2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: OldFaithful on May 04, 2020, 04:01:59 PM

Title: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: OldFaithful on May 04, 2020, 04:01:59 PM
Hey all,

For those of you with recent experiences flying with Hawaiian Airlines I had a question.

Is it okay to put more than one firearm into the same case, specifically a rifle and pistol?  Hawaiian's website makes no mention of it, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer yet.  It seems some other airlines require 1 case per gun...which is silly imo.


https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/legal/domestic-contract-of-carriage/rule-18

https://hawaiianair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/677/~/firearms-and-ammunition
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: stangzilla on May 04, 2020, 04:23:57 PM
I put a handgun in its own case into a rifle case
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: drck1000 on May 04, 2020, 04:37:51 PM
I did it last summer.  Rifle (actually lower and two uppers) and pistol in the same case.

I did have my ammo in a locked container in a separate bag.  I believe I have a thread on that somewhere where I got to the airport around the same time as two others who were travelling to the BI for the same class and we all had slightly different experiences and directions for the ammo.  I typically have printouts of both the TSA and specific airline policies when I fly.  I've come across gate agents wanting to make up things so many times, and the printouts have helped. 
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: Wchiro on May 04, 2020, 04:38:34 PM
It should be ok but best to call Hawaiian to be sure.  On another note I flew Delta and I had 2 guns (one shotgun and one rifle and two boxes of ammo) in one case with no problems.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: OldFaithful on May 04, 2020, 04:44:13 PM
Thanks guys.  The customer service line wasn't too helpful, they just read what I already had on the website.  However I did email too just in case.  Seems this should be good to go based on drck1000s post too.  Garand and glock in one case.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: Kawika808 on May 04, 2020, 04:48:00 PM
You should have no issues traveling with multiple firearms secured within the same case. 

When traveling with firearms, TSAs Only concern is that the firearm is declared, unloaded, and properly packed (in a locked hard sided case that prevents easy access to the firearm).  This should be standard across every airport and airline as a minimum requirement

With that being said each airline has the discretion to make their own rules which is why we may run into inconsistencies (Improperly trained airport employees also contribute to inconsistencies). 

Hawaiian airlines does not have any issues with multiple firearms packed within the same case as long as they are declared, unloaded and properly secured.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: nahp01 on May 04, 2020, 04:49:21 PM
Yes, ok to put pistol and rifle in same case, as long as there’s a lock for each hole. Only other requirement is not being able to breach any part of the case with fingers or other wise. Cue that’s what she said  :rofl: :rofl:

Just tell the counter agent you’re checking in a firearm and they’ll give you the orange card to fill out, put that inside the case, and good to go.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: drck1000 on May 04, 2020, 04:58:29 PM
Another thing I remember from the last time I flew Hawaiian with firearms was I found a webpage where is said to call CS (or something else) ahead of time to let them know I was traveling with firearms. So I called the number it said to and the person I got didn’t seem to know anything about needing to call ahead.  I asked the agent when I checked in and she wasn’t aware of the need to call ahead. So maybe it’s an old page or was never implemented.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: sa594 on May 04, 2020, 06:17:10 PM
I print out the HA and TSA regs regarding traveling with firearms and bring that with me just in case. Check in with an actual agent ( I don't call in advance) and let them know I'm declaring firearms, no problems with multiple firearms in 1 case.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: dafrtknocker on May 04, 2020, 06:43:38 PM
I flew Hawaiian in December, had 3 pistols and 1 box of ammo in one case.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: tim808 on May 04, 2020, 08:27:06 PM
Sorry for hijack

Can a case with “integrated” or “built in” locks be used?

I just picked up a used skb case and it has built in locks and comes with keys.  If it is a no go, I guess I could add a couple of small hasps and throw on padlocks

Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: OldFaithful on May 04, 2020, 08:33:58 PM
Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: mauiboi9 on May 04, 2020, 09:38:16 PM
Another thing I remember from the last time I flew Hawaiian with firearms was I found a webpage where is said to call CS (or something else) ahead of time to let them know I was traveling with firearms. So I called the number it said to and the person I got didn’t seem to know anything about needing to call ahead.  I asked the agent when I checked in and she wasn’t aware of the need to call ahead. So maybe it’s an old page or was never implemented.

There is no need to call ahead of time. assuming policy is same since covid started if they implemented something new. Just declare to the ticket agent you have a firearm and they will walk you through the process. Orange tag is stating that the firearm is unloaded. No registration is needed. From there you will be taken to the TSA over sized baggage section to get the case swabbed. Once it clears but orange tag in and lock case. You keep keys and there you go. Also it should be tagged with a a321 tag which should mean that your case will be walked in instead of thrown on to baggage belt when you arrive at your destination. bags with ammo should also be done in same manner. Make sure you have a lock for every hole that accepts one also. Its case by case and each station can be different which should be a thing but it is.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: mauiboi9 on May 04, 2020, 09:40:13 PM
Also for the amount of firearms its according to the discretion of the airlines on their contract of carriage. I know when we had a Beretta rep fly in to do demos for shotguns he was limited on the amount of shotguns he could bring.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: drck1000 on May 04, 2020, 10:06:45 PM
There is no need to call ahead of time. assuming policy is same since covid started if they implemented something new. Just declare to the ticket agent you have a firearm and they will walk you through the process. Orange tag is stating that the firearm is unloaded. No registration is needed. From there you will be taken to the TSA over sized baggage section to get the case swabbed. Once it clears but orange tag in and lock case. You keep keys and there you go. Also it should be tagged with a a321 tag which should mean that your case will be walked in instead of thrown on to baggage belt when you arrive at your destination. bags with ammo should also be done in same manner. Make sure you have a lock for every hole that accepts one also. Its case by case and each station can be different which should be a thing but it is.
I posted as something I remember, not as something I was cautioning as needed. I just remembered that for some reason.

