Flying with Firearms – Beyond the Basics

Flying with a firearm can be a stressful event. The litany of various rules and regulations can be overwhelming to first-timers. There are some great resources to help you navigate this little airport dance however, and I encourage you to read them. Once you have soaked that in, there is a more advanced level of information that I have found to be helpful when flying with firearms. This is beyond the basics.

Flying with Firearms – A Look at Some Things Beyond the Basics

For seasoned gun travelers, dealing with the check-in process is old hat. I humbly offer some suggestions, however, that go beyond the basics. The first topic is attitude. While it is difficult, sometimes, you just have to bow to the absurd. At the counter, you will more than likely be dealing with someone who does not share your enthusiasm for firearms. In some cases, they may be adamantly opposed to your views, and their face will give it away.

The airlines have a procedure that they follow, and you are subject to it. Arguing with Tammy ticket counter will not change that. In fact, it will most certainly slow the process and potentially result in you missing your flight. On a more profound point, remember that whether you like it or not, you represent the firearms community. Being a self-righteous ass to an agent will shape their attitude towards gun owners in general. This will trickle down to their next interaction with a gun traveler.  

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Know the Policies

Be aware of the specific airline’s rules regarding firearms and ammunition. In fact, I suggest you have it on your phone and ready in case someone decides to impose their own personal rules on your check-in procedure. Be polite and businesslike in all interactions. Always take the high ground, and if the agent remains adversarial, request a supervisor. Once again, have the airline’s policy at your fingertips.

Something I have found to be very impactful is your personal appearance and presentation. If you appear professional and courteous, you will be treated with more respect. That is a nice way to say don’t dress like a homeless person at the airport. Like you, I see countless people who appear to have just crawled out of bed, still in their pajamas, at the airport. Wearing an ill-fitting shirt and your fuzzy slippers is not optimal for being treated professionally.

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Leave the Fuzzy Slippers at Home

When I travel for any reason, I wear a sports coat and dress in business casual attire. While I am certain that some may scoff at this, I can tell you from over 30 years of experience that it makes a difference. Not only at the ticket counter, but also on the flight. Regardless of what you may want to believe, your personal appearance matters. I am not suggesting that you wear a suit or a dress, but at least don’t look like a bum.

On a more technical level, I have found a couple of things to be useful at check-in and beyond. In the last report, almost 400 TSA agents were fired for theft from travelers. While there is no published data on gun thefts, we need to be vigilant. This is especially true if you are flying with a handgun in your checked bag. In addition to the required locked case, I use a thin light cable to actually lock the gun case to the frame of my suitcase. This is just a quick and easy way to ensure your handgun doesn’t go missing.  

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Tracking Devices

A second suggestion is to use an AirTag or Tile-type tracking device. I include one not only in my suitcase, but also in the gun case. Yes, airlines usually provide bag tracking information on their apps, but I can assure you from personal experience that it can be inaccurate. These devices can give you a level of comfort that will ease some of the stress associated with traveling with firearms. This is especially helpful when traveling abroad with a gun.

I recently traveled to Canada for a hunt, and my dear friend’s rifle case did not arrive with her. After discussions with the airline representative, it was clear that they had no idea where the bag was. A tracking device would have been worth its weight in gold in that situation.

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Flying with Firearms

Flying with a firearm can be less stressful if you are prepared. Actually, read the airline’s rules and contact them if anything is unclear. Dress and carry yourself as a professional, and take steps to manage your gear once it leaves your hands.

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