Flying / Gun

**DMP** · 04-23-2015, 04:33 PM

Heading out west again next week to turkey hunt. Normally put my shells in my luggage and not in the gun case. Anyone ever put their shells in the gun case when flying? Can't find anything on TSA's website saying that you can't or on the airlines site.

Talked to a guy who takes the foam insulation out of his gun case and packs everything in his gun case with his gun. Says he has never had an issue with it. Would save some money only haveing the gun case instead of one luggage bag and the gun case.

Thoughts?

**rocketman** · 04-23-2015, 04:38 PM

Last time we took ours to Montana I think we had to have the shells in the case locked up with them. This was with Delta, and where we got the info from. When the cases were checked they said everything was fine.
Might want to look at Delta's website or whoever you're flying with.

**DMP** · 04-23-2015, 04:47 PM

Flying with delta again. Nothing on their site says you can't.

Never had any issues with TSA in the past with my guns, but I have never had my ammo in the case with my gun.

Putting everything in the lockable case would save me $70.

**trkykilr** · 04-23-2015, 05:41 PM

Put the shells in a factory box in your checked bag.

Close thread

**Gut_Pile** · 04-23-2015, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by trkykilr

Put the shells in a factory box in your checked bag.

Close thread

x2

**SCtrkyhntr1** · 04-23-2015, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by trkykilr

Put the shells in a factory box in your checked bag.

Close thread

This right here. Been doing it for 10 or 12 years this way, never had a single problem. Save your empty hulls so you can make sure the box is full when you return. One year they tried to take a box of my shells because it was not full.

**CAMO SNOB** · 04-23-2015, 07:06 PM

Eat the shells and shit them out drug mule style once you get to old Mexico... Eat salads after you eat the shells. Get a goldfish net to sift through the turds.

**SCcdp** · 04-28-2015, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by trkykilr

Put the shells in a factory box in your checked bag.

Close thread

Probably a stupid question, but what if you're taking reloads? Will the TSA have a duck fit over my 7mm reloads that I want to take on my elk trip in November that won't be in a factory box?

I reckon I could just put them in one of the many factory boxes that are laying around my reloading bench, but I'd like to take them in something else if possible.

**L C Hillbilly** · 04-28-2015, 05:45 PM

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...and-ammunition

Ammo just has to be securely packed. Cardboard or metal container, it doesn't matter. You can put it in your gun case with your gun or other checked luggage.

**Gut_Pile** · 04-28-2015, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by SCcdp

Probably a stupid question, but what if you're taking reloads? Will the TSA have a duck fit over my 7mm reloads that I want to take on my elk trip in November that won't be in a factory box?

I reckon I could just put them in one of the many factory boxes that are laying around my reloading bench, but I'd like to take them in something else if possible.

Put them in factory box

**MediaGuy** · 04-28-2015, 06:12 PM

As long as the ammo is separate and in the factory box put it in the case. I fly with guns all the time. Pro tip, don't use TSA locks, use real ones there are a bunch of crooks handling baggage.

**L C Hillbilly** · 04-28-2015, 07:07 PM

There used to be confusion about the locks on your gun case. Half of TSA said they needed to be TSA locks and the other half said that they didn't. It is a little more clear on their website now. The locks on your gun case should not be TSA locks. You are the only one who should have access to your gun. When you check it as a firearm, you need to stick around for a minute and TSA will call you over to unlock your case. After they check your gun and mark it accordingly, they give you the keys back and it won't be opened again. If you don't declare it a firearm they will cut your locks and track you down. You can forget about getting on that plane.

**qlyrata** · 05-07-2015, 02:56 PM

I flew 4 times last year with guns. Each airport I departed from was a completely different experience. Regardless of their published rules, be prepared to be compliant with some idiot's demand, and be prepared spend an extra 30 minutes waiting on some unforeseen situation to be resolved. Sometimes its a painless process; sometimes it isn't. As far as packing things in your gun case, I always load it down with knives, optics, etc. No reason to waste the extra space. If you are going to fly with guns, a full size pelican gun case is the best investment you can make.

**mrtroy4man** · 05-08-2015, 05:49 PM

DMP, I have a friend of a friend of a friend (ok, it's me) who works for TSA. Make sure the gun isn't loaded or any loose shells floating around in the case. Have your shells in a factory box or 1 of those nice fancy she'll holders and you will be fine. Tell the airline you want the case to remain locked and that you will hang around for a few incase TSA needs to get in your case. Make sure you don't have any loose ammo or knives in your carry-on bags. You will be surprised how many people come thru with these items in their bag. If you have any other questions, PM me and I will gladly answer them.

**SOUTHERN WOODS** · 05-17-2015, 06:14 PM

Another option that hasn't been mentioned and it may not be possible depending on the location but you could always buy what ammo you will need after you arrive at your destination.

**romeocadet08** · 07-09-2015, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by mrtroy4man

DMP, I have a friend of a friend of a friend (ok, it's me) who works for TSA. Make sure the gun isn't loaded or any loose shells floating around in the case. Have your shells in a factory box or 1 of those nice fancy she'll holders and you will be fine. Tell the airline you want the case to remain locked and that you will hang around for a few incase TSA needs to get in your case. Make sure you don't have any loose ammo or knives in your carry-on bags. You will be surprised how many people come thru with these items in their bag. If you have any other questions, PM me and I will gladly answer them.

Who would ever do such a thing?!

**Downeast** · 07-10-2015, 04:13 AM

If you know where you will be staying just mail the gun to yourself with USPS. You may even be able to do it "General Delivery". You just have to sign for it when you get there to pick it up.