Rifle + Handgun Air Travel

[Gooden123]

I'm mostly a bow hunter so sorry if this is a dumb question.

I cut a 6.5 PRC barrel down to 21" so it fits in my Pelican Air double bow case along with most of my backcountry gear. I usually just throw my bow in it and pad under, on top and around it with clothes, etc. They don't seem to dig around with archery equipment.

There are loops and such that are part of the case, so I'll secure my rifle with velcro straps or something on top of clothes for padding.

My question is, can I just toss a holstered 10mm in there with it? Or should that be in it's own case?

I plan to remove the bolt, magazines and ammunition all in my 2nd bag with my pack. Open to any other suggestions too!

Thanks!

 

[cnelk]

Put it in the case

 

[Woolley Bugger]

Every year I travel from a very restricted state to SD with a shotgun and a pistol in a single case.
On departure I’ve had my locks broken and routinely wait a hour while airline personnel figure out how to deal with a firearm. But no one has ever given me a problem about having 2 guns in a single case.

 

[Gooden123]

Every year I travel from a very restricted state to SD with a shotgun and a pistol in a single case.
On departure I’ve had my locks broken and routinely wait a hour while airline personnel figure out how to deal with a firearm. But no one has ever given me a problem about having 2 guns in a single case.

Ugh lol. I'm from NJ which isn't even part of the United States anymore. Fly out of Philadelphia. I've had good luck at the counter with Alaska Air. I just assume they're more used to dealing with weapons and possibly trained since they deal with so many adventure travelers? Not ruling out just simple luck either though. I don't think they've ever even opened up my bow case and if they did, nothing was disturbed.

 

[Woolley Bugger]

My condolences. I'm also from NJ and fly out of Newark. It could be worse. We could be flying out of JFK or LGA.
It's painful, but as long as I build in enough buffer for the inevitable cluster, it's fine.

It's funny to contrast with my return flight out of Sioux Falls. It's a tiny airport, but the gun handling operates like a Swiss watch.

 

[Bearded Bowhunter]

Put it in the case

This^^. For both the handgun and the ammo, bolt, etc. Whenever i fly to alaska, always have a rifle, 10 mm, and all ammo in the same pelican case loaded with gear and no issues whatsoever.

 

[Nine Banger]

Gate attendant almost always assumes you have one.

I like the eyebrow raise I get when I say there's 2 in there.

 

[Gooden123]

This^^. For both the handgun and the ammo, bolt, etc. Whenever i fly to alaska, always have a rifle, 10 mm, and all ammo in the same pelican case loaded with gear and no issues whatsoever.

Sweet thanks! I always thought you had to keep the ammo separate and a good idea to the pull the bolt and keep that separate as well. I'd rather not in case my other bag gets 'lost'. I carry my optics on and have enough stuff to hunt with in my bow case if there's a delay.

 

[nettereo16]

No problem to have guns in a bow case, as long as it locks correctly, it becomes a gun case. You can also have multiple guns no problem. I’d keep your bolt ammo and mags in the same case (it’s legal), would suck of separated and lost. Good idea to pull bolts or open chamber so they can X-ray and not need to open the case. I put all sorts of crap in my case up to 49#

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I've read it here twice. And guessing this is an airline specific issue vs TSA Policy? Asking once more.....

AMMO IN THE SAME CASE AS FIREARM?

 

[cnelk]

I've read it here twice. And guessing this is an airline specific issue vs TSA Policy? Asking once more.....

AMMO IN THE SAME CASE AS FIREARM?

Yes. As long as its in a cartridge box, not loose or something where the ammo can become dislodged

Here is what is approved and not

The cartridge holder on the stock is not approved. Ammo boxes and belt ammo holders are, so is the sidearm.

 

[Gooden123]

No problem to have guns in a bow case, as long as it locks correctly, it becomes a gun case. You can also have multiple guns no problem. I’d keep your bolt ammo and mags in the same case (it’s legal), would suck of separated and lost. Good idea to pull bolts or open chamber so they can X-ray and not need to open the case. I put all sorts of crap in my case up to 49#

Thanks. Same here. That's why I got a Pelican Air instead of SKB. It's significantly lighter = more stuff. Kind of figured a handgun and rifle could be together but never know with airlines! Surprised they don't do it just to get another baggage fee lol