When flying with a firearm do they background check you? If yes how much does that cost?
Posted by Educational_Owl_5138@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I'm planning on taking a trip with my wife later this year and I was gifted my first handgun from my grandpa. I got my concealed carry and all that but I'm not sure the exact process that they go through during the security screening.
Do they background check you? Do they run the serial number? If yes do you have to pay more to handle the background check or any other checks they do? Do you have to pay more to declare the gun or is it just considered a part of your checked baggage?
Sorry for any dumb questions. I just want to be prepared for everything so that way I'm not caught off guard by anything.
Big_Hat1751@reddit
No background checks. You just have to declare the firearm when you check your bags. Make sure it’s unloaded and stored in a locked container with ammo in a separate locked container. I believe the TSA has a YouTube video on it.
But do make sure you know the laws for the state you travel to. You could bring something legal in your state that’s illegal where you’re going.
Educational_Owl_5138@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the info on that. Do you know if it costs extra for said declared firearm? Or does that vary by airline
Big_Hat1751@reddit
I don’t think so, but idk for sure.
Independent-Exit7434@reddit
No. Don’t use TSA locks. Don’t let them open it unless you are there. Do not give them keys or combinations. Ensure that any connecting flights or stops don’t put you at legal risk. Aka, if you’re connecting through an AWB state, but you have standard mags, and have to stay there at a hotel, do not let them give you the gun back.
Educational_Owl_5138@reddit (OP)
Do you have any locks you personally recommend? I've heard them TSA locks are way too easy to get into. Definitely gonna avoid those lmao.
Also thank you for the info
Independent-Exit7434@reddit
Not anything immediately available, but the toughest locks you can get. Something they can’t cut, saw, or drill off. I’ve heard stories of expensive guns being fucked with or damaged on arrival. One guy was transporting his Uspsa open gun, easily $5-$10,000 guns, to find opened (tsa) locks and the gun evidently damaged from getting dropped on concrete or steel.
I saw your other comments here. Different airports and carriers do have a bit different guidelines, all that meet the tsa minimum requirements. Make sure you study up on those before you risk getting turned away at the airport. Though, keep in mind if yours says tsa type locks or that you have to give a key or combo don’t for the reasons I’ve mentioned. There are a bunch of good videos for flying with firearms on YouTube from dudes who fly guns for competitions all the time, it’s a regular thing for a number of people even if a bit of a pain in the ass.
FOXYRAZER@reddit
No they don't background check you or check the SN, they just verify you have it locked in an appropriate case and there is no loose ammo in with it. You will have to check it at the airline counter before you go through TSA. read through the TSA guidelines on the type of case and locks (you need at least two). Make sure you know the rules as a lot of the airline agents don't and maybe have the TSA guidelines ready if you need to argue lol.
Educational_Owl_5138@reddit (OP)
Appreciate it. One case is for ammo and the other is for the actual firearm right? If I recall correctly you have to have the mags unloaded and the ammo in a completely separate locked case.
We went over it in class but I forgot some of the specifics of the whole flying thing 🤦 also I appreciate the information. Thank you.
FOXYRAZER@reddit
It can all be in the same case just has to be in storage in some way or mags just not loose. Gun has to be unloaded
zippity__zoppity@reddit
This ^^^ You will either get a knowledgeable agent or a friggin looney toon that very obviously hates guns. It’s insane. I’ve had to show them their own damn website before.
Animal907@reddit
How did you get your concealed carry permit knowing so little?
Educational_Owl_5138@reddit (OP)
I mean, I've just never flown with a firearm. We brushed over the topic of declaring the firearm, checking laws in different states, etc. but that was just one extremely brief part of the class.
I'm just trying to make sure shit goes smooth. Id appreciate information like everyone else is giving, not sarcasm.