Aloha All,

Some follow up on my experience with the airline (United).   Procedures may differ between air carriers but I'm betting they're at least similar when flying out of PHNL...

1) Make sure you have an airline approved case, pretty obvious I used my Pelican im3100 series case, secured with non-TSA locks.
2) Show up earlier than the recommended 2 hours prior to flight, more on that later...
3) Get the attention of a check-in agent right off the bat and inform them of the firearms, they'll get the required form and start the process.
4) You may incur an extra baggage charge, military members (on or off orders) may have charges waived so ask the agent. Something cool: most rifle cases are NOT considered oversized items (basically as long as it's smaller than a surf board).
5) Complete the unloaded firearms declaration, drop it into the case, and hand the agent the locked case (again, non-TSA locks). The agent will take the case (already tagged for your destination) back to TSA's discrete location.
6) And now you wait, up to 20-30 minutes, for TSA to "clear" your case for travel. Where do you wait? Right there in the check-in area!
7) After 20-30 minutes check with the agent, no news is good news and you'll be clear to press through the normal TSA check then out to the gate.

Note: This is something most of you won't be too cool with... If TSA determines there's an issue with the firearms in the case, you'll need to furnish the AGENT with a key and that agent will take said key back to the TSA inspection location WITHOUT you in attendance. I didn't have anything come up during the inspection/X-ray, not sure how I would've reacted if they requested the key...

Other things I wasn't too sure about... Layover in the far from gun friendly Kalifornia. No issues, even with a 4+ hour delay to my flight (BTW, fly Hawaiian!!!!)  And finally, picking up my case in KLAS was pretty straight forward though I did have to wait for standard baggage to be off loaded. My Pelican was eventual brought out to me by a vetted baggage handler that required the claim ticket and picture ID before handing it over. I was relieved the case wasn't simply dumped onto the baggage carousel 

Overall a good experience getting here with minimal hassle.

HTH those interested in flying with their firearms 

Boomah

 

 
 

Did they mention why an additional baggage fee would be charged?

We pack skis and snowboards when we travel and it has always been considered standard baggage so long as it is below the weight limit threshold. My skis are long, a little under 6ft so including the bag it's over 6.

The only thing I can think of is the extra work to x-ray in the back but that's a TSA issue and shouldn't impact the airline.

Did you send ammo too?

I've flown United with my guns a number of times and what he mentioned is pretty much how it went for me.  I never had to give the key to anyone for a follow-up inspection by TSA though.  I thought I read somewhere that you have to be in the presence when they open the case, but maybe that was someone's recommendation somewhere and not a TSA policy.  Or maybe common sense.

When I fly with my guns, I'll also have a copy of both TSA's and the airline's firearms policies.  One trip, I had the United gate agent say that the gun case needed TSA locks.  The printed rules helped clear that up quickly. 

Regarding baggage fees, when I flew with my rifle case (also Pelican), it was considered a "special" item and treated same as a regular suitcase.  Meaning same weight restrictions, but not the size restrictions.  One trip, I upgraded to first class, so that probably helped.   

Regarding claiming the guns.  On all my trips, at the mainland destination, I either had to claim the gun case with an agent or take my claim check to one of those service offices adjacent to the baggage claim area.  However, on the return trip to Honolulu, my gun case came out on the carousel!!!  I was waiting for my suitcase and was planning on going to the baggage customer service area after.  But then my rifle case came out right after my suitcase!  I guess no harm, no foul, but I was really surprised that that happened. 

I've flown United with my guns a number of times and what he mentioned is pretty much how it went for me.  I never had to give the key to anyone for a follow-up inspection by TSA though.  I thought I read somewhere that you have to be in the presence when they open the case, but maybe that was someone's recommendation somewhere and not a TSA policy.  Or maybe common sense.

When I fly with my guns, I'll also have a copy of both TSA's and the airline's firearms policies.  One trip, I had the United gate agent say that the gun case needed TSA locks.  The printed rules helped clear that up quickly. 

Regarding baggage fees, when I flew with my rifle case (also Pelican), it was considered a "special" item and treated same as a regular suitcase.  Meaning same weight restrictions, but not the size restrictions.  One trip, I upgraded to first class, so that probably helped.   

