Do you travel with your firearm(s)? If so, what precautions do you take?
I do. To work. To the store. Just about anywhere I go I have at least my concealed carry with me. (Of course, I obey the laws and do not carry where I’m not supposed to.)
However, I have NEVER flown anywhere with a firearm. I’m a little scared to. I don’t like NOT being in control of my firearm.
Also, there’s dealing with TSA and the airport staff. For example, in this video from TacTissy.
So how do I / we / you prevent this from happening to you? Here are some tips TacTissy gives on her Facebook page.
- Firearms air travel suggestions:
- Outside:
- Have slip-resistant coat applied to your case. Plastic cases do slide off baggage carts and go flying on their own, and as some former airline employees put it: “Some cases get more airtime than the planes”. A few suggestions were: Line-X, Seymour, No Skidding.
- Double lock your case. One key lock, one combo lock.
- Inside:
- Have custom foam cut for your firearms. It’s pretty much their only chance for survival.
- Include GPS tracker in your case.
- Include shock measuring stickers in your case. INSIDE! Don’t put them outside, baggage handlers will have a competition trying to pop them.
- Just in case:
- Print instructions from the TSA website. Some TSA employees, especially in small airports, aren’t familiar with the process.
- Take a photo of your packed case (contents visible) with date/time.
- If anything happens – file appropriate paperwork immediately.
- Make sure you have your ticket, baggage info and make, model, serial numbers for your firearms and accessories. Don’t forget the names of the agents checking in your gear too. There is no such thing as too much info in situations like this.
Do you have any other suggestions? Experiences, good or bad, that you would like to share? Click on one of the links at the bottom of the page and leave me a comment on the social media platform of your choice.
PS – Thanks TacTissy for sharing your experience and ideas with us!