Not sure which airline you flew, but the tag is supposed to go inside the case, not the outside. Everytime I have flown with a firearm it was done that way. Reason being is that they do not want to broadcast what is inside.
John,
I just noticed on the TSA site that ammo can go inside with the firearm as long as it is not loaded in magazines. So buying a good small lockable container may be the solution.
Like I said, its been a while. I stand corrected. Good to know info though. FYI…depending on how much is shipped, Ammo = Weight = Extra $. There may be a limit in shipping ORM. Check with your airline on the amount. If they let you ship 1500 rounds, let us know what airline for future reference.
I didn’t know whether it could go in mags. I knew “loose” ammo was bad. I can bring about 20 mags, but I’ll make sure they’re unloaded.
I was pretty sure it was also acceptable in manufacturers container. I presume this means battlepacks/boxes as well.
My case can fit two rifles, should I put my pistol inside? or put it in another, less conspicuous piece of checked luggage?
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This is interesting:
PMAGs with feed lip cover? Wouldn’t a tactical vest/mag pouch be ok too?
Remember TSA. Not the sharpest tools in the shed. I would just follow the simple guidelines above. Another thing to consider. Figure out what your ammo will weigh and what they will charge you for it at the airlines. Then try and price the replacement cost of that ammo at the closest gun store wo where you are going. That will let you know if the hassle is worth it.
I agree… the KISSOFF principle applies.
I’m going to fly with the rifle since I have to anyway with the pistol.
Actually in thinking about it could I order the ammo online, and have them deliver it? It would definitely be easier on my back and probably price is as good as anywhere else.
Ammo is heavy, especially class sized numbers. Since you are locked into flying, if it were me, I would take my guns and gear with me, but I would either ship the ammo, or simply buy the ammo on line that I needed for the class and have it shipped to the class location.
I fly quite a bit with my weapons and the tag actually goes inside the case. What goes on the outside of the case is white TSA tape stating that the item has been inspected by the TSA. This happens right after you (or the luggage handler) runs your item through the big honking X-Ray machine.
As for cases, you can lock them with a TSA approved lock. Now supposedly only the boys and girls in the TSA should have this uber sensitive item, but some how, some way Im sure some enterprising dirt bag may just have swiped a copy (that was sarcasm. Of course they have). However having a rifle case (cough harddig *cough) secured with a couple of TSA locks will be about as good as if you were flying with the weapon. Why? Glad you asked. Cause the numbnuts loading your luggage know damned well that the penalty for stealing a diamond necklace is a whole lot worse than the world of shit they will be in if a firearm is reported lost or stolen. They also know its damned hard to walk from the warehouse to their car with a rifle sized case for all to see than it is to walk with a Canon EOS dSLR tucked neatly into their lunch box.
Short of the long, dont sweat it. Just ship it in a TSA locked case and the chances of it arriving at your destination are probably greater than if you shipped it via FEDEX or UPS.
Hmm, what about one that wouldnt be programmed to go off until after your plan reaches its destination? Say you have a one hour flight, you program it to start transmitting (unless disarmed) either one hour after your scheduled arrival time or if some one tries to ope it with out disarming it first? I’m seeing an opportunity here.
I’d invest.
I Fly for a Living and some times take my AR to shoot when I get there or go to class. I have a small Pelcan like case(got from a local Gander Mtn for under $100) that a broken down AR fits in perfect. Never had a Issue with it, after I get it all checked out and the Tag inside I Lock it up with 3 padlocks and then put Duct tape on the Clasps that dont have pad locks on them and take my black sharpee and sign the Duct tape on the seams kind as a Tamper seal. I have Hunted all over the US and Africa and this trick with the Duct Tape has worked evertime.
Hope this helps
As for ammo I would have it shipped to who ever is holding your class in care of you. A lot lot likely to be “missplaced” that way.
Good luck and Enjoy your class.
Dave
Pelican case and tape as tamper resistance works very well. Also, take a photo of the contents (that cell phone camera can come in handy here) before you hand it to the TSA.
While cutting out foam DOES look cheesy, the cut-outs DO help with organizing items and seeing if something is missing immediately…
Pistols should in locked Pelican cases, and then placed INSIDE other easily ID’d luggage, since this is more low profile. Rifles can stay intact with the LARGE pelican cases, since they are harder to cart off.
My Pelican 1750 has worked every year prairie doggin’ in AZ. It takes a beating, holds my pistol and rifle, is as watertight as a duck’s patoot and has wheels on it. I wouldn’t think that would go missing too easily, but that’s just MHO…
I also use a hard case for pistols (hardigg) and put it in a big luggage bag. I’ve had my full mags (inside the storm case) questioned at the san antonio airport, but they let me thru. Most airline check-in people, in my experience, act like they don’t check firearms much and often ask another worker about it.
I swear the TSA firearms page used to specifically say you can NOT use TSA-approved locks (I wouldn’t use one anyway). It does still say that only you should have the key or combo.
Before you travel:
I’ve flown half a dozen times this year with firearms, have not had any issues. I have taken 2 rifles and a handgun in my Storm case with minimal ammo (carry ammo). Make sure you keep the ammo in factory containers or the hard plastic ammo boxes if carrying it with your firearms.
You are limited to 11 lbs of ammo I believe. I usually hit the Walmart in town after arriviing for pistol ammo and make arrangements to have rifle ammo waiting.
Use big locks on your case, I’ve had 2 of the TSA locks broken off when I picked up my case.
I shipped my gear home once using UPS, but won’t do that again after a buddy had his case come up MIA. If you ship UPS make sure you write your contact info on the case with a Sharpie as dishonest UPS employees have been known to rip the tracking/shipping label off.