guns on the airplane

[FRIAR]

What is involved in checkinga firearm (shotgun), when traveling by air?

[tj_cubin]

i have never done it, but im pretty sure as long as you have it in a hard case and check it with your luggage you shouldnt have a problem. and tell them about it right fromt he start, of course

i would suggest checking your airline's website(s) for specific guidelines.

ORIGINAL: FRIAR

What is involved in checkinga firearm (shotgun), when traveling by air?

The few times I have done it, its been to Canada. First has to be in an approved hard case. They want the bolt removed if bolt, and some like the trigger assembly removed from shotguns and such. The bolt has to be in a separate bag, and ammo separate. Little tip, don't put your reloads in those fancy plastic cases. Get ya some remington or federal boxs to put them in. Your ammo is supposed to be clearly marked. Never heard of people having trouble, but was told to do it this way. The hard case needs a lock, and I advise a trigger lock. All this makes for a smooth flight. I also usually have two bags, so I put half the ammo in one and other half in the other. And its paid off in spades, cause one of my bags was lost for 3 days. The outfitter had to pay to have the waterplane bring my one bag.

When you get to the ticket counter, tell them you have to check a rifle, they will bring someone that knows what to look for. If going to Canada, you will have to pay this fee to bring firearms in. I believe its fairly expensive, but believe you can pack like 3 guns or so in one hardcase if it will fit for one fee. If separate, separate fees. Keep the reciept they give you to get your gun back out. Thats it.

[Montana Bob]

Yes check with your carrier.
I have a lockable metal case so the rifle won't get damaged in transit.
In the recent past since 9/11 I have had to open the case, they check to make sure it's not loaded then tag the firearm and watch you put in back in and lock it. It then goes in the check in luggage where you may find it on the turnstyle when you arriveor I have had them call me with an official handing me the firearm caseas I left the airport.

[Montana Bob]

ORIGINAL: bigcountry

The few times I have done it, its been to Canada.

Well theres a different scenerio.
I know for sure when coming back to the states you MUST have a Certificate of Origination.
This is used when you the US citizen leaves the country with a firearm and comes back into the states.
It is a certificate that shows your firearm originated here and you have not purchased it out of the country.It's free and takes 5 minutes to fill out the form that must be carried with the firearm.
Also Canada allowsNO handguns to be brought into the country.
I was called on this entering back into the states by OUR Customs people.
The 800 pounds of Moose meat and huge horns in the back of my ride told them I was a hunter and thank god they were too.
I was told that before leaving the country I must have this certificate to get it back in or it could be consfiscated and not allowed back in.
This was last justyear so again check with the proper authorities as things are always changing.
Entering Canada by vehicle was no problem. They wanted to see the firearm, charge me $75 US I think it was. They also ask if you have any legal issues, Felon, Wanted, Fugitive. Don't do what I did and joke that you haven't had any problems with the law since you was a kid, that cost me 2 hours while they did a back ground check on me.

[Californiadoctor]

The hard case must be one specifically designed for transporting firearms, not any hardpeice of luggagethat the gun will fit into is acceptable.

When you arrive at yourdestination, do not expect to see your gun on the luggage turnstile, you have to go the the carrier's baggage office and pick it up personally.

Caldoc

[FRIAR]

Thank you for your help!

[HEAD0001]

First check with your carrier, some airlines will not even allow you to take firearms(stay away from American). I once had 3 boxes of Weatherby ammo confiscated at the Nashville airport. They gave no reason, and they would not return the ammo. The smartest thing to do is to ship your rifle and ammo ahead of you, to your guide or outfitter. I once flew into Denver, and my ML was in NM. The airlines do not care about your firearms, they will purposely mistreat them. Spend a little money, and ship them ahead of time, and verify their arrival. Tom.

[younggun308]

We've done it to Colorado twice. You want to arrive earlier to check it in.
You should also make sure your case has a locking mechanism on it or a hard case on whichyou can use a padlock.

[Ideaman]

Sad to say but I have watched my guns be abused after checking. Watched them thrown from chest high to ground. A good case is a must. For some reason the last trip I went on Everybody that checked guns got the SPECIAL security check too. If available I am all for pre-shipping everything.