Regarding claiming the guns.  On all my trips, at the mainland destination, I either had to claim the gun case with an agent or take my claim check to one of those service offices adjacent to the baggage claim area.  However, on the return trip to Honolulu, my gun case came out on the carousel!!!  I was waiting for my suitcase and was planning on going to the baggage customer service area after.  But then my rifle case came out right after my suitcase!  I guess no harm, no foul, but I was really surprised that that happened.

When I flew United (a couple of times), I was told to remain in the boarding area as much as possible in case a problem arose after the case was cleared.  If they can't get you to respond to a page, they will cut the locks if they need to open the case!! 

They will have you accompany an employee to open the case for their internal inspection, not just ask for you to give them the key.  That makes sense, because if they open the case and find something bad, they would rather have you right there and not making your way out of the airport!

I haven't experienced this, so it's all based on what the United counter employee told me when she checked me in.

I travel frequently and always have a weapon, so I have encountered many many different scenarios and I am quite sure that I will continue to encounter new and different things.  On the whole, it is pretty standard, but I find it all starts with the first agent that you encounter and much relies upon their knowledge and experience in dealing with firearms in baggage.  Newer agents with less experience will need more patience, which was my last scenario about 3 weeks ago.  I will also make an assumption, purely speculative, that agents own personal bias will guide their actions.  The amount of inspection or curiosity with the ticket agent may vary.  Some don't care to see anything, will ask quick questions, fill out, or let you fill out your firearms tag for the luggage and move on.  Others may want to see the unloaded weapon, check your pistol box, if not in a hard locking gun type of case (pelican or similar), ensure there is no ammo present, etc...

On this last trip on the outbound leg, I had an agent flat out say that this was her first time doing a firearm check-in.  No problem, I helped walk her through things, once she verified something with a supervisor.  She also asked about ammo as she was reading the rules directly off the computer.  I said, yes, in separate luggage, factory packaging, less than 11 pounds.  She actually asked to weigh the ammo, but then I pulled out a single box and she felt a little embarrassed.  I told her not to worry.

On the outbound leg, I met with the TSA agent at the "oversized bag" check in area.  I use my own locks.  He did not ask to have the case opened, sometimes they do.  He swiped the Hardigg got the reading and said, have a good trip and turned the bag over to the baggage guy who was also waiting.  Slow day.  Upon picking up the bags, they were both at the oversized area, no one immediately around.  I picked up the two hard cases looked around, then walked away.  A young lady came running up and actually addressed me by Mr. xxxxxx and asked very politely to see my baggage claim tickets.  I thanked her for keeping an eye on my bags and not letting just anyone walk away with them.  She felt good about that as she seemed a bit nervous about stopping me.  No oversized charges. 

On the return leg, very cool ticket agent.  Breezed me right through.  He did see inside my case as I put in the firearm card and he said, "cool M4".  Of course this struck up a conversation.  Real cool guy, too bad they all didn't go down like that.  Bag went behind closed doors to TSA.  When this occurs, they may or may not ask to open the case, just depends.  They did ask to have it opened.  I will also note that my other Pelican case, did not have a live firearm, no ammo, but did have my gear with mags and holsters a blue gun and a SIRT pistol.  So TSA did open it for inspection also.  You must hang out, until the bag passes TSA or they will have to hunt you down, or open the bag on their own.

I will note that when I hit HNL baggage area, the bags came out while I was there waiting.  They were brought in via the "backdoor" by an airline baggage handler and placed by the "roped" oversize area, just outside the door.  I walked up, picked up the cases and left.  No one was around. 

IME it is like Forrest Gump says,  "its like a box of chocolates..."

Good info guys. Thanks

I travel frequently and always have a weapon, so I have encountered many many different scenarios and I am quite sure that I will continue to encounter new and different things.  On the whole, it is pretty standard, but I find it all starts with the first agent that you encounter and much relies upon their knowledge and experience in dealing with firearms in baggage.  Newer agents with less experience will need more patience, which was my last scenario about 3 weeks ago.  I will also make an assumption, purely speculative, that agents own personal bias will guide their actions.  The amount of inspection or curiosity with the ticket agent may vary.  Some don't care to see anything, will ask quick questions, fill out, or let you fill out your firearms tag for the luggage and move on.  Others may want to see the unloaded weapon, check your pistol box, if not in a hard locking gun type of case (pelican or similar), ensure there is no ammo present, etc...

