Air Travel Question

[dan]

The question is this. I want to fly to Arizona in the near future. I would like to take my PT111 with me. The question is this, handguns are not allowed in Chicago. Both airports are located in Chicago therefor I have to drive from Will county into Cook and then into Chicago to get to the airport. Can I legally do this and how do I carry it in the car on the trip to the airport? Can I just pack it in my check in bag for the car trip? I want to take it with but I do not want to get pulled over in Chicago with a handgun? I know what to do with it once I get to the airport I just need to know if I can get it there legally?

[flagtag]

The question is this. I want to fly to Arizona in the near future. I would like to take my PT111 with me. The question is this, handguns are not allowed in Chicago. Both airports are located in Chicago therefor I have to drive from Will county into Cook and then into Chicago to get to the airport. Can I legally do this and how do I carry it in the car on the trip to the airport? Can I just pack it in my check in bag for the car trip? I want to take it with but I do not want to get pulled over in Chicago with a handgun? I know what to do with it once I get to the airport I just need to know if I can get it there legally?

 

I'm guessing that as long as you obey the traffic laws and don't act "guilty" and as long as the self defence tool is properly encased (unloaded in a locked case - preferably inside a checked bag) that you shouldn't have a problem. The police can't even see the gang members carrying on the streets, how are they going to see a gun case inside lugage? The only problem you might have is with the x-ray machine. But I'm also guessing that they get a lot of gun cases through the checked baggage.

 

You might want to call the airport or airline to be sure.

[Chris]

I've been searching for an official answer but I do believe that the city of Chicago allows the transportation of firearms through the city.

[anonymous too]

I've been searching for an official answer but I do believe that the city of Chicago allows the transportation of firearms through the city.

 

That's correct.

[flagtag]

The question is this. I want to fly to Arizona in the near future. I would like to take my PT111 with me. The question is this, handguns are not allowed in Chicago. Both airports are located in Chicago therefor I have to drive from Will county into Cook and then into Chicago to get to the airport. Can I legally do this and how do I carry it in the car on the trip to the airport? Can I just pack it in my check in bag for the car trip? I want to take it with but I do not want to get pulled over in Chicago with a handgun? I know what to do with it once I get to the airport I just need to know if I can get it there legally?

 

Since Chicago would be such a problem, how about going through Indianapolis? Does anyone know about their policy? Would Indy be too far to go?

[Lion of Lincoln]

The question is this. I want to fly to Arizona in the near future. I would like to take my PT111 with me. The question is this, handguns are not allowed in Chicago. Both airports are located in Chicago therefor I have to drive from Will county into Cook and then into Chicago to get to the airport. Can I legally do this and how do I carry it in the car on the trip to the airport? Can I just pack it in my check in bag for the car trip? I want to take it with but I do not want to get pulled over in Chicago with a handgun? I know what to do with it once I get to the airport I just need to know if I can get it there legally?

 

Please read this thread on how to fly with firearms. I've heard more than a handful say they know how to fly with them:

 

http://www.gunthing.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/6922/

[Lion of Lincoln]

The question is this. I want to fly to Arizona in the near future. I would like to take my PT111 with me. The question is this, handguns are not allowed in Chicago. Both airports are located in Chicago therefor I have to drive from Will county into Cook and then into Chicago to get to the airport. Can I legally do this and how do I carry it in the car on the trip to the airport? Can I just pack it in my check in bag for the car trip? I want to take it with but I do not want to get pulled over in Chicago with a handgun? I know what to do with it once I get to the airport I just need to know if I can get it there legally?

 

Since Chicago would be such a problem, how about going through Indianapolis? Does anyone know about their policy? Would Indy be too far to go?

 

Indy's at least a two and a half hour drive. Really closer to three.

[Slappy]

I've heard from some people that the baggage handlers at Ohare are stealing firearms... theft is a real problem

[Jeff Johnson]

I am not a lawyer or legal advisor but I'm pretty sure you can fedex it to yourself as recipient at an Arizona address, to be picked up when you get there, if you have a good friend, family member or trusted gunshop in AZ. can do same to your home address on return trip. Don't take my word for it though.

[dan]

Thanks for all the advice. I was thinking that there was some kind of Federal regulation that would permit me legally to transport to the airport even though it is in Chicago, but I have not been able to find it.

[sctman800]

Yes, what Jeff Johnson said, fed-x or UPS to yourself there and back. I have not flown for years so I am not up on all the procedures but this should solve them. The only problem is cost, it will probably cost around $50 or $60 dollars each way. Another possible option would be to ship to Az and carry back. I am guessing the only possible problem would be boarding the plane in Chicago and not the arrival. Don't know for sure how this would work just trying to give you another possible option. Jim.

