# Checking guns at the airport **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 1, 2015, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943 "2015-07-01T09:01:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2015, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/41 "2015-07-06T21:59:13Z")
30K??? :eek: I would still be in jail… ::: sob :::: ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/42 "2015-07-07T01:40:19Z")
I hired a high-end lawyer. I probably overpaid, but I don’t have a lot of experience with these things (thankfully). I could have gotten a felony, which is what I was charged with, or it could have been bargained down to a misdemeanor, but in the end his discussions and negotiations with the DA ended up with all charges being dropped. So I’m grateful. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/43 "2015-07-07T03:57:54Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > I hired a high-end lawyer. I probably overpaid, but I don’t have a lot of experience with these things (thankfully). I could have gotten a felony, which is what I was charged with, or it could have been bargained down to a misdemeanor, but in the end his discussions and negotiations with the DA ended up with all charges being dropped. So I’m grateful. I’m a bit perplexed. Most gun owners are well aware of what a draconian nightmare NY state, and NYC especially is. I have a federal law on my side and even I was a bit nervous the first time I took a pistol [there](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=623979). Forgive any implications of snark, but what exactly did you expect? ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/44 "2015-07-07T04:32:52Z")
It’s a fair question. I did not do my research, it was totally my fault. Not one of my smarter moments. I contacted the airlines and asked how do I do this, they told me, I followed their directions, and didn’t even think of looking up each state’s laws, for the states I visited. It was an expensive lesson. ---
**Author:** ![Orwell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/dfb087/32.png) [@Orwell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orwell)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/45 "2015-07-07T12:42:39Z")
Bullitt might have reasonably thought “nowhere else can be worse than California”. Unfortunately, and amazingly, there are a handful of states that are probably worse than CA when it comes to gun laws. NY, NJ, MD and DC all come to mind as probably worse than CA. PA thankfully has a law that prevents cities and counties from establishing their own gun laws, or Philthadelphia would likely copy NYC’s laws. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/46 "2015-07-07T12:55:19Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > You can absolutely check firearms on flights within the U.S. It is rather routine but there are (understandably) rules that need to be followed. TSA even has a helpful web page for it. Firearms aren’t banned from the pre-security parts of airports but they do generally need to be secured in their own container and separated from ammunition. > > [Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration](http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition) I had thought ammunition would be banned, given the list of flammable/explosive materials you normally can’t put into your luggage, but it looks like it’s just gunpowder (and flares) you can’t check. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/47 "2015-07-07T13:43:41Z")
**Bullitt** , I’m really sorry to hear of what you had to go through in NY and it’ll be a cautionary tale for the rest of us, plus anyone I know going through there will hear about it too. That sucks but if it’s any consolation your experience may prevent some of us from being forced to endure the same. > [@zwede](#): > > I’ve heard that photographers often use the checked-gun-provisions to avoid theft of their (very expensive) equipment. I frequently travel within the US with rifles and pistols secured in a heavy, very hard case with three substantial locks that no baggage handler could penetrate. Since my other luggage is soft I also frequently put any camera or even several bottles of expensive whiskey in there too for safekeeping. TSA frequently doesn’t even look inside, they’ll just slip in the orange declaration tag, have me lock it, put it on the belt and it’s always been there intact for me at my destination. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/48 "2015-07-07T19:35:48Z")
> [@Orwell](#): > > Bullitt might have reasonably thought “nowhere else can be worse than California”. That was definitely part of my thoughts at the time. Things are quite strict here in CA. But boy was that wrong. > [@Gyrate](#): > > I had thought ammunition would be banned, given the list of flammable/explosive materials you normally can’t put into your luggage, but it looks like it’s just gunpowder (and flares) you can’t check. I venture a guess that besides the weight limit there is probably a limit on the amount of ammo you can check into commercial air baggage. > [@lieu](#): > > **Bullitt** , I’m really sorry to hear of what you had to go through in NY and it’ll be a cautionary tale for the rest of us, plus anyone I know going through there will hear about it too. That sucks but if it’s any consolation your experience may prevent some of us from being forced to endure the same. Thanks and yes that’s part of it. Am hoping someone can learn from my experience. > [@lieu](#): > > I frequently travel within the US with rifles and pistols secured in a heavy, very hard case with three substantial locks that no baggage handler could penetrate. Do you mind sharing what that is? Make & model, or a link would be great. TIA. ---
**Author:** ![SpyOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@SpyOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpyOne)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/49 "2015-07-08T13:42:58Z")
I have read a couple of different people saying that traveling internationally with guns (from the US) is just too much hassle. At least one was a hunter, and at least one was private security, and they all were advising to ship your guns separately or to buy guns at your destination. I think one split the difference and bought guns to be delivered at the destination (the hunter, I think, as he wanted some high-end guns unlikely to be in stores in developing nations). Just second-hand hearsay, I guess. They were probably counting all kinds of “hassle”, both official restrictions and just bull from under-informed airline employees and such. And I recall one of the Security guys specifically mentioning that the easiest way to make sure the gun you’ll have is legal in the country you’re working in is to buy it there. ---
