Airlines rated hard case recommendation.

[realunlucky]

Planning to use it to take my rifle caribou hunting and a couple people told me your not allowed to pack anything else with your rifle except one box of ammo per TSA rules. Can anyone comment on this? Obviously the double would be too much case for a single rifle might as well take smaller rifle case if I cannot utilize all the weight

 

[rayporter]

i stuffed my double to 49 lb for the bou hunt, but the rules could have changed.

print the rules out and carry them with you. when i dropped the rifle and bags off at check in i was hassled over a fuel bottle. it was new in the shrink wrap and unopened. they tried to take it cause it was a fuel bottle even though it was in checked baggage. when i showed them their rules they let it go. i had went to check in early and sat by the desk after they weighed the bags so they could still see me. if i had went off somewhere the fuel bottle would have just vanished.



when we arrived in Fairbanks i checked the gear and they had removed fuel tablets and something else [ forget what ] any how check your stuff when you get there.

 

[colonel00]

I stuff as much as possible in the rifle and/or bow case(s). Now, some agents may request to see that the rifle is unloaded and the TSA people may ask to open it up to check the weapon so try to make it easy to inspect and repack.

Currently my hard case for rifles is a Cabela's brand double rifle case that is similar to a Pelican. This last fall, I had two rifles, two boxes of ammo a range finder and maybe a knife or two and I was already hovering at 50lbs.

One other thing, in the past when we have had questions, we try to get as much information as possible ahead of time. Unfortunately it is almost impossible to actually speak to someone with the airline at our local airport. A couple of times I actually just drove to the airport and spoke with a manager to confirm answers to our questions. It can be a pain but I try to avoid as many surprises as possible when it comes time to actually take the trip.

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

I've flown my double skb all over and never been charged oversized for it. I also pack it up to 49.5 lbs with my other gear.

I have had the same experience as realunlucky. I have a double SKB case and always load it to 49.5 lbs when traveling for a hunt. It is amazing how quickly you can get it to 50 lbs. It is nice that it has wheels because that case and my large duffle with a backpack make plenty to carry.

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

Realunlucky. TSA does not have any rules that specify only one box of ammo. If so it's brand new. I've always gone by the more common 11-12 pounds of ammo. The TSA agents like to see it packed in factory ammo cardboard box. But plastic ammo boxes should be legal as well as long as it was designed to hold ammo (ie the container keeps each round from contacting each of the other rounds).
This is from Delta Airlines regarding checked baggage on "shooting equipment"

Shooting Equipment

Shooting equipment is allowed as checked baggage only. It must fit within the very specific criteria that we outline below.
Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm.
Declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel if there's a security checkpoint before the Delta counter.
All firearms must be declared by the passenger to a Delta representative at the main ticket counter.
Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration.
Firearms must be packed in a locked manufacturer's hard-sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case or a locked hard-sided piece of luggage. Handguns may be packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft-sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case.
Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit.
Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges.
You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA website.
If you are transporting a firearm to the United Kingdom, a permit from the United Kingdom is specifically required. You must contact the United Kingdom for more information about securing this permit.
The following types of ammunition are not accepted:
Gun powder; such as Pyrodex or Black Powder
Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles
Ammunition exceeding 11 pounds (5 kg) gross weight per passenger
Pistols and accessories must be included in one case and contain:
Pistol telescopes
Noise suppressors
A small pistol tool case
No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition
Rifles and shotguns must be packaged as follows:
One hard sided case containing up to four rifles, shotguns, shooting materials, tools
One hard sided case containing up to five handguns, one scope, tools
One bow and quiver of arrows and maintenance kit enclosed in a case or container strong enough to protect the bow and quiver from accidental damage
No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition
An excess baggage fee will apply if checking more than one gun case.

 

[aggieland]

I replaced the foam inside my SKB Case with two pieces of 1" Memory Foam from walmart. Cut it to fit the inside of the case, It weighs more but nothing can rattle around inside the case anymore, very solid now. Also the black type foam that came with the case wore the finish off my bow on just one trip. It may not matter to you but that stuff is very much like sand paper. I now use a take-down longbow and I'm considering putting almost all my gear inside the case and just paying the over weight fee for piece of mind.

Actually I may have 4 pieces of the memory foam inside it. I'm not home at the moment and can't remember, but believe me it works great.

 

[charvey9]

I have two SKB cases and love them. Have done quite a bit of flying with my bow and/or rifle in the past few years.

 

[luke moffat]

I use the SKB 1750 a couple times every year flying within Alaska on commericial (Alaska Airlines) and have fit 3 rifles ammo, and 3 sets oftrekking poles in there. That usually takes it up to about 50 pounds.

Works well and no issues.