[armueller2001]

I've been searching for an official answer but I do believe that the city of Chicago allows the transportation of firearms through the city.

 

Do you know of any specifics for this? Everything I've read says absolutely no handguns, not broken down, just plain not allowed in Chicago.

 

Good thing it works, and there ARE no handguns in Chicago

[mack69]

Flying with firearms out of Chicago's airports is perfectly legal. As long as you follow the Airlines, TSA and Federal laws doing so is not a problem. I have flown out of OHare many times and declared my firearms at the check-in counter. Every time I got to bypass the long cattle lines and go to a separate counter by myself where you fill out a form declaring that you are checking your fireams for travel. The TSA folks do a quick look over to make sure things are as you say they are and the case is locked up and sent to baggage.

I have found that if you are packing a pistol that it is best if it is in a lockable hard case pistol case in a non functioning state. Then place that case inside a larger check-in suitcase. That way it does not scream firearm case.

I always carry the airlines rules on transporting firearms as well as the TSA rules just in case. See the info below and check the web sites I have listed.

 

From the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editori...torial_1666.xml

 

Transporting Special Items

 

Firearms and Ammunition

 

Firearms - There are specific regulatory requirements to transport a firearm:

 

* The firearm must be checked with the air carrier as luggage. Firearms are prohibited from carry-on baggage.

* The firearm must be declared orally or in writing in accordance with the air carrier's procedures (contact your air carrier for their specific procedures).

* The firearm must be unloaded.

* The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.

* The container must be locked.

* The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.

 

If the passenger is not present during screening, and the container must be opened, the air carrier is required to locate the passenger so that the passenger will be present during screening.

 

Ammunition - Ammunition is likewise prohibited from carry-on luggage. Ammunition may not be carried loose. It must travel in the manufacturer's packaging or other packaging suitable for transport. Consult your air carrier to determine quantity limitations or whether the ammunition must be packed separately from the firearm.

 

This same information is available at the TSA site under the FAQ's.

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198004ad07

 

Q: Can I transport guns or firearms?

 

A: Guns and Firearms are NOT permitted in your carry-on baggage, but depending on the policy of your airline, they may be included with your checked baggage. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you, the passenger, may have the key or combination.

 

Q: What about ammunition?

 

A: Ammunition is NOT permitted in your carry-on baggage, but depending on the policy of your airline, may be included with your checked baggage. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.

TSA also acknowledges that there regs are codified in Title 49 of the CFR:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=79

 

The TSA issues and administers Transportation Security Regulations (TSRs), which are codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter XII, parts 1500 through 1699. Many TSRs are former rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that were transferred to TSA when TSA assumed FAAâ??s civil aviation security function on February 17, 2002.

 

You will need two parts of the CFR. One applies to you, the traveler, the other to the TSA agent.

 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01...cfr1540.111.htm

 

[Title 49, Volume 8]

[Revised as of October 1, 2003]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR1540.111]

[Page 295]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER XII--TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

PART 1540--CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY: GENERAL RULES--Table of Contents

 

Subpart B--Responsibilities of Passengers and Other Individuals and Persons

 

Sec. 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals.

.

.

© In checked baggage. A passenger may not transport or offer for

transport in checked baggage:

(1) Any loaded firearm(s).

(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless--

(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally

or in writing, before checking the baggage, that the passenger has a

firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded;

(ii) The firearm is unloaded;

(iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and

(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the

passenger retains the key or combination.

(3) Any unauthorized explosive or incendiary.

(d) Ammunition. This section does not prohibit the carriage of

ammunition in checked baggage or in the same container as a firearm.

Title 49 CFR part 175 provides additional requirements governing

carriage of ammunition on aircraft.

 

 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01...cfr1544.203.htm

 

[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 8]

[Revised as of October 1, 2003]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR1544.203]

[Page 320-321]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER XII--TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

PART 1544--AIRCRAFT OPERATOR SECURITY: AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS

--Table of Contents

 

Subpart C--Operations

 

Sec. 1544.203 Acceptance and screening of checked baggage.

.

.

(f) Firearms in checked baggage. No aircraft operator may knowingly

permit any person to transport in checked baggage:

(1) Any loaded firearm(s).

(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless--

(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally

or in writing before checking the baggage that any firearm carried in

the baggage is unloaded;

(ii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container;

(iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the

individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination; and

 

[[Page 321]]

 

(iv) The checked baggage containing the firearm is carried in an

area that is inaccessible to passengers, and is not carried in the

flightcrew compartment,.

(3) Any unauthorized explosive or incendiary.

