Hunting season is here. And it is there too. And over there. And down there. It's everywhere. Which makes traveling to those opportune hunting areas a weekend priority on a lot of lists. Some travel local, a short drive. Some travel long distances, halfway around the world. Others are somewhere in between. No matter where your final destination is, traveling on an airline with a firearm can be a serious thing.
Firearms have been making the flights right along side the humans who use them for about as long as passenger flights have been operating. It is perfectly legal for someone to travel with a secure, unloaded, cased and locked, legal firearm. The most daunting part of the whole process, happens before you even start to pack for your trip.
The TSA has rules and regulations for traveling with a firearm. As well, each airline has rules and regulations for traveling with firearms and ammo.
Some things to expect when traveling with a firearm:
Make sure you read the TSA guidelines as well as your airlines guidelines
Some airlines don't allow you to transport ammo and weapon in the same case.
Do not get a "TSA lock"
You can put more locks than a state prison on your case. But you should be the only one who can open them. Ever.
Get a good case
We all know that sometimes that souvenir you packed to bring back to your Aunt Jean of a hula girl doesn't always make it. Don't risk ruining your hunting trip by chancing something happening to your beloved firearm or equipment by packing it in a cheap case.
Listen to Announcements, Ask Questions
Every airport is different and each airline is different. While one might put your gun case on the conveyor belt, another airline or airport may require you to pick it up at the airline counter. Listen to the announcements, as they will often say "firearm cases" can be claimed here. Also, don't hesitate to ask the desk employee when checking in where you can reclaim your firearm when landing.
Have a little patience
The TSA has to do their job. The airline personnel have to do theirs. No matter how quick you get checked in and on with it, your flight will still take off at the same time. And when traveling with a firearm, it may take some time. Remember there will be papers for you to fill out about the firearm, ammo, declarations of being unloaded, etc. And then the TSA will have to check the case and contents. Patience. Hopefully that big 18 point bad boy you've been baiting and feeding all summer and fall hasn't been shot by the neighbor who's on his first hunting trip.
With a little research, things should go smoothly. Just remember, research first. When traveling with a firearm, in a crowded airport, on a plane, things can go south quickly as I'm sure you can imagine. Don't let that happen. Best of luck to all you hunters out there this season!
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