Anyone Check Their Pistol When They Fly?
 

What's your favorite method?

This guy has good points, but I'd like to hear yours.


Flying With Your Guns Revisited | The Truth About Guns

A few years ago a guy was flying from something like Montana to Maine, with a stop in Detroit (I'm not sure of the exact route.) Anyway, he had declared a checked firearm all nice and proper, but something happened en-route and the plane made an unscheduled landing at JFK. It was late and he caught a flight the next morning. Well, he tried.

You see, it was illegal for him to have brought that gun into New York state. They arrested him. He was convicted of a class 2 felony or something similar. As far as I know, he went to big boy prison. At the very least it ruined his life.

If he checked it and it was never in his possession until his final destination, why did he get arrested?

Because New York. They gave him his checked bags in NY because he had to change planes in the morning, his plane was broken. When he tried to recheck his luggage, they went all ape shit. He had no idea it would be an issue, he had done all the necessary paperwork but NY didn't care.

fixt.

Similarly you cannot transport a firearm into NY state, even if you aren't planning on stopping in NY state. Even if you are a completely legal firearm owner, the firearm itself is legal in NY, and it's stored in a locked case inaccessible to the driver with the ammo stored separately. Doesn't matter. If you are stopped and the weapon is found, you're going to jail. Now if you are a legal firearm owner and a NY citizen then of course you can transport your firearm in that fashion.

Illinois isn't much better, but they recently changed their laws and I think they now have some sort of reciprocity with Missouri now, not 100% sure.

I check mine regularly. It's become a routine procedure, but I will infrequently encounter a ticket agent who gets pie-eyed or downright stupid about it. I will also get weird looks from fellow passengers at the ticket counter. Small price to pay for what I see as an important right.

Have you flown through JFK or Laguardia in NY, onto another destination with it?

I flew from OKC to Monterrey, California.
I checked it in at OKC. I put my bags on the counter in OKC and told the guy that I had a couple pistols in my bags. I made sure that I went by the TSA rules. The counter guy checked to make sure. He opened my locked case. Then he said "oooh, a Glock. Do you like it? I have one and I love it." We talked guns a few minutes and then he put it on the conveyor and off it went.
Coming back I had to check it at Monterrey. I put my bags on the counter and told the guy there were a couple pistols in my bag.
him: OMG, there's weapons in your bag?
me: yes, they are locked in a hard case like TSA guidelines.
him: OMG, Do you have any ammunition?
me: yes
him: hold on, I'll be right back
HE goes away and leaves me with my bags,guns and ammo.
When he comes back I told him he needed to check them and make sure they were packaged right.
him: NO! their fine, how much ammunition do you have?
me: about 20 rounds.
him: OMG, 20 rounds? Hold on I'll be right back.
He again left me there with my bags, guns, and ammo.
He comes back and asks me how much 20 rounds weigh. I told him and he said ok. He then gingerly picks up my bag and slowly walks it to the lady who was putting the bags on the conveyor.He looks at her and says" Be careful, there are weapons in this bag."
Her: OMG there are weapons in here?
Him: yes, be careful.
So she very slowly picks up my bag and real lightly puts the bag on the conveyor.

It was comical the way these two acted when they found out I had my pistols with me. He wouldn't even open my bag to check it. He was so afraid to touch them.

If I was in line with you; Right then, when he handed it off to her, I would have raised a heavy book over my head and dropped it on the floor.

No, I'm mindful of the laws where I'm headed or passing thru.

Nope
But always check my fly when I pistol :D

I usually just tip the TSA agents and they let me carry it right on board.:leaving:

I've been practically waived through by ticketing agents and the TSA in Los Angeles, and then conversely asked 20 questions by the TSA in Atlanta, Georgia..... go figure. I've frequently traveled with guns, but have not had any real issues.

Here's my conundrum.

I have a non-stop to Ft.Meyers, and am permitted in NYS and Florida.
No problem.

Coming back, I have to stop at JFK on Long Island, switch planes and then go on to Buffalo. The pistol would be checked and at no time will it be in my physical possession until I get home.
My NYS Pistol permit does not allow carry in NYC, Manhattan, or Long Island.
Ya, It's BS that I can't carry in parts of my own state, I know, but it is what it is for now.
Anyway, will this stop in Long Island pose a problem with the law?

You are screwed. You use to be able to ship the gun to yourself VIA FredEx or UPS. They changed the rules a few years back with no explanation.

When I fly with a handgun I use the Nano NV 300.

When will you be in Ft Myers?

Bonita Springs actually. Mar 30 - Apr 5
Right off Bonita Beach Blvd.

Screwed? Seriously? It'll be a problem?

Dealing with NYS officials in any capacity sucks ( Thats one of of the many reasons I left in 1995) Secondly any issue at the JFK airport and they WILL do what they can to make your life miserable.

And When will you be there? I am down after Easter for a few weeks of Biz n the area.

Mar 30 - Apr 5 Sans wife. I'm up for almost anything.

I will miss you. Reach out to Datawiz.