by Jeff Schwarm
(Guns Save Life) – With concealed carry becoming more and more common, there comes the question “How do I fly with my firearm?”
Relax, it’s not nearly as difficult as one might imagine. I had occasion to fly from Chicago to Florida on American Airlines recently, and the process was straightforward.
First, get to the airport early. We are told two hours before, I find that a good rule of thumb.
Of course your firearm must fly in checked baggage, so be prepared for the bag fee; mine was $25. You must check in with a real person, not the kiosk! I politely tell the agent first thing that I am traveling with a firearm, and they begin with your ID, same as any flight, and then will produce a declaration card, indicating your name and flight number.
Agents’ interest in the firearm vary widely; most simply want you to assure them it’s empty. No need to take it out and demonstrate anything. My agent never even looked inside the case, which I padlocked in front of her.
Ammunition in the magazine was no problem. Loose rounds are not permitted. Mags out of the gun of course, but locked I them in the same case.
The nice woman taped the declaration card to the outside of the locked case and I placed it back in my luggage. Then my bag was handed to another agent who took me and my bag to the TSA sniffer machine, where it was (discreetly this time) mentioned to the TSA agent that a firearm was in my bag. It was stuffed in the machine and spit out the other end, and handed back to the same baggage handler who escorted me back to the same counter, put my bag on the belt and sent me to security. My bag had a small TSA sticker that indicated it had been scanned, I’m uncertain if there was any other data on it.
After an uneventful flight I arrived at baggage claim. Note: there is nobody there to hand you your bag, it’s mixed it with all the rest. Make sure you have the right one! I always discreetly check inside my bag to make certain the firearm and case are inside, then zip it up and continue on my way. There’s really nothing more to it.
It’s good advice to have your serial number with you, in the event your bag was lost. I always carry my FOID, even though no one outside of Illinois knows much about it. Carry your concealed carry card if you intend to carry your weapon on your person, and check to make certain your permit is recognized where ever you intend to pack your heater.
Having flown multiple times ith a firearm, direct flights are always a good choice – less places to look if things go wrong, although transfers to other planes and other carriers have never been a problem. Being polite with the ticket agent can only help. They are not interested in anything other than getting you on the plane, but being difficult won’t help.
Every airport and airline has their own ways of doing things, but it’s not as difficult as one might think.
I’d encourage you to bring your personal protection with you. Just know the process and be early!
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