On this last trip on the outbound leg, I had an agent flat out say that this was her first time doing a firearm check-in.  No problem, I helped walk her through things, once she verified something with a supervisor.  She also asked about ammo as she was reading the rules directly off the computer.  I said, yes, in separate luggage, factory packaging, less than 11 pounds.  She actually asked to weigh the ammo, but then I pulled out a single box and she felt a little embarrassed.  I told her not to worry.

On the outbound leg, I met with the TSA agent at the "oversized bag" check in area.  I use my own locks.  He did not ask to have the case opened, sometimes they do.  He swiped the Hardigg got the reading and said, have a good trip and turned the bag over to the baggage guy who was also waiting.  Slow day.  Upon picking up the bags, they were both at the oversized area, no one immediately around.  I picked up the two hard cases looked around, then walked away.  A young lady came running up and actually addressed me by Mr. xxxxxx and asked very politely to see my baggage claim tickets.  I thanked her for keeping an eye on my bags and not letting just anyone walk away with them.  She felt good about that as she seemed a bit nervous about stopping me.  No oversized charges. 

On the return leg, very cool ticket agent.  Breezed me right through.  He did see inside my case as I put in the firearm card and he said, "cool M4".  Of course this struck up a conversation.  Real cool guy, too bad they all didn't go down like that.  Bag went behind closed doors to TSA.  When this occurs, they may or may not ask to open the case, just depends.  They did ask to have it opened.  I will also note that my other Pelican case, did not have a live firearm, no ammo, but did have my gear with mags and holsters a blue gun and a SIRT pistol.  So TSA did open it for inspection also.  You must hang out, until the bag passes TSA or they will have to hunt you down, or open the bag on their own.

I will note that when I hit HNL baggage area, the bags came out while I was there waiting.  They were brought in via the "backdoor" by an airline baggage handler and placed by the "roped" oversize area, just outside the door.  I walked up, picked up the cases and left.  No one was around. 

IME it is like Forrest Gump says,  "its like a box of chocolates..."

I do think a lot has to do with the agent's personal bias as well as their mood at the time.  Haha.  My first time flying with guns, I was a little nervous and the gate agent seemed very cool and pretty much "no big deal" attitude, so I was almost surprised at how smooth it went given some of the horror stories. 

I don't think any gate agent has asked me to show that the guns were unloaded.  Come to think of it, I only had to open the case to insert that orange tag.  I was all prepared to open, show clear, show ammo, etc.  I think the "most" work was unlocking the 4 padlocks and putting them back on. 

One time, I was on my way to a class where some of my ammo was waiting for me there and I had some in my gun case.  I was close to the 11 pound max (for United).  They didn't even ask.  I was sweating and wondering what would happen if they said I had too much.  Would I have to take the ammo back home?  Would they have a disposal bin?  I didn't think the latter, but was curious as to what the procedure was.  I'm sure it's happened before where someone showed up with enough ammo that it exceeded the limit. 

On one return trip, we had to take the guns to a screening area for the wipe down test.  I had caught a ride to the airport with the instructor for the course.  They do classes all over the US and do a lot for the military and LE.  Anyways, they were getting some alarms on his gun case/bag.  Something about explosives.  The class we had just come from was only rifle and handgun, but he had done some other classes or training where they did use explosives and I guess some residue got on his gear.  Being a pretty smooth talking Aussie, he tried to chat up the TSA guy, but the guy wasn't having any of it.  Anyways, it eventually cleared, but it's interesting as the different experiences you can get. 

When I flew United (a couple of times), I was told to remain in the boarding area as much as possible in case a problem arose after the case was cleared.  If they can't get you to respond to a page, they will cut the locks if they need to open the case!! 

They will have you accompany an employee to open the case for their internal inspection, not just ask for you to give them the key.  That makes sense, because if they open the case and find something bad, they would rather have you right there and not making your way out of the airport!

I haven't experienced this, so it's all based on what the United counter employee told me when she checked me in.

