom Alves

 

[cjmill87]

I guess what I'm really looking for is if anyone has been charged an oversize fee for the rifle case exceeding 62 linear inches (LxWxH). Their are some older posts on point where basically it depends on the clerk you deal with but phone calls to the airlines I'm looking at traveling have mostly yielded the same response.

I'm trying to get a sense of whether it makes more sense to purchase a new, smaller case or take a chance on getting charged.

 

[Changeling]

I would go with the case you have and take the chance. It's a good case and can take some abuse.. That is worth it in my book.
Also print out the regulations to show them as someone said.

 

[cjmill87]

I have no problems with the regulations. I just really do not want to get hit with $150 oversize fees each way for X number of flights if I don't know they are coming.

 

[hogpatrol]

I have no problems with the regulations. I just really do not want to get hit with $150 oversize fees each way for X number of flights if I don't know they are coming.

I flew to TX in June via United with an SKS two gun case, around 50lbs with my cleaning stuff and whatever else I could stuff in it. They charged me $25 for a standard "checked" bag, nothing extra for being a gun case. Different airlines have different baggage allowances. I used their website to find out what they allowed and a gun case within certain guidelines is just considered normal baggage.

 

[hogpatrol]

TSA and the word smart will never belong in the same sentence. UPS store would not ship my scope once, called it a rifle part. I asked if I could ship a telescope and they said "no problem", so guess what I called it?

UPS "store" is NOT UPS. They are franchisees with minimum wage counter employees. I've shipped loads of stuff through my local UPS depot and never had a problem with firearms, scopes, receivers, parts, or ammo.

 

[BCoates]

I flew on Southwest a few months ago and wasn't charge for my rifle case with 2 hunting rifles in it. I also flew a few years ago on Delta and was only charged the standard bag fee.

 

[Cochran]

I use an aluminum take down case that fits under the 62" linear limit but have flow with people that use full length cases. I've not seen anyone yet charged extra for a case based on dimensions. Although the airlines rules don't specifically spell it out, I assume they look at a rifle case like other over sized sporting equipment or bicycles. Never seen them pull out a tape measure for skis or golf bags either.

That being said, I still prefer my case over any others I've seen. It's easy to haul around and fits in rent cars pretty easy. Because its fairly short and has various scuba diving decals on it, most people would never think I'm carrying a rifle in it. I always declare it when I fly but the baggage handlers have no idea whats in it.

 

[Warren Dean]

Storm IM3100.

Same story as Cochran's. Much easier to fit into a rental car and the baggage goons can't kill it.

 

[waterfwlr]

I have flown with Delta, us airways, united, and southwest. I have a very large Cabelas bulletproof case with two rifles in it. Never had a oversize charge added. Just always weigh your case before hand to make sure you are not over weight. I always carry my scope in my carry on bag. Never a problem. Rifle bolt, that's a problem.

 

[Lesloan]

TSA and the word smart will never belong in the same sentence. UPS store would not ship my scope once, called it a rifle part. I asked if I could ship a telescope and they said "no problem", so guess what I called it?

I always tell 'em it's a telescope.

 

[brian427cobra]

I just flew for the first time with my rifle on Southwest, I also work for Southwest as a A&P Mechanic Supervisor, since I was flying with my pride n joy I bought tickets, when leaving Dallas checking my rifle in a Pelican 1750, I asked if I was overweight, the CSA(customer service agent) said no, shot the match, only lost 3 pieces of brass, when I checked in my rifle in Corpus Christie the CSA said it weighed 53 pounds and I needed to pay 75 bucks for overweight bag fee, I got the employee discount, moral of the story, the scales are not calibrated, there is no way my case weighed more with 12 loaded rounds and 85 empties than it did with 100 loaded rounds.

Coupl of things

1. 2500 bucks max is all your going to get if your luggage is loss, so make sure you have more than enough coverage on your firearms if flying

2. After you check your rifle at the front counter stick around that area for 10-15 minutes before heading to TSA security, reason why is the TSA may want to inspect the contents of your Pelican case, if they do you will have to exit out the secure area open the case, then go back through security

3. DO NOT put TSA locks on your rifle cases