Have a few GP's and a National coming up and it has been a few years since I last flew with my airgun. I can't seem to remember if the pellets can or cannot be in the Case with the air gun. I remember there was some issue about that but I can't remember the outcome. I do remember vividly from my flight home from Arizona in 2017 that I had four padlock holes in my Pelican gun case and because I had four places on the case that a padlock could be used and I had two locks one on each end. They made me miss my departure flight until I could find two more padlocks. That had changed since my trip to Oregon in 2012. It seems TSA seem to have different interpretations of the laws depending on where you are flying from.
Any helps on this issue would be appreciated.
My experience has been you are at the mercy of individual airport agents. I did all the online research to jump through their hoops and the hoops just keep moving. The one consistency I've found is the bottle needs to be off the gun if traveling with a PCP. I asked about guns that the bottle is not removable? "Don't travel with it". Same airline leaving Utah no issue. Coming home from Arizona total different rules. No shit the bomb squad was called in. They wanted the valve removed from the bottle. Told them that was not going to happen without special tools that I don't travel with.
So make sure you leave yourself some extra time before departure to avoid missing a flight. Twice I have been called back to the check-in desk while waiting to board.
We have had all carry on pellets confiscated. So in the gun case would be my recommendation.
Just my personal experience. Whatever the airlines online information says is subject to airport agent discretion. Their opinions all vary!
Best of luck to you in your travels.
Sounds like it would be best to ship you guns ahead of time.
David Enoch
Good old days are gone. Even when traveling and staying overnight at hotels with air guns, I always try to get a decent Hotel with exterior room entrances so as not to pass through the lobby and then unload/load car as inconspicuously as possible. One reason is to prevent theft should I leave for something to eat the other reason is my own paranoia of other's paranoia that I might be some kind of sniper with an agenda. Yep, days of old are gone.
Bill;
I looked into the TSA website to get the most current/up to date info, I would suggest you follow the links hereunder and PRINT the pages, bring them with you to the airport.
"Pellet Guns" is the official TSA terminology, ALWAYS use those words:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/pellet-guns
Says you CANNOT transport pellet guns or ammunition on your carryon, but they CAN be checked.
About how to check them:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
States clearly that ammunition CAN SHARE the same hard-sided locked case of the firearm, as long as ammo is completely encased.
It also states that the case must be completely locked, so use a case that has the right number of padlocks.
Additionally, this last entry makes specifically possible to carry your SCOPE in the carryon piece of luggage.
I would strongly recommend you consult your airline and let them know IN ADVANCE that you are travelling with a "pellet gun". Try to get an EMail back acknowledging that the Airline knows this.
Lastly: Give yourself PLENTY of time to clear any problem at the airport. When taking my airguns I arrive one full hour in addition to the airline recommendations, so: 3 hours before flight time for National flights, 4 hours for International flights. Yes it is annoying, but better safe than sorry.
HTH and hope to see you soon!
HM
Sounds like it would be best to ship you guns ahead of time.
David Enoch
My experience in shipping airguns the last 6 months has been terrible. February USPS Priority Mail 2 day delivery, it took 5 weeks to deliver the rifle, worst part was for 4 of the 5 weeks they never updated the delivery status, they just said don't worry be happy, we are taking care of it. 3 weeks ago, FedEx 2-3 day delivery took 2+ weeks to arrive, at least they kept us updated on the status of the delivery.
I believe the size of the package is the issue, as I still receive all my amazon and pyramyd deliveries in reasonable time.
Jim
Have a few GP's and a National coming up and it has been a few years since I last flew with my airgun. I can't seem to remember if the pellets can or cannot be in the Case with the air gun. I remember there was some issue about that but I can't remember the outcome. I do remember vividly from my flight home from Arizona in 2017 that I had four padlock holes in my Pelican gun case and because I had four places on the case that a padlock could be used and I had two locks one on each end. They made me miss my departure flight until I could find two more padlocks. That had changed since my trip to Oregon in 2012. It seems TSA seem to have different interpretations of the laws depending on where you are flying from.
