Flying with guns and fishing gear
 

Hello all. Flying to Alaska for a few weeks of vacation and plan on taking my protection (will be 2 different handguns) and some fishing gear. Can I fly with my pistols and my fishing poles in the same checked, locked case? Thank you.

Call the airline and ask.

Your pistol and ammo has to be in its own locked (non-TSA locks) case, but said case can be inserted into other luggage.

Personally, I’d advise against calling the airlines or asking anyone at the counter. Rather, find their respective policies online and print them, keeping the link handy on your phone. It’s exceptionally common for individual workers at airline counters to not be familiar with these respective airline policies, TSA requirements, or FAA laws, which can cause issues upon checkin. Quite commonly, I’ve faced counter clerks which insisted TSA locks were required, but upon presenting their own policies and TSA policies to them, proper process prevails.

In my personal opinion, I would discourage calling the airlines or seeking assistance at the counter. Instead, I recommend accessing and printing the airline policies online, and keeping the link readily available on your phone. It's not uncommon for individual counter staff to be unfamiliar with specific airline policies, TSA requirements, or FAA regulations, potentially leading to check-in complications. I've often encountered counter clerks insisting on TSA locks, but by presenting the airline and TSA policies, adherence to the correct procedures prevailed.