Flying with firearms

[Hugh]

Here is the info from the Continental Airlines website:


Firearms

Continental accepts one item of shooting equipment per customer in lieu of one piece of free baggage. All items must be properly encased in a suitable container. One item of shooting equipment, whether presented in a single container or not, is defined as one of the following:


Rifles - 1 rifle case containing not more than 2 rifles (with or without scopes), 11 pounds of ammunition, 1 shooting mat, noise suppressor and small rifle tools.

Shotguns - 1 shotgun case containing not more than 2 shotguns and 11 pounds of ammunition.

Pistols - 1 pistol case containing not more than 5 pistols, 1 pistol telescope, noise suppresser and small pistol tools.

The following are firearm restrictions:


Curbside check-in of a firearm is not permitted.

Customer must demonstrate in an isolated area that the firearm is unloaded.

The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site.

The firearm will be transported in a section of the aircraft that is inaccessible to the customer. Proof of registration is not required.

Firearms carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.

For domestic travel, no more than 11 pounds of ammunition may be carried. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container.

NOTE: Continental employees will not physically handle any firearm during the inspection. After inspection has been completed, the customer must sign a Firearm Declaration Tag.

[Don]

We had an incident here last month at the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport that made the news. A hunter was checking his rifle and demonstrating that it was unloaded, and it discharged, blowing out a window. Doofuses like that give us all a bad name.

[tom]

Hells bells, flying without firearms is tough enough these days. I just returned from a "recreational transcontintal roundtrip flying, identification validation and shoe inspection" where I was searched more times than I care to admit, had to show ID for everything except going to the john and had my shoes inspected twice each leg of the trip.


Seems the airline business can't figure how to do security effectively, "Sir, your name appeared as the result of a computer random selection process" so they just do a lot of foolish wasted motion.


Come on, it wasn't a fat middle aged white guy who hijacked those aircraft now was it? Maybe somebody should spend the effort on people who just might fit the -oh my God-PROFILE -there I said it!-of the hijackers. Young arabic males.


But then again, I guess my sensitivity training needs a booster shot.


Flying used to just be a pain; comprable to taking a Trailways bus through South Georgia and Alabama in the 50's...hot, crowded, and uncomfortable. Now it *really* sucks.


My 2 cents


Tom

Tom:


I'm with you 100%. My wife and I have decided not to fly commercially, I'm a Private Pilot, until the airlines and airports can figure out how they are going to screen passengers and their bags without arriving at the airport what seems like days in advance. No one should have to arrive at an airport at 3 AM for a 7:30 AM flight.


I still think putting a .45 in overhead is the answer. In case of emergency, the pilot pushes the button and a .45 drops into your lap. That ought to take care of it.


Dan C.

[schwob]

Dan, I'm with you! Training and accessibility seperate the quick from the dead.

[Jerry G.]

Over Christmas, I took my Walther PPK to Florida on Delta, declared in checked baggage. I called in advance to check if rules had changed from what is posted on the web site. The telephone agent told me I couldn't carry ammo in same case with the gun. I told her that the Delta web page said a small pistol case with up to 11 lbs of ammunition was permitted. She checked and agreed. I had no problems at the airport. On the return a gate agent said I could not have the ammunition in the same case. I showed him a printout of the web page, which forced him to check and eventually agree with me. I also had copies of all paperwork for ownership in NJ and non-resident CCW FL permit and copies of FAA web site rules and Federal regs for transporting firearms.

Many people are misinformed. By knowing the rules yourself and bringing copies, you can avoid problems with airline personnel who are supposed to know the answers, but really don't.