(g) Ammunition. This section does not prohibit the carriage of

ammunition in checked baggage or in the same container as a firearm.

Title 49 CFR part 175 provides additional requirements governing

carriage of ammunition on aircraft.

 

 

I highly recommend that you print out the TSA site pages with their logo as well as the CFR and carry it with you while you travel. THERE ARE MANY TSA AND AIRLINE PERSONNEL WHO STILL DO NOT KNOW THE LAWS THAT GOVERN THEIR OWN JOBS.

[Kipp Jones]

http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?s...ic=7106&hl=

 

Read the above thread (second page). I flew out and returned at O'Hare in February and it was a pleasure. Don't believe the hype out there.

[dan]

http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?s...ic=7106&hl=

 

Read the above thread (second page). I flew out and returned at O'Hare in February and it was a pleasure. Don't believe the hype out there.

Thanks so much all of you. Great information. I think it is worth it to take my piece along to protect my family so I will be doing this soon. I will let you know how it goes in Arizona...

[Beezil]

you'll be fine.

 

I travel through both midway and ohare at least once a year with a whole bunch of guns.

 

the best thing to do is when you enter either airport, approach the TSA booth or agent and just say "I would like to declare firearms as part of my checked baggage, how should I proceed?"....that's probably the best language to use. Much better than "Hey I got some guns right here!" I have found the TSA check in process at both midway and ohare smooth, and usually if there's not a long line, the agents will want to "talk shop" about guns and stuff.

[Rail]

This has become a concern because people transporting firearms through airports have been hassled and even arrested at NYC-area airports. I have heard no reports of this kind of crap going on at O'Hare or Midway.

 

It's much easier to get away with this type of harassment in NYC because it's surrounded for miles by other gun-hating states. And those who are in pro-gun states like Pennsylvania use other airports. Chicago is in a different situation and probably doesn't want to fan flames on this issue with tons of suburbanites, downstaters, Hoosiers, and Cheeseheads using Chicago airports.

 

Word of advice, if you're an IL resident, be sure you have your FOID. They'll probably use this as an excuse to ask and try to get you on UUW if you don't have one.

[abolt243]

Word of advice, if you're an IL resident, be sure you have your FOID. They'll probably use this as an excuse to ask and try to get you on UUW if you don't have one.

 

Having your FOID is a good idea just in case a local or state LEO is close by. I doubt very much that the TSA agent cares too much. They're dealing with Federal laws concerning traveling with firearms and I doubt that they care about the FOID.

 

Perhaps I'm wrong, correct me please if I am.

 

AB

[GlockShooter]

FOID would only be needed if you happened to get pulled over on the way to the airport. However, just to stay within the law, you should have it on you anytime you are in possession of a firearm.

 

As far as going into Chicago with a handgun, the handgun ban only applies if Chicago is your destination. You are legally allowed to transport a handgun through the city if you are just passing through. The gun must be unloaded, broken down into a non-functional state, and in a case. Your best bet is to just remove the slide from the frame. This is required to transport the gun through Chicago. You will then have to obey any TSA and/or airline rules once you get to the airport.

[GlockShooter]

From the NRA-ILA website:

 

ILLINOIS--A nonresident is permitted to transport a firearm provided it is unloaded, enclosed in a case, and not easily accessible. A nonresident may possess a firearm for licensed hunting, or at a Department of Law Enforcement recognized target shooting range or gun show.

 

The City of Chicago requires all firearms possessed in the city to be registered. Handguns not previously registered in Chicago cannot be registered. Oak Park, Evanston, Morton Grove, Highland Park, Wilmette, and Winnetka prohibit the possession of a handgun. Firearms may be transported under the general rule through Chicago for a lawful recreational firearm-related activity.

 

 

Link

[dan]

From the NRA-ILA website:

 

ILLINOIS--A nonresident is permitted to transport a firearm provided it is unloaded, enclosed in a case, and not easily accessible. A nonresident may possess a firearm for licensed hunting, or at a Department of Law Enforcement recognized target shooting range or gun show.

 

The City of Chicago requires all firearms possessed in the city to be registered. Handguns not previously registered in Chicago cannot be registered. Oak Park, Evanston, Morton Grove, Highland Park, Wilmette, and Winnetka prohibit the possession of a handgun. Firearms may be transported under the general rule through Chicago for a lawful recreational firearm-related activity.

 

 

Link

 

Thanks GS for the information. I went to a carry class today and found out about a federal safe passage law that allows me to drive from Will county to Chicago O'hara airport to travel somewhere where it will be legal for me to CC. As long as it is broken down as you said above I will be legal do bring it to the airport and travel with it in my checked in luggage.