Flying to Arizona with a handgun!

[xbaltzx]

Has anyone traveled on an airline with a handgun in their checked baggage?

 

I plan to go to AZ in Dec and would like to bring my HK P30 to go shooting at the ranges in AZ.

 

Since I am technically not a resident of Cook County/Chicago, would I be in violation of the County/City ordinance?

 

I have checked Southwest's site info and found this:

Southwest's Guns and Ammo page

I have also checked the TSA site and I found this:

TSA Guns and Ammo page

 

I plan on abiding by TSA and SW requirements and regulations. I am just concerned that if I go to declare it at baggage check in that I will get arrested for having a handgun in Cook County....

 

Maybe I am over thinking it....

 

I would like to hear what everyone thinks.

 

Thanks,

 

Dan

[Chris]

You won't have trouble; I suggest take a look at this post: http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?s...c=7106&st=0

[Kipp Jones]

Thanks for the linky Chris!

 

I actually prefer to travel with a gun through the airports as you will often get moved to the head of the line (ask the skycap what counter you need to go to, to declare), be taken to a seperate check in to declare the weapon that has no line and put right through security. Check with your airline on their rules and what they expect to see when you arrive, also check the TSA website for the guidelines. They are all very reasonable and it really is no big deal, just follow the rules, have your FOID and ID handy. Be polite.

[Chris]

Two other things I can think of:

 

As Kipp said be polite, remember the person who you are declaring with probably has no clue how to check if a firearm is unloaded. So be nice and offer to help or show.

 

Second make sure you know the rules and don't be surprised when they ask you if you'd like to carry of the flight. Politely decline; a lot of Chicago people think only police have guns. Make sure you are following the rules and don't let them do anything that you shouldn't be able to do.

[GarandFan]

Flying with a handgun? No problem. I've done it out of OHare. Just arrive with it locked in a hard-side case. Have your ammo in the case as well, in factory boxes. Simply declare when you check in that you need to check a handgun. You will get expedited service. You should have a printed copy of TSA regs, as well as your airline's regs (just in case the person helping you is new). Not a problem ... thousands do it every day.

 

Nothing illegal with having a handgun in Cook county ... and I've never heard of anyone having problems at OHare, which is technically the city of Chicago. They never even ask for my FOID.

 

I do recommend that you watch your piece of luggage until it disappears out of sight on the conveyor belt.

 

It's your right ... fly with confidence.

[Chris]

One more thing, just make sure you check the number of firearms and ammo amount/weight if you are taking a lot with you.

 

Here's a quote about ammo from someone I know that goes to frontsight a few times a year.

 

America West was the airline with the 60 pound limit, but check. America West purchased US Airways, then changed their name to US Airways.

[mack69]

Go with confidence....I've done it many times....the biggest worry I ever have is that the firearm gets stolen by the baggage handlers....Remind the desk staff (TSA or Airline) politely of course, that there should be no stickers on the outside of the baggage.

[xbaltzx]

Thanks guys I appreciate the input. I will have do more research on Southwest and see what the weight requirement is for ammo.

[ilphil]

I've been wondering...can the hard-sided gun case be placed inside a soft sided suitcase?

[Chris]

I've been wondering...can the hard-sided gun case be placed inside a soft sided suitcase?

 

Yes, that is what is generally done.

[ilphil]

I've been wondering...can the hard-sided gun case be placed inside a soft sided suitcase?

 

Yes, that is what is generally done.

 

Thanks. I was curious because I have seen what were obviously gun cases going around and around on the luggage carousels and didn't think that was a very good idea...