The Transport and Security Administration (TSA) is very clear on the safe practices of carrying firearms by air. There are also laws and regulations that must be adhered to whenever traveling with a gun. In a world where safety and security have over the past decades been a major area of concern, especially when it comes to mediums of transportation, it’s of the utmost importance to follow the laid down rules on safe gun handling and transportation.
Flying has never been fun and between those long waits, going through the checkpoints, and not to mention flight cancellations, carrying your firearms as per the airlines’ regulations will save you a great deal of time. There are always helpful TSA agents willing to be of service if you ever need clarification on this subject. But for more, below are ways you can travel with your firearms by air.
INVEST IN A GUN SAFE/CASE
If you are thinking of traveling by air with your gun, having a gun safe can greatly help with the travel complications. There are so many gun case types out there but not all will meet the TSA (Transport Security Administration) requirements. The gun case is bound to go through a thorough inspection to ensure that it meets the standards of safe gun keeping. Going to the experts at The Arms Guide, the gun safe lock should be tamperproof, the construction should be made of heavy-duty material, and it’s important for your safety and that of others to consider a fire-resistant gun safe. Among other factors to consider when investing in a firearm case include:
- Value of firearm
- Weight and size
- Burglary protection
- Cost
UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM
It’s illegal to carry a loaded firearm to the airport. All firearms must be unloaded and their ammunition stored in their cases. Consider sturdy ammunition containers as opposed to cases constructed with flimsy and weak materials. You don’t want to run the risk of having the ammunition fall off mid-flight.
DECLARE YOUR FIREARMS AT THE CHECKPOINT
The last thing you’d wish for is to have your flight delayed or worst, canceled because of failure to comply with TSA officials. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you’ll be provided with a gun declaration form to fill. When all the requirements have been met, an airline official will take possession of the gun safe for safekeeping. Hey, be kind to the officials as they also want the process to end sooner rather than later.
There are so many people across the globe who travel with their firearms and you should not get any suspicious treatment by declaring your firearm. The declaration document will help to ascertain that you’ve stored your gun safely. One more thing, the airline staff is at no time supposed to handle your firearm. Don’t share safe combination codes. Always ensure that the lock mechanism is secured.
HAVE THE FIREARMS LICENSE ON STANDBY
To avoid having your flight canceled or have to endure being questioned by the TSA officials, you must bring along the firearm’s licenses. This will help when declaring your firearms and proving that you are the firearm’s legal owner. Today, and for security reasons, you don’t need a good reason to carry a firearm. However, you will still be required to meet the gun application requirements such as the licensing part of it and going through a suitability and training drill.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE RULES
Gun rules exist for the purpose of regulating illegal gun ownership and in helping ensure the safety of the gun owner and those around them. The same is the case with the TSA gun rules at airports. These are rules that will help to keep you safe and those around you when carrying a firearm by air. You’ll want to ensure that you adhere to these rules and regulations. Educate yourself on the safe ways to carry your firearm by air through research.
You can go to the particular airline’s website and check under the firearm’s and luggage requirements. Having prior knowledge of such complex requirements can save you a lot of trouble with TSA and the law. Additionally, be keen to check the laws of your destination country as they could affect you in one way or the other.
The above are ways you can travel with your firearms by air. You’ll want to save yourself the pain and additional inconveniences by following the rules and requirements of the relevant authorities on safe ways to travel with a firearm. These are rules that will guarantee your safety and that of other passengers.