It’s still there though.

https://hawaiianair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/677/~/firearms-and-ammunition

I have flown with firearms on United, Delta and Alaska. Alaska is slightly different from the others. So I was just verifying stuff for Hawaiian since that was the first time flying with firearms with them. Overall, their gate agents seemed pretty friendly. More than United and Delta.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: zippz on May 08, 2020, 10:11:16 AM
I regularly fly on Hawaiian with 4 guns...rifle, shotgun, and couple pistols.  No problems.  Most of the times they don't check anything.  Sometimes I'll get the new person that goes by the book and checks everything.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: HeliosRX8 on April 11, 2021, 02:40:14 PM
What kind of locks do you folks use? Does it have to be TSA locks?
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: RSN172 on April 11, 2021, 02:48:35 PM
Do not use TSA locks on the gun case.  Only you should have the key to open it. Do not use combination locks either.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: HeliosRX8 on April 11, 2021, 03:09:02 PM
Thank you, I’ll be flying for the first time with a firearm soon. Also does anyone use the factory pistol case? The one that came with has two lock holes, presumably for flying with, but I was thinking a pelican vault case would be better size (harder to lose).
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on April 11, 2021, 03:20:43 PM
Thank you, I’ll be flying for the first time with a firearm soon. Also does anyone use the factory pistol case? The one that came with has two lock holes, presumably for flying with, but I was thinking a pelican vault case would be better size (harder to lose).

Which brand?  All factory cases are not the same.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: HeliosRX8 on April 11, 2021, 03:59:13 PM
Sig p365 case. It’s about 10”x7.5”x2.5”.  I would be worried the airlines would lose such a small case.  So far I’m looking at the pelican vault v200.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on April 11, 2021, 04:56:36 PM
Sig p365 case. It’s about 10”x7.5”x2.5”.  I would be worried the airlines would lose such a small case.  So far I’m looking at the pelican vault v200.

The case will go inside your checked luggage, assuming you aren't traveling with only carry-on bags.

I had a large bag with my pistol delayed more than 12 hours after I was put on another connecting flight than scheduled, but the luggage didn't make the switch.

They can lose luggage no matter how big or small.   :crazy:

One way to test the case:  lock it, and see if you can use a tool to pry the case open from the sides.  If it opens enough to allow the pistol to pass through, better get  a more rigid case.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: RSN172 on April 11, 2021, 05:07:18 PM
The HA agent in Phoenix didn't allow ammo.in the same suitcase as the firearm.   I didn't have that problem in LAS and HNL. But now I just separate it to avoid any hassle and the need to repack. I have Pualani Gold so I get 2 free bags.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: HeliosRX8 on April 11, 2021, 08:56:15 PM
Right on, thanks for the replies.  How was the pick up at destination? Was the separate case just thrown on the conveyor or did you have to go to a special counter to retrieve the pistol case?
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: RSN172 on April 12, 2021, 07:37:32 AM
Put the non TSA locked pistol case inside a suitcase with TSA locks.  It will come out with all the other baggage.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: drck1000 on April 12, 2021, 08:03:19 AM
Right on, thanks for the replies.  How was the pick up at destination? Was the separate case just thrown on the conveyor or did you have to go to a special counter to retrieve the pistol case?
My experience has been it depends on the destination and carrier.  I've had both pickup with an agent or on the conveyor on Hawaiian, United, and Delta, particularly inconsistent at HNL. 
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: changemyoil66 on April 12, 2021, 08:34:22 AM
My experience has been it depends on the destination and carrier.  I've had both pickup with an agent or on the conveyor on Hawaiian, United, and Delta, particularly inconsistent at HNL.

I've only flown HA and never had anyone check to make sure that it was my bag.  Nor was the bag in a separate area.What I also do while at the converyer belt is open my luggage and check to see if the case is still in there and the locks are still on.  This way if something is missing, they have it on camera that I didn't leave the conveyer belt.  I do not take the pistol case out of my luggage while doing this.  So when I pack it inside the suitcase, I make sure it's at the top so I don't have to fully open the bag and dig thru a pile of clothes.  Plus this helps when checking the firearm with the airline.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: aklovr on April 13, 2021, 03:10:01 PM
So many problems with Hawaiian coming back from mainland, I have written them off after flying 20 plus years with them. Southwest does allow 2 free checked bags and they were helpful getting me my guns and ammo to my destination.
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: HeliosRX8 on April 23, 2021, 06:47:19 PM
Does anyone use cable locks thru the mag well and thru the slide ejection port for pistols even in a locked hard case?
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: drck1000 on April 23, 2021, 07:02:15 PM
Does anyone use cable locks thru the mag well and thru the slide ejection port for pistols even in a locked hard case?
Nope.  I've never used those locks that came with handguns.  That said, if anyone wants some, I'm pretty sure I have a bunch (if I haven't given them away already). 
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on April 23, 2021, 07:05:15 PM
Does anyone use cable locks thru the mag well and thru the slide ejection port for pistols even in a locked hard case?

Can't speak for "anyone else", but I never use the cable locks that come with firearms.

Not sure there's any rationale for adding a lock to a gun inside a locked case.

https://youtu.be/jEKvMBRe_nU

https://youtu.be/_tOjrAsg49M
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: HeliosRX8 on April 23, 2021, 08:05:46 PM
Right on thanks guys!
Title: Re: Flying with firearms (Hawaiian)
Post by: Direjackalope on April 23, 2021, 11:59:00 PM
Does anyone use cable locks thru the mag well and thru the slide ejection port for pistols even in a locked hard case?

Rapists love trigger locks.