**Author:** ![Orwell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/dfb087/32.png) [@Orwell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orwell)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/50 "2015-07-08T14:05:54Z")
> [@SpyOne](#): > > I have read a couple of different people saying that traveling internationally with guns (from the US) is just too much hassle. > > At least one was a hunter, and at least one was private security, and they all were advising to ship your guns separately or to buy guns at your destination. I think one split the difference and bought guns to be delivered at the destination (the hunter, I think, as he wanted some high-end guns unlikely to be in stores in developing nations). That seems unlikely for hunters. Serious hunters - and I have to assume most hunters traveling to Africa or Europe to hunt are quite serious about their hobby - often have a rifle and scope package that costs well over $1,000, and perhaps well over $2,000 or $3,000. More importantly, they have spent hours sighting in and practicing, probably narrowing down the exact ammunition that shoots most accurately. It seems unlikely that they would then count on buying whatever is available at their destination, and also count on sighting in the rifle. Shotguns are a little easier to buy off the rack, but again serious scattergunners probably have a high-end over-under or semi-auto shotgun that they paid $1,500 to $3,000 for. Would they really want to leave it at home? FWIW, if you read hunting and gun magazines, the writers often travel to South America, Europe and Africa to hunt, and take new firearms provided by manufacturers for their review. These writers know the procedures well, obviously, but just as obviously they transport these firearms back and forth with them. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/51 "2015-07-08T14:37:16Z")
Re: Hard gun case that’ll keep baggage handlers out. > [@Bullitt](#): > > Do you mind sharing what that is? Make & model, or a link would be great. TIA. Pelican. It’s either [this](https://www.google.com/search?q=pelican+rifle+case+desert+sand&biw=978&bih=705&tbm=isch&imgil=nBAkeJyZy2LukM%253A%253B4cwL15MP0b6pqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.amazon.com%25252FPelican-1750-Long-Case-Desert%25252Fdp%25252FB0014D85AY&source=iu&pf=m&fir=nBAkeJyZy2LukM%253A%252C4cwL15MP0b6pqM%252C_&dpr=1.15&usg= __KDYuJg_QruEsn2zmQbPrAUXslOI%3D&ved=0CEIQyjdqFQoTCNyG6_ndy8YCFQaLkgodLYUCZA&ei=MzKdVZwhhpbKBK2KiqAG#imgrc=nBAkeJyZy2LukM%3A&usg=__ KDYuJg_QruEsn2zmQbPrAUXslOI%3D) one or a model very similar to it. Knowing I would return a week from today I left it up in Colorado last time just to save the hassle. It’s large enough I packed ammo, a partially disassembled AR with VXIII and J-mounted red dot scopes, plus a Baretta A-303 for my daughter. The case is very rigid and tough and with 3 decent locks (4 if you want), nobody is prying their way in so any valuables stashed stay safe. It has rollers too, which come in handy. I’ll check Wednesday when I get there and let you know if the actual model number is different. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/52 "2015-07-08T14:41:43Z")
Close enough, thanks for the info. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/53 "2015-07-08T17:31:47Z")
The only time I ever possessed a gun outside of the U.S. was when I went on a dignitary protection detail to India in 2005. Everything had been set up for us so we had nothing to do with getting weaponry there. Odd thing: The Indian agents we worked with carried .32 caliber breech loading revolvers and they carried them on lanyards around their necks concealed by their clothing. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/54 "2015-07-08T22:55:32Z")
I emailed a BIL in Maryland who goes to Africa to hunt & uses NYC airports. Only long guns & has never had a problem. Would not ever mess with a hand gun. Plus he is not a hand gun guy so it does not bother him. Not his circus, not his monkey so to speak. He travels a lot but I did not ask if he was pre-TSA cleared. I have a local friend who has more airline time than many airline pilots so he has not sat in cattle class in about 20 years. He does not need top go through any hassle with lines, they just go directly to the VIP lounge and offer him a drink. Rat fink has more free miles than imaginable & won’t let me use any & I & a church mouse are on the same economical level. ::: grrrr ::: ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/55 "2015-07-08T23:36:14Z")
Is his name Dick? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/56 "2015-07-09T05:26:36Z")
Who, Rat Fink or BIL? Neither actually. LOL In another context, no not that either. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/57 "2015-07-09T09:20:19Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > Odd thing: The Indian agents we worked with carried .32 caliber breech loading revolvers and they carried them on lanyards around their necks concealed by their clothing. I’m not sure I get that. Wouldn’t they be extremely hard to both draw and use with that arrangement? ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/58 "2015-07-09T09:55:22Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I’m not sure I get that. Wouldn’t they be extremely hard to both draw and use with that arrangement? Well if anything the gun flops around as you move and walk about. You’re right, it’s not ideal for a fast draw, but it does keep it close by and secured to your body. And a breech loader - that’s not too common here in the states. Neither is .32 caliber. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/59 "2015-07-09T16:28:02Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I’m not sure I get that. Wouldn’t they be extremely hard to both draw and use with that arrangement? > [@Bullitt](#): > > And a breech loader - that’s not too common here in the states. Neither is .32 caliber. Like I said, it was odd. We didn’t even know they were carrying (probably .32 S&W) those kind of weapons or carrying in that manner until one morning we had a pre-day roll call meeting they attended. We got to see them gearing up. They carried the revolver, 12 rounds of extra ammo in a pouch on a belt, handcuffs, and nothing else. We were carrying Sig P226/229, spare mags, handcuffs and expandable batons, all concealed of course. We had not been allowed to bring OC, Tasers, or anything exotic like that. But like I posted before, the higher ups took care of bringing the equipment. So I don’t know how it was determined what was/could be brought. That had been an multi-agency team I had gotten assigned to work with for a while. That trip had to do with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. But months after that I ended up working in New Orleans extracting evacuees. Earned official commendations from 2 state governors for that. The work really really sucked though. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943/60 "2015-07-09T16:37:34Z")
My guess is that it was the [.32 Webley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webley_Revolver) I have no idea how my brain pulled that name out of the back of my head. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/checking-guns-at-the-airport/723943.md?page=4)