Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Which US airlines are best to use when traveling with guns...?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Eric

In general it doesn't matter so pick an airline you prefer to fly.

I've flown Southwest and Delta recently with a rifle. Neither were a problem but Southwest was an absolute breeze. I think it has more to do with the airport you're flying out of. If anywhere around a military base or high traffic hunting location, both the airline reps and TSA know the drill and its a snap.

From my limited experience flying with firearms in the USA it seems to depend upon the people you are dealing with. Read the airline's (and any other airline you might get bumped to)policy on firearms and ammunition, follow it or exceed and no problems should present themselves. GRF

I have had the best treatment with Southwest, Frontier and Delta. Never had a bad experience with American or United--just more of a breeze with the first three.

I've never had a problem with checking rifles on any airlines.

donsm70

Thanks, guys. I'm flying out of San Diego - big military community here - and will be sure to read up on the airline's rules. Looks like Delta and United are the main options for where I'm headed.

Alaska Air's a piece of cake, at least out of Portland and Anchorage.

In the last few years, 2 trips to Africa and 1 to Idaho, all on Delta. Absolutely no issues.


maddog

Delta broke the wrist of a new cooper 222 mag for me. The baggage handlers dropped it so hard that the feet of an Impact Case Company rifle case were pushed into the case and they said it wasn't their fault. Never a problem checking one on any domestic airline though.

just flew USAirways with a handgun and had no trouble whatsoever. This is out of NY state as well.

I'll +1 for Alaskan Airlines. Very simple.

I have a double locking heavy alumimum case, no problems on any of the airlines already mentioned.

I agree with CT Smith, the airport makes a bigger difference than the airline (whether the TSA boys are boneheads or not). I have had great experiences at SEATAC and Great Falls MT, had my worst experience at RDU (Raleigh-Durham) with a dumb-ass TSA agent - had to demand his supervisor before we got squared away (take a copy of the TSA regulations and keep them in your pocket). Even at RDU the airline rep was fine - just handed me an orange card to insert in the guncase.

Absolute worst airport I have ever flown into or out (with respect to guns) of is Pittsburg.

Only ever had trouble with United and finally got a supervisor who told the counter guy he was full or [bleep] and checked my gun (hard case, locked, inside my luggage).

Alaska Airlines.

(OK- I work for 'em.... )


We refer to you-all as the "Cabelas's Army"

And no, you will not get your firearm thru bag-well in Kotzebue without ID or claim check. What, you think we give guns out to just anyone?

I agree it depends more on the airport and agent you get. Some of my easiest trips have been out of Dulles. Some of the worst have been San Antonio and Denver. All on the same airline. Check the regs on both the TSA and airlines web sites and print copies of both right before your trip and take them with you. The rules seem to change at times(TSA locks vs no TSA locks, ammo in same case vs separate bag, ect) so its best to check right before the trip.

How do you guys normally handle ammo...?

I put my ammo in the locked gun case along with my rifle.

I've flown with United, Alaska, and U.S. Airways. No problems with any of them.

KC

You didn't ask, but just in case....
Of Canada's two major airlines, WestJet is by far the most gun-friendly. Air Canada charges an extra fee. In my opinion, WestJet customer service is better, by which I mean that if you call their 1-800 line with questions, they either know the answers or will find them PDQ.
So come on up for a hunt.