Any helps on this issue would be appreciated.
Hi Bill,
As you know, I travel regularly with an air rifle without problems. However, I can't guarantee that you won't.
Put your pellets in your checked luggage. When they ask you if you're traveling with ammunition say no.( unless you've got some real ammo for whatever reason)
Air transport regulations consider compressed air cylinders as hazardous material. It's in case of a cargo fire. Gas bottles become bombs during a fire. Ship your gun completely degassed. There's guys who fly with pressure in the bottle to keep the seals honest. You may be asked to prove there is no air in it. If you try to slide by and you get caught AFAIK all they'll do is make you deflate your rifle.
If you decide to fly with a charged bottle, understand that in addition to the risk that your bottle may explode in event of a baggage compartment fire and sever hydraulic and electric lines in the A/C, you risk liability in the event of a fire on the ground. For example, firemen can be put at risk by exploding bottles while fighting a fire.
The bottle doesn't have to be removed. I've NEVER been asked to remove my air bottle since I started flying with an air rifle, even internationally, in over 11 years.
All I've ever done is put two keyed pad locks on my pelican case. They are not TSA locks.
You're going to hear tales of woe from people who've had unpleasant experiences. IMHO it's rare, but it's best to be prepared.
As you know, I travel regularly with an air rifle without problems. However, I can't guarantee that you won't.
Put your pellets in your checked luggage. When they ask you if you're traveling with ammunition say no.( unless you've got some real ammo for whatever reason)
Air transport regulations consider compressed air cylinders as hazardous material. It's in case of a cargo fire. Gas bottles become bombs during a fire. Ship your gun completely degassed. There's guys who fly with pressure in the bottle to keep the seals honest. You may be asked to prove there is no air in it. If you try to slide by and you get caught AFAIK all they'll do is make you deflate your rifle.
If you decide to fly with a charged bottle, understand that in addition to the risk that your bottle may explode in event of a baggage compartment fire and sever hydraulic and electric lines in the A/C, you risk liability in the event of a fire on the ground. For example, firemen can be put at risk by exploding bottles while fighting a fire.
The bottle doesn't have to be removed. I've NEVER been asked to remove my air bottle since I started flying with an air rifle, even internationally, in over 11 years.
All I've ever done is put two keyed pad locks on my pelican case. They are not TSA locks.
You're going to hear tales of woe from people who've had unpleasant experiences. IMHO it's rare, but it's best to be prepared.
You fly out off different airports than I do. When I had non TSA locks I was called back to check-in and asked to provide keys.
I've since switched to TSA locks, Twice, personally, I've been asked to remove the bottles on degassed guns. Once they wanted the bottle valves removed. At the end of EBR in Arizona at the airport they had confiscated the bottles from international flyers returning to Chile. During our argument with the airport agents they mistakenly gave a confiscated bottle as well as our personal bottles as we rushed to not miss the flight.
I'm glad your travels have been smoother.
Having the printed protocol instructions is a great idea. Still it just takes one power hungry agent to spoil even the best laid plans.
@hector-j-medina-g
It's a WHOLE LOT easier if you just accept the term "firearm" and don't try to educate the airline people. That TSA link that you reference on "pellet guns" also says that you need to check with your airline to find out if you can travel with firearms.
I don't have time to look into it right now, but shooters should realize that they are under the control of multiple jurisdictions. For example, the TSA controls the checkpoint and what is allowed to pass the checkpoint. However, especially internationally, the airlines operate under rules set by IATA ( International Air Transport Association) which has established treaties for the transport of firearms between countries.
I tell the agents at the gate that I'm traveling with an air rifle. If they choose to consider it a firearm, that's what I go with.
I ALWAYS read the full sports equipment and special baggage rules for every airline I use. They will sometimes charge an additional fee just because it's a firearm and some of their rules will specifically state that an air rifle is considered a firearm.
