WANTED: Tips for safe airline travel with your PCP Rifle

[DeadEyeNC]

I have heard LOTS of horror stories of airline travel and air rifles. Everything from crushed cases, broken stocks, ruined optics to guns completely disappearing. Do you have tips and suggestions on airline travel with an air rifle (specifically a PCP), and getting it to your destination happy and in one piece?

Thanks!

W

 

[John "spysir" Blount]

Pelican case. And NO psi. Print TSA regs. Insure.



John

 

[Scotchmo]

When I went to England with my rifle, I had one of these hidden/secured in the gun case:

https://www.gego.io/

You can track your case. It works well enough. When it was not in my possession, I knew where the case was. Still was a hassle to get the case after getting to the airports, but I knew it had arrived at the correct terminal.

Not much you can do about rough handlers. I packed mine securely in a tough case and had no damage.

 

[Centercut]

I've never had a problem.

Need good hard case with at least two locks that only YOU have the key to. NOT TSA type locks.

No pressure in the tube/bottle.

Go to airline counter and inform them you want to check a gun. Just say "gun". If you say air rifle or airgun or anything of the sort you will confuse them and probably be delayed. Fill out the short postcard size form and sign it.

Open the case and show them the "gun". Then they will watch you lock the two padlocks on your case. YOU keep the key(s).

They will then send the gun to be checked on the plane like any other luggage.

When you arrive you pick up your luggage like any other luggage. Depending on the size you may have to claim it in the oversize luggage section like golf clubs.

Hint: be PREPARED to discuss air rifle TSA/airline regs., but do not volunteer information. These are lower level employees, and are easily confused. And once they are confused, they will default to "no" and "delay"...

 

[Michael]

A good place to start https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/traveling-with-an-airgun/?view=all

 

[Scotchmo]

...

Need good hard case with at least two locks that only YOU have the key to. NOT TSA type locks.
...

That depends on the airline and country you are going to.

When I got to the counter, I was told that I had to use TSA accessible locks on the gun case, or they would not take accept it. I had the TSA regulation print outs with me and argued otherwise. They would not budge. You won't know if you are going to get employees that know how to handle/accept guns. Best to bring both types of locks just in case. That's what I did because I had heard of that inconsistency.

Another issue: I had to argue for awhile that pellets are not the same as firearm ammo, and the best place for the pellets was locked in that same case. They even asked if I could put them in my carry-on instead - ???? They did finally allow my pellets to remain in the gun case. This was all on British Airways, so others airlines are likely different. US carriers are probably better, though I assumed otherwise when I booked my flight.

 

[DonC]

I have a huge SKB case. One time it arrived with broken corner. After much hassle, I was reimbursed by the airline AND received a brand new case for free from SKB. I did have to ship the damaged case to them.

In the case was stock and action only. My Field Target kit has Leupold bayonet quick disconnect rings. So I carry scope and rings in my clothing luggage and packed well. I do this because I have seen other guys arrive at a competition and are unable to compete because of airline damage. Truly a bummer situation.

My SKB case has TSA locks without any hasps for using other locks.

Hoebor Freight has a affordable case now. Seems pretty rugged from my quick inspection at a store.

 

[JungleShooter]

O, it would be so sweet to take all those heavy lead pellets in my hand luggage...! I could carry so much more to Peru...!



Alas, Spain, last year:

I tried a test balloon – taking a can of pellets I didn't need on the way there.

Wow, the Spanish TSA confiscated the pellets immediately. They issued me a very stern warning not to take "ammunition"(!) on an airplane. And they were super upset with me. – It's Europe, why was I surprised?!

While waiting for my connecting flight I used the public wifi in the terminal and looked at some stuff at PyramydAir online and checked the forums. – Well, I TRIED to.... – Would you believe it?! They blocked those webpages!! – I did say this was in Europe, didn't I?!



Matthias

 

[ImpactX]

You could just ship your gun by UPS or FedEx. Lots of thief working at the airport. They think your item is worth something they will take it. If your ship it, you will have tracking number and if it gets lost, the shipping service will have to paid for it.

 

[DeadEyeNC]

A good place to start https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/traveling-with-an-airgun/?view=all

Thanks sorry I missed that!

 

[Calbarry]

Declare it as a firearm and follow the firearm guidelines and you will avoid any confusion and/or delays. And, yes, the air gauge must read 0.

 

[Laity]

I fly with my TM 1000 for the Euro's and Worlds and so far its been good . Have flown with a few Airlines and so far all has been fine . I fly with the gun empty in a locked case with no pellets in . The case is a Plano and stands up well to the throwing about it gets . All in all in not a massive problem flying with Air guns .





Rog

 

[DeadEyeNC]

Thanks for all the great info and advice!

 

[JW652]

One trick we have learned over the years. Get your rifle Priority handling. Baggage insurance (above the normal coverage) can be purchased when you get your ticket. Just make sure you get it from the airline not a third party. This will give you priority handling as the carrier now has to treat it differently to minimize their potential liability. Select your flights and then buy the ticket by phone so you can tell the representative what you need. Don't try to do this at check in.

Another way is to fly Business/ First. You get Priority status with your ticket. Usually it is two free checked bags. The weight and size limit might also be more generous. This becomes more important for international flights with more onerous weight restrictions. Be aware that your rifle case may be sturdy, but that robustness can result in an overweight bag. About 25 years ago I invested in a welded, aluminum case from ICC - Impact Case Company. It has a long rod connecting four hasps and has never let me down. Also I firmly believe that you should not cut the foam out in the shape of the rifle. It is much more secure to have the foam form a crush fit around the rifle so that it can't slide around.

If two or three shooters are travelling together, only one person needs the upgrade and can carry the others' rifles. The third checked bag will cost cash, but still comes out cheaper. The others can carry your (non - rifle) checked luggage. An enhanced ticket also lets you have more and larger carry - ons. As always, make sure you have a change of clothes and all necessities in the cabin with you.

Just my experience. Learned the hard way.

 

[JungleShooter]

JW652,


that's excellent advice — from a wealth of bad experiences, I suppose.

Thanks for sharing it with us!
Matthias

 

[jps2486]

Go by car. See Youtube video: United breaks guitars. True story.

 

[Gaulithan]

I prefer not to fly with my guns, especially internationally because it's too much trouble

 

[JimD]

I've only flown with firearms, not with my airguns, so far. But I've traveled several times with shotguns. The thing I would add to the other good advice is to go slow when you get to the counter. The gate agent is supposed to inspect your gun to be sure it is not loaded. Many do not know how. It's OK to help them but not to just grab the gun and start messing with it. You need to ask and then give them a minute to think about it sometimes. If you make it clear you are just trying to help and will be fine with whatever they decide it helps them relax. Moving quickly and without an OK will make them nervous and security headed your way. I've never had a big problem but moved a bit more quickly than the agent was comfortable with and security started my way. I noticed and slowed down and all was OK. I would also say that you need to put your phone away and focus on getting through the process. I've done it several times and none was a big problem but it will go better if you focus on the situation and slow down and let the airline employee move at their pace. Many seem to have rarely if ever checked in a gun before and some are nervous just being around your gun. Be polite, go slow, and it should go fine. It's OK to ask for a supervisor but is not OK to raise your voice or argue with the agent.