 

[idig4au]

I use the SKB 1750 a couple times every year flying within Alaska on commericial (Alaska Airlines) and have fit 3 rifles ammo, and 3 sets oftrekking poles in there. That usually takes it up to about 50 pounds.

Works well and no issues.

Yeah, but your rifles are all insanely light featherweights compareed to most!

 

[Yellowknife]

Planning to use it to take my rifle caribou hunting and a couple people told me your not allowed to pack anything else with your rifle except one box of ammo per TSA rules. Can anyone comment on this? Obviously the double would be too much case for a single rifle might as well take smaller rifle case if I cannot utilize all the weight

I fly with guns quite a bit and pack the case full of "other stuff" right to the 50 lb limit. Often have several boxes of assorted ammo and as well as clothes, gear and food. A shorty Pelican case is what I use, and it has worked great for me. Never an issue with TSA.

With a handgun I fly with it in stored underneath my laptop in a smaller locked Pelican full of electronics. No issue with that either.

Yk

 

[luke moffat]

Yeah, but your rifles are all insanely light featherweights compareed to most!

Maybe so, but did get two of my 6 pound guns in there with my 8.5-9 pound 375, and a box of ammo for each rifle and 3 sets of trekking poles...so not all are lightweight....

 

[Where's Bruce?]

the skb or pelican types are heavy but probably worth it. with a rifle in they will be over 20 pounds but you are allowed 50 pounds, i stuffed it with binoculars and knives and a camera. dont waste a chance to use up a weight limit.

i have a couple cases that are for 2 rifles. they have a piece of foam between the rifles. the rifles can move and i dont think i will ship with 2 rifles in a case again.
just an fyi.

i cut the foam out in the shape of the rifle and pack one rifle per case. this aint perfect either but it seems to work better.

I carry my glass and electronics in my carry-on and fill the case with my camos instead...high end optics, GPS, RF and Sat Phones are attractive to theirves who work at the airport.

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

I'm curious as to what kind of locks you are using. I've always used non TSA master locks and haven't had a problem. If a baggage handler has access to your case my guess is they'd go after the weapon with ammo over binoculars and range finders.

 

[colonel00]

When I transport firearms, they are in a hard case and only I have a key to the lock. Once checked in by TSA, there is no reason for anyone to open the case. However, for other luggage, as I understand it, they can cut locks and inspect luggage at will. Using TSA locks in this instance only saves you from having to buy new locks. So yes, transport your optics and electronics in the firearms cases if possible. If not, then I also will carry on whatever I can.

 

[Colo4x4XJ]

i might of read somewhere awhile back that TSA actually requires non TSA accessible locks for weapon transport.

 

[cmc]

I hit our local Sportsman's Warehouse and checked out the SKB and Pelican cases they have. First impressions of the double sized cases - they are HUGE, second - they are heavy even empty. So much that I've begun to re-evaluate my thinking on getting a huge case. Not ruled out but what will see more use over the next 3-4 years. Thanks for all the insight and input here it's been very helpful in seeing what others use as well their experience transporting firearms. I've flown with a rifle before but that was over 15yrs ago. That was a cake walk getting through security and as for TSA approved locks, mine ended up being a roll of duct tape. I was bringing home an old rifle of my grandfathers I inherited when he passed away and rolled up to the check in counter without locks so they offered me some tape.

 

[colonel00]

Honestly, I haven't had an issue at all dealing with security or TSA when transporting firearms in the last several years. Just do your research and be prepared on your end. Also get there early enough so you can check in well before the crowds arrive.

 

[WestDan]

on the issue of locks, you do not need TSA accessible locks, but if you don't use TSA accessible locks, you have to wait by the check in counter usually in case the TSA needs to open your case. The counter attendants will usually take the case to the TSA checkpoint and see if it needs to be opened. They have never asked to open mine, but this will cause you to need to get to the airport a little earlier than you normally would.

 

[jimmyonthespot]

No more SKB for me.

I haven't had good luck with SKB. I have a double bow case I used to take two muzzle loaders to Nevada this year. The case came off the plane damaged. The plastic case pulled away from the hinge, luckily I didn't lose any gear and the muzzle loaders were okay. I called SKB from the airport and asked if they would send me a new case so I could fly home with my weapons. They said they needed to have the case returned to them before they will send me a new one. So I had to buy a new gun case before I went into the mountains, $300. I flew home with the new case and the guns made it home okay, but they slid around in the case. When I opened the case at home both gun bolts had rubbed through foam. I crammed the case with guns and gear, it should have been tight, but it wasn't. SKB sent me a new double bow case which is great, but a little late and I have two cases that didn't to their jobs.

If there wasn't a Cabela's in town I would have been screwed getting home. I will not buy another SKB. Who care if there is a warranty if you're 2000 miles from home and they won't send a new case in time for the flight.

 

[colonel00]

Let me knew what you have and the dimensions if you want to unload one of the cases.