The only place I ever was told that I needed to clarify the difference was in Paris. The agent told me to refer to it as a Carbine and not a "Fusil". He said, "Your life will be soooo much easier"
If course, it can sometimes amount to how well you "brass it out". You, my friend, are likely better at that than myself.
Knobs
I agreee with you; up to a point.
Airlines have their own rules.- Yes and fees. That is why it is better to send an EMail to Customer service, letting them know that Mr. XYZ, flying under confirmation code ABCDEFG will be traveling with an "unloaded pellet gun, under TSA rules and regulations" and if they would be so kind as to acknowledge receipt of this Email.
Sometimes an Email comes back saying that you will have to comply with all TSA rules and regulations (use this to figure out the "brilliance" of airline employees). BUT you HAVE made your point and if they balk at the desk, you can produce proof of your good faith.
In MOST cases, what has happened is that I am then escorted to the TSA "tunnels" where they ask the same questions all over again and then pass the case through the machine.
After they are done, I simply tell them to "spin the combination wheels" and I am on my way.
On International travel, it is good to get direct flights, as different jurisdictions bring lots of headaches, but even in these cases, the "Rules of Transit" apply. Meaning that no single jurisdiction can prevail over the "free zone" of the airport. The US is different because you need to go through immigration and customs when you arrive, and therefore enter "National Territory" and jurisdiction, but most other countries recognize the "in transit" status for persons and baggage. BUT this is something to check with the airline on specific flights. Once the airline "agrees" (either by action or omission) to transport you and your airgun, they become responsible. You MAY be restricted in your choices if anything goes wrong with the original travel plan (read this: https://www.ctcustomairguns.com/hectors-airgun-blog/the-worlds-2019-have-started ) , but the airline is obligated under IATA rules to offer you a viable alternative.
It is KEY to ALWAYS keep a calm and respectful attitude. I am sure that if I was in the TSA Agents' shoes, I would be tired of all the people going by. Those that are not trying to pull a fast one, are usually so "displicent" as to be disrespectful, if not outright rebellious. "Please" and "Thank you" will go a long way in getting the TSA and airline people more aligned to your objective: to board the plane on time.
And just in case you think that there cannot be too many people trying to fly with guns, just look into the reports from the BATF about how many guns get confiscated per MONTH at any given airport. From people who "simply forgot" to those that claim so, there are MANY cases and it must be very annoying to see the "public" have such an attitude to the rules.
Now, in the case where you do find a recalcitrant moron, IMHE, if you are prepared and know the exact wording of the rules/laws, even over-reaching/abusive/condescending/prepotent agents will start taking their distance. You see, they are predators. They "prey" on the unprepared/weak. If you give the slightest semblance that you are well prepared they go look for the next one to bother.
There is an "art" in saying things without saying them overtly, but it usually works. Not a question of "brassing" it out. Rather, subtlety prevails.
Perhaps it is my "latin blood"? LOL!
See you soon!
HM
@hector-j-medina-g and all who replied, Thank you for all your help and information. I don't mind flying but I get nervous as hell getting to the airport on time and going through TSA, and until the moment I'm seated on the plane. Checking a airgun is just another obstacle to deal with. After missing my flight in Phoeix just because I only had two padlocks on the pelican and had to wait for the airport stores to open to buy two more has left me a little jumpy. So if you fly out early (before 7am) make sure all your ducks are in a row.
First thing to remember is don't give them any more info than asked for. Also, and I can't stress this enough...you Do Not Have AMMUNITION. Again, you do not have ammo. If asked what your gun fires you say lead pellets, not ammunition. They are proppelled by air not gun powder. Oh, did I mention don't argue or complain, Bill. It will only add to your wait time.
For domestic flights I leave my pellets in the case with my gun. Again, when asked if you have ammunition the answer is No.
I also use non TSA locks, two only. If you do the same expect to be asked for a key or to open the case for the TSA inspection.
I flew from Boston to Salt Lake City and back in June without issue.
I'll see you tomorrow Bill if you have more questions.
John
No gun, no ammo. ?
Ammo is defined as a self propelled cased bullet. None of that applies to airguns.
