How do you transport a gun with airlines?

[dbHunterNY]

When flying to go on a gun hunt, what's the process for transporting a gun with airlines? Approximately how much does it cost? I may be going on an early 4 day muzzleloader hunt in late October so I'm curious about what I'm getting into.

Thanks,

Dan

[wtnhunt]

A good locking case is a must. Think how much it costs will depend on the airline rules and on whether or not your case is oversized. From what checking I have done most airlines treat sporting good cases as a checked bag, first checked bag fee will vary. We payed $15 one way to send my .270 with my wife and daughter to Alaska.

My double rifle hard case was 68 inches, the rule for oversize is 62 inches. Ended up running across a clearance(reg $150 marked down to $50) on a pretty decent shotgun take down case at dicks sporting goods. That case was like 56 inches and it held the scoped rifle with the stock removed. Airline rules for bags go off your originating flight, so if you have connections it will be charged according to the rate of your first airline. American airlines charges $150 for oversized bags, Alaskan air it is $50 for oversized bags. In our situation the take down case saved us a bit of money. Think some airlines do make exceptions for archery cases and for rifle cases, but you would have to check with the airline you plan to use.

[Illinois59]

You cant pack the ammo in the case with the gun. They must be in separate cases. 2 locks per gun case. Be ready to open it upon request. Have a ball!

[doubleA]

Use a airline/TSA approved case.

Declare it when checking baggage and they will tell you your next step.

Some airlines will have you open the case and sign a form declaring the firearm is unloaded and some will direct you to TSA for review. From there until the final destination the case is locked and only you should have access to opening it.

I have flown with ammo in the same case, 11 lbs of ammo is the limit with airlines.

Rates will vary but all are going to count a case as a checked bag. Over weight baggage will have a surcharge as well as oversize. Within NA , the limit is 50lbs per piece while international is 70lbs.

I do not use muzzle loaders and I would certainly check the TSA and the airline you are flying in you plan on taking black powder as it is an explosive. Pyrodex and other BP substitutes are not so should be ok.

Last but not least, dont skimp on a cheap case, afterall it's protecting an investment and luggage handlers love to abuse them. Suggest that you get a double rifle case just for the fact that it will be more roomy and allow you to put other stuff if needed.

I once watched in horror a cheap case come apart in the baggage claim Edmonton Alberta, the scoped rifle hit and skipped on the hard floor, bolt and other things scattered around etc.

I have Pelican, Americase, Storm, Hardigg and SKB cases and they have held up well with lots of air miles on em.

[dbHunterNY]

Thanks guys I looked into it basically found out a lot of what doubleA said. I don't know if I'd be given a hard time with Pyrodex or what not. The rest of my party is still thinking about driving, so I'm at a stand still. I'm just figuring out my options and what they'll cost.

[stevebeilgard]

each airline is different. check with your airline about it's policies BEFORE you book a flight. some airlines refuse to take any guns at all. or at least there were some.

[Rayzorp]

stevebeilgard is right, I was invited to a turkey hunt last year in NC, I wanted to fly, but Continental refused to check my gun. Fortunately I took down the name of th person I spoke to on the phone who said there would be no problem and after some screaming got a refund. But i know other people who flew as far out as Texas with same airline, no issue,, go figure

[doubleA]

stevebeilgard is right, I was invited to a turkey hunt last year in NC, I wanted to fly, but Continental refused to check my gun. Fortunately I took down the name of th person I spoke to on the phone who said there would be no problem and after some screaming got a refund. But i know other people who flew as far out as Texas with same airline, no issue,, go figure

__________________

I must be living life right, I recently flew Continental with handguns in my checked baggage, nary a problem.:gun_bandana:

[wtnhunt]

You cant pack the ammo in the case with the gun. They must be in separate cases. 2 locks per gun case. Be ready to open it upon request. Have a ball!

They told us ammo could go in the case with both American Airlines and with Alaskan Air, however we ended up putting the ammo in the other checked bag. Just had to declare it not really a big deal at all. Pretty sure they also said 11 lbs. was the limit as well.

each airline is different. check with your airline about it's policies BEFORE you book a flight.

Yep, the rules seem to vary quite a bit, but the case guidelines and size is a standard at 62 linear inches. Fees for oversize also vary considerably.