Can I take a suppressor through Newark airport?

[bluemaroon]

Roksliders, as question asks, can I take a surpressor through Newark airport legally without issue if I’m connecting?

I’m currently hunting in South Africa and plan to connect through Newark on return back to Texas. Other hunters in my camp who live in Northeast US states are saying it may be illegal for me to connect through Newark with my suppressor even though I have all federal paperwork since suppressors are banned in state of New Jersey. For background I got to SA on United flight from Washington Dulles to Cape Town without issue.

 

[Nine Banger]

I see how this could get weird because when you get here, they will probably treat your connecting flight like a fresh check in after customs and immigration.

 

[TimberRunner]

Sounds problematic if NJ is one of those states? Maybe ship it back.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe this falls under federal transport rules. You can TRAVEL through a state where XYZ firearm is illegal but you can ONLY TRAVEL. If you do something other than travel its illegal. IE if you are driving through a state you can stop for gas, stop to eat, stay the night at a hotel, etc. If you go visit a museum or such you aren't traveling anymore. If you are flying through an airport you are obviously traveling.

If you have an overnight layover or something and have to collect your rifle case and leave the airport that could maybe create ripples even though you are still technically traveling.

Again I am merely stating what I think is the case to help your research path, do not take the above as gospel.

 

[wapitibob]

I'd pack it with my checked luggage and not think twice about it.

 

[mother_plucker]

I just came back through Newark from Joburg last month. I can say for my two trips that I have been to Africa on, flown United both times, that I have had no issues other than the Customs people are slow. I have both of mine that I take in the little bags that Q puts them in... I have them in their own cutout slots in the foam, and nobody cares about them. I do take my tax stamps just in case, but nobody has asked about them at all. I would not put them on the 4457, since that just brings attention to them. My customs and border patrol in Portland OR made me put my scopes on the 4457, and I will say next time I will only have the rifle on there, since that is all the African police are looking at anyway.