Checking handgun at DFW

[Russell B]

I'm flying to El Paso tonight and want to take my EDC. I would appreciate any procedure information or helpful hints.
Thanks

 

[txinvestigator]

You cannot curb check. Declare the firearm at the ticket counter. Make sure it is unloaded and in a lockable hard case. They will advise you.

Check your airlines website and the TSA website for specific information.

I, for one, would be very appreciative if you would report back how it went.

 

[Russell B]

Will do. I just read the specifics from the TSA @ TSA: Traveling with Special Items
I'll return mid-week with a status update.

 

[Harley Rider 55]

I've flown with a firearm numerous times. Each airline has their own little way of doing things.

 

[TheDan]

Heh... I'll be testing out Alaska Airlines tomorrow. I've never flown with firearms before, so I hope I have all my ducks in a row.

 

[Seabear1500]

After checking with the airline and the TSA regs, I flew with one of my pistols in my checked bag last year. We left from Astin, where I informed the ticket agent that I had a firearm to declare. She asked me to show her it was unloaded. I unlocked the case I had it in and the slide was locked back . I showed her, but I don't think she even looked. She had me sign a little red card saying it was unloaded, she initialed it and had me put it in the locked case with the gun. I thought the tag should be in the suitcase, but she said the tag could be seen through the case with the x-ray machine. Did the same thing coming back from Detroit. Same airline, same procedure, but the tag was a little different, more things to check. All in all it went quite well, and I will never travel without again.

I posted pics on here last year of the locking case I used.

 

[Russell B]

Okay, so when I declared the weapon at DFW, I was given the unloaded firearm card to sign and I had to unlock the pelican case at the ticket counter and show the mag was unloaded. The handgun was not touched. I was then escorted to a small private area with a TSA guy who again had me unlock and he checked the mag, returned it to the case and relocked it. He then checked my entire bag, including the swab for traces of explosives. He says "all good" and sends it to the plane.

In El Paso today, I declared the weapon at the ticket counter, was given the unloaded firearm card and that was it. I asked if they needed me to unlock, was told no, and that each airport had different rules as to what they wanted to see. With the exception of the card, it was just like checking any other bag.

 

[navyguy]

Good deal. I few out of Chicago a couple of years ago, and brought some guns home that where my Dad's. I really worried there because of all of the asinine gun laws they have.

It went okay at the airport. except they did loose the case with two long guns it in. Took them three days to find it and when they did, the stock on my Sako Finnbear was broken, and the case was all dented up. They did pony up $1000 to have it restocked, but still what a PIA.

 

[Harley Rider 55]

AAs TRS wanted to take my firearm and containwer out of my sight to inspect it, and woud return it to me lock in the case. I told the clerk, the firearm is not leaving my sight until the container is locked. Shebacted like I just punched her.
When it was mu time to go through the line I got asked the standard question: Have your bags been out of your control since you packed them? Saying no would mean I would miss my flight.

 

[Pappy]

I got asked the standard question: Have your bags been out of your control since you packed them? Saying no would mean I would miss my flight.

Saying yes and you probably would miss your flight also...