I do it all the time - you need a hard sided lockable case for the firearm. If its a small case it can be put in a larger suitcase - at any rate you MUST declare the firearm to the gate agent at check in. They will either ask you to open the hard sided case and show the firearm is completely unloaded, OR a TSA agent will come and take the hard sided case and inspect the gun themselves. You then fill out a firearms declaration unloaded tag which is placed in the hard sided case with the firearm, and either you or the TSA agent will lock the case and YOU get the key. There is a limit of 4 hand guns that can be checked. To pick up the firearm, if its a non descript case, (mine is a small solid aluminum suitcase) it comes down with regular luggage, if its obviously a firearm case, it is picked up at airline special handling. DO NOT have any ammo at all in the case. Personally I either buy ammo at my destination, or ship it UPS. As each airline does it differenty call their customer service department before you fly! NOTE: even spare mags, clips, or cylinders MUST be in the locked hard sided case as well!
__________________
SJL
|