Gun in baggage
- Thread starter PapaG
- Start date
BlueBisley
Single-Sixer
must be in a hard case with a lock. must declare firearm to airline counter agent. make sure you know the gun laws in the state you're flying to. Of course no loaded weapons or ammo in same case.
Usually NOT a PROBLEM, but call airline if in doubt.
Usually NOT a PROBLEM, but call airline if in doubt.
Have done it
As said, must declare it & be in a locked hard case with a simple form to fill out. They will examine it and that's it
Go on the carriers website for their exact rules though
Done all the time. It's really no big deal
As said, must declare it & be in a locked hard case with a simple form to fill out. They will examine it and that's it
Go on the carriers website for their exact rules though
Done all the time. It's really no big deal
chevy314
Bearcat
Make sure its in a locked gun case. You can transport no more than 5 at a time. I dont know if they still put a large red sticker on your luggage letting everyone know there is a weapon inside but I asked them to put it on the gun case and not the outside of my luggage which they did. No ammo allowed and let them know you have a weapon to declaire before taking it out (seems logical but I have seen someone take the weapon out first then declaire). I would recommend locking your luggage too.
FergusonTO35
Hunter
Can you not fly with ammo anymore? I recall an article about airline travel with guns in American Rifleman a few years ago that specifically said ammo was ok as long as the gun was not loaded.
22/45 Fan
Hunter
Years ago the airlines used to place a large orange identifying sticker on baggage that contained a firearm. After MANY complaints and a rash of stolen guns, they reversed that policy.Xsales said:
cellar701
Buckeye
And make sure you have some insurance which will cover loss/theft. If the airline loses it, or one of their employees steals it, they won't reimburse beyond what's stated in their small print for luggage loss/damage - and that's not much.
frontstuffers
Single-Sixer
One other piece of advice, ALWAYS check your case BEFORE you leave the airport. Once outside, they can always claim that they didn't see it and you are making a false claim. This was advice from one of the gun writers after losing a very valuable rifle. Seems the hinge pin had been removed, the gun taken, and the pin put back. Since there was no sign of "forced entry" they denied his claim. I follow this rule religiously now.
Thanks all for the info. I bought the tickets and emailed the airline and got their policy and it seems simple enough. They state eleven pounds of ammo. The main thing I was interested in was if you thought it was a good idea and appreciated your answers. Is the extra insurance available at the counter or do I need to get it before hand?
cellar701
Buckeye
Insurance is going to depend on types of firearms you are checking. Here is some info on insurance options:
http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/extra-baggage-insurance-why-you-may-need-it.html?id=5527781
I cover it through my homeowner/personal property insurance and NRA insurance. Just check with your agent(s) beforehand so you know where you stand with all of it and know what your options are.
From my personal experience, airlines are a PITA to deal with on lost luggage. I have never lost a firearm in checked luggage, but I know it happens. They will only give you depreciated value on any of your luggage contents, so if you are traveling with a 50 year old firearm, their depreciation tables are going to severely discount the value (even though we know that firearms appreciate, not depreciate - right?). And if it is a collector type piece, they probably won't cover the "collector" value - check their disclaimers. If your homeowner/personal property insurance is replacement value is where you need to be, and ensure they will cover what the airline won't cover.
Good luck with it all and safe travels!
http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/extra-baggage-insurance-why-you-may-need-it.html?id=5527781
I cover it through my homeowner/personal property insurance and NRA insurance. Just check with your agent(s) beforehand so you know where you stand with all of it and know what your options are.
From my personal experience, airlines are a PITA to deal with on lost luggage. I have never lost a firearm in checked luggage, but I know it happens. They will only give you depreciated value on any of your luggage contents, so if you are traveling with a 50 year old firearm, their depreciation tables are going to severely discount the value (even though we know that firearms appreciate, not depreciate - right?). And if it is a collector type piece, they probably won't cover the "collector" value - check their disclaimers. If your homeowner/personal property insurance is replacement value is where you need to be, and ensure they will cover what the airline won't cover.
Good luck with it all and safe travels!