Yeah, I was told to hang out in the check-in area for about 15 minutes.  That if the agent didn't come back to get me, to go ahead and proceed to the gate.  When flying with my guns, I usually try to get to the airport pretty early, so no problem at all.  I'd just find someplace to put my carry-on down, have a seat and listen to some music.   

Yep the baggage claim here in Honolulu is quite sketchy... they pretty much put your firearm unattended until you figure out where they are.. then you grab yours hopefully still there and not walked off with someone else and go about your way. Nobody would even know if someone else took your goods.

I've flown a lot to Las Vegas with rifles and handguns to attend the Front Sight training there.  Never had a problem transporting the firearms per instructions in OP.  Just have to make sure you don't exceed the weight for ammunition, and check your carry on bags to make sure you don't have live or expended ammo hidden in there.

Biggest challenge is if you are staying in the las vegas casino hotels, as almost all of them prohibit firearms.  Once I brought a pelican case to check into the hotel.  I printed and stuck on a lot of stickers on the case making like it contains expo displays and equipment.  Security guard stared at me for a second, then though nothing of it.

I thought better of it after that, and don't want to get caught and banned from the hotel.  So I just keep it hidden in the trunk of the car, or choose a firearm friendly hotel.   Nowadays I just stick with handguns or rent rifles at the range.  Anyone have better suggestions?

I've flown a lot to Las Vegas with rifles and handguns to attend the Front Sight training there.  Never had a problem transporting the firearms per instructions in OP.  Just have to make sure you don't exceed the weight for ammunition, and check your carry on bags to make sure you don't have live or expended ammo hidden in there.

Biggest challenge is if you are staying in the las vegas casino hotels, as almost all of them prohibit firearms.  Once I brought a pelican case to check into the hotel.  I printed and stuck on a lot of stickers on the case making like it contains expo displays and equipment.  Security guard stared at me for a second, then though nothing of it.

I thought better of it after that, and don't want to get caught and banned from the hotel.  So I just keep it hidden in the trunk of the car, or choose a firearm friendly hotel.   Nowadays I just stick with handguns or rent rifles at the range.  Anyone have better suggestions?

I've read that Front Sight actually offers weapons storage for both travelers and long term if the weapons you use in their classes aren't allowed in your state (CA comes to mind!).  I don't know if they advertise storage service, or if it's for students only, and what  the cost might be.  It might be worth calling and asking.   

I've read that Front Sight actually offers weapons storage for both travelers and long term if the weapons you use in their classes aren't allowed in your state (CA comes to mind!).  I don't know if they advertise storage service, or if it's for students only, and what  the cost might be.  It might be worth calling and asking.   

I don't think they provide storage.  When they first opened 15 years ago they offered gun storage with memberships, that's when they were a smaller more exclusive club.  Then they changed their business plan to mass market and haven't seen gun storage offered for a long time.  I think they never got around to offering it.  Like the free personal use of the range and home development.

Note: This is something most of you won't be too cool with... If TSA determines there's an issue with the firearms in the case, you'll need to furnish the AGENT with a key and that agent will take said key back to the TSA inspection location WITHOUT you in attendance.

That is actually a violation of TSA's own rules.  They are prohibited from opening a case containing declared firearms without you present.  Unfortunately, the latest iteration of their FAQ is worded unclearly:

Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.

This originally was much more clear, saying that the traveler would have to take the key back to the container.  As it is currently printed, one could argue that the point of waiting is to allow the TSA rep to take the key, which is wrong.  TSA was responsible for a couple of high-profile blunders in the early days after 9-11, which resulted in rules to keep TSA agents' hands off of firearms in transit.  Specifically, non-TSA locks are required, and TSA agents cannot touch the firearms.  Any inspection should be a TSA agent observing while you follow their instructions and handle the firearm.

On my way back from LAX, I was at my gate when they called me back to the check-in area because there was an issue with my pistol case. The agent that initially inspected the case didn't tape the declaration form onto the case which was inside my regular checked bag. Instead she just put it inside the case itself like she did with the rifle case. They called me back to open the case again to make sure it was inspected since they didn't see a declaration form inside my luggage. They opened it with me present and I stayed with the case until it was locked up again.

That is actually a violation of TSA's own rules.  They are prohibited from opening a case containing declared firearms without you present.  Unfortunately, the latest iteration of their FAQ is worded unclearly:

This originally was much more clear, saying that the traveler would have to take the key back to the container.  As it is currently printed, one could argue that the point of waiting is to allow the TSA rep to take the key, which is wrong.  TSA was responsible for a couple of high-profile blunders in the early days after 9-11, which resulted in rules to keep TSA agents' hands off of firearms in transit.  Specifically, non-TSA locks are required, and TSA agents cannot touch the firearms.  Any inspection should be a TSA agent observing while you follow their instructions and handle the firearm.

Quoting myself, which may be bad form, but seemed appropriate...

After I wrote this post, I went hunting for TSA's rules.  Not the things TSA publishes about themselves, or the things helpful people tell you about them, but the actual rules and/or laws that govern TSA.  A policy and procedure manual would be ideal.  So for, no luck.  Anyone want to join the quest?

Quoting myself, which may be bad form, but seemed appropriate...

After I wrote this post, I went hunting for TSA's rules.  Not the things TSA publishes about themselves, or the things helpful people tell you about them, but the actual rules and/or laws that govern TSA.  A policy and procedure manual would be ideal.  So for, no luck.  Anyone want to join the quest?

I'll follow Quest-leader!

I have a couple of friends that I can tap.  Will see what I can get from them.  One is a CBP agent at HNL.  Sorta close.  Kinda. . .

QUEST begins here.

Quoting myself, which may be bad form, but seemed appropriate...

After I wrote this post, I went hunting for TSA's rules.  Not the things TSA publishes about themselves, or the things helpful people tell you about them, but the actual rules and/or laws that govern TSA.  A policy and procedure manual would be ideal.  So for, no luck.  Anyone want to join the quest?

I think any matter that requires handling the firearm prompts a call to LE to do so....not sure they want you handling your firearm....

That is actually a violation of TSA's own rules.  They are prohibited from opening a case containing declared firearms without you present.  Unfortunately, the latest iteration of their FAQ is worded unclearly:

This originally was much more clear, saying that the traveler would have to take the key back to the container.  As it is currently printed, one could argue that the point of waiting is to allow the TSA rep to take the key, which is wrong.  TSA was responsible for a couple of high-profile blunders in the early days after 9-11, which resulted in rules to keep TSA agents' hands off of firearms in transit.  Specifically, non-TSA locks are required, and TSA agents cannot touch the firearms.  Any inspection should be a TSA agent observing while you follow their instructions and handle the firearm.

I found the same regarding TSA's ROE, printed it to have a copy handy should I encounter a similar situation at KLAS.   

Smooth as silk at KLAS, no issues, and when I asked the gate agent what the TSA procedure would be he basically quoted the TSA firearms policy mentioned in your reply.   Baggage claim at PHNL was 180 out from what I experienced at KLAS.   My firearms case was simply left out on the oversized baggage rack (with a couple of surf boards and a ski bag).   I walked over, grabbed it, and walked out... No tag check, etc.

Big picture, the guns made to the mainland & back without issue.   Was it worth it?  Yes, I'd certainly do so again 

Boomah 

I've flown multiple firearms over from HNL to OGG. Same process as stated by boomah, but on the exception that once the case was going to be handled by tsa i was present. When checking in you tell the agent you would like to declare a firearm. She brings over a pink slip which you have to sign declaring its unloaded. Then she prints your baggage tag. Then from there you proceed to the far right side of the hawaiian air check in terminal where a tsa agent is present. You open the case. They swab it with a white pad and put that through the scanner. Once its cleared you put the pink slip in the case. You personally lock the case yourself. And then catch your flight and pick it up on the other side. Never ever by any means try to carry on parts. I tried once and will never repeat. I looked at the airline policy and states nothing about parts so i tried. Got stopped. TSA had to call a marshall who had to come down. And i was in the hands of his mercy. He let me go with a warning. Had to check in a bag. And finally got on a flight after missing two flights while waiting for the marshall to arrive. Couple weeks later i got a letter from the tsa that i was on a watch list. Parts i tried to carry on were. AR15 charging handle, miad pistol grip, magpul ranger plates, magpul trigger guard, sig p224 magazine. Thats my story and hope can help some people with future travel.