Hello Forum,

It’s been 6 or 7 years since I’ve flown commmercial with guns in my luggage and I’m reaching out for any insights from those who do so frequently or more recently than me.

My first concern is my choice of cases. I loaned my dedicated 2-gun breakdown case to my brother who lives too far to retrieve and given that I’m flying out early next week, he’s not able to ship it back to me in time for this trip...

So, I am left with a traditional Browning O/U hard sided case that does have 2 locking latches. It’s the commonly seen brown case with brass reinforced corners and brown soft interior. Secondly, I have my original Parker Repro’s Emmebi which also has 2 locking latches. Both cases will fit in a separate bottom compartment of my fairly sturdy but ‘soft’ rolling duffel (G. Loomis). My immediate question is whether the latch locking mechanisms are acceptable by the airlines / TSA? Had no problems with these type of locks or rolling combo locks in the past..

I’m not wild about using either case as they will not offer the same protection as purpose built ‘airline’ cases e.g., Americase aluminum or Pelican type plastic but, the ones I have fit in my luggage and I can pad around them for a little more protection.

So, back to the question,, will either of my cases be acceptable upon inspection at the airport. Flying Delta from AUS to IAD.. Thanks much for any suggestions and firsthand knowledge..

- Jerry

I don't think either of those cases would pass
the Samsonite Gorilla test.

https://youtu.be/8C-e96m4730

I use an SKB hard case made for airline use ( similar to pelican cases/less$$)Takes 2 master locks for the TSA and any beating the airline wants to deliver.

For multiple guns I use a Tuff Pack that gives you the ability to ship several guns in makers cases inside the locking TuffPack.
(also gorilla proof)

I would not use the cases you mentioned; the gorilla will eat them !

Better buy you a Pelican case....I watched a worker throw my Pelican case 10 feet when we changed planes.

i agree on the tuffpak

but my second choice for anything i need to protect - down to optics and cameras is the Pelican brand -

if there is no place near you to buy a proper case in person - the on line sellers will express ship them

or- can you pack them in the case you have, pack that case carefully in a box and ship it to yourself at your destination

Thank you for the replies, gentlemen. Good suggestions for separating the gun case from luggage however, my plan, sort of, is to place the gun case in the purpose built compartment of a large rolling duffel.. I used to use an Orvis bag and Americase that fit it and never had a problem. Can do the same now but would be with the Browning or Emmebi in the bottom of my roller.. Still sketchy, I know.. Hate to leave my best grouse / woodcock gun home but may opt to just borrow a buddy’s O/U and spare the stress.. Jerry

I use a pair of Pelicans and they always get treated with great care and respect. Africa, Alaska, Arizona, it doesn't matter. All good. I think the Browning cases would be fine (I have one) if the locks were good enough for TSA.

I do have to say that luggage handlers scare me more than a tax man .
I have a Krieghoff Americase and I would hate them to throw that around. Is a Negrini plastic guncase airline safe?

IMHO no they are not safe.

My guns travel as luggage ( in pelcan type case or tuffpak ) 4-6 times per year. ( Hungary, South America, Georgia and Oregon)

The cases come off the planes pretty well scuffed up. I can not imagine a small Negrini, Browning or Americase faring well.

You will likely pick them up from baggage claim scratched, scuffed and dented. Hopefully the firearms inside will travel well.

With the Pelican case or TuffPak there is no question.

Which Pelican model or similar brand is best for a single SXS. Cabelas seems to carry them and I’m only 20 mins from Buda, TX store... Thanks again for all the input... Jerry

I use a TuffPak take down case. I just finished packing it to take my USAF daughter her guns in the morning. She is back in the USA after being overseas.

My TuffPak is 17 lbs empty. I have it decorated in stickers that don't scream gun. I pack the guns then add luggage in soft cases for extra padding.

I came back from Vegas once with the TuffPak and an Americase double gun case. The TuffPak showed up in the baggage carousel. The Americase was missing. I tracked it down to the baggage agents. They had pulled it aside because they knew it had guns. The guns in the TuffPak were worth twice the guns in the Americase. Go figure.

TuffPaks don't look like gun cases. I also have used a cheap SKB golf bag hard case from Dick's Sporting Goods with good results. I had rifles and they didn't fit the smaller TuffPak.

There are full length TuffPaks. I have seen dealers use them as shipping containers between shows. Never any damages they have said.

My thoughts,

Joe
In Charlotte, but headed to Sacramento. Anybody want to shoot? I'll need a loaner SxS.

when i took a tuffpak to Scotland i got asked a lot of questions about where i was golfing during the stay, that was the sum total of the attention it drew

and i found one of those SKB golf bag cases for a pittance in a thrift shop, haven't used it yet, but i expect it will do just fine

Update with some product home testing notes:

Firstly, the guns I intend to travel with are a 20 ga. Parker Repro and, a 16 ga L.C. Smith Ideal with 28” bbls. I offer this for scale and dimension qualities only,, and they are my favorite grouse & woodcock guns

Second, I have scrapped the idea of using hard case packed in luggage. This would only provide for traveling with one gun and, the myriad of potential issues with TSA and baggage handlers.

So, I went to Cabelas and after getting fairly minimal input from staff, brought home a Pelican model 1720 case and a Cabala’s house branded molded ‘tactical take-down’ case. They advertise the Cabelas case as made in USA and the gentleman helping me said he believes it is made by Pelican. Who really knows, but it’s evident where they cut costs and more on that in a bit. Cabelas case is a little more than 20% cheaper than the Pelican 1720 (retail) however it is slightly deeper dimensionally by about 1.5”. I liked this aspect as I usually pack 2 guns and it accepts them with an inch buffer around all parts and edges. The negative is that the foam is of lesser quality (small tears from sharp edges of action and lugs with just light bouncing on carpet when all closed up. Also, the ends of the case do not close tight even with guns inside and all latches tight. There are no latches on the ends of either of these two models. I got movement of barrels and forends in the Cabelas case when lightly banging it on a carpeted floor. No bueno! Also, and I’m not too sure how important this really is but, the pressure release mechanism on the Cabelas case is not the same as the Pelican and staff could not confirm if it was auto or manual..

As for the Pelican 1720, I put same two guns broken down but kept forends off and out of the case. It took a good bit of pressure to close up and latch the case but is doable and will be fine at the airport. Same light bounce-safely test on carpet and absolutely no movement of barrels or separate action/butt ends. However, I couldn’t position both broken down guns with a full inch buffer from all parts but a, able to maintain at least an inch from all outer edges of the case interior. I can place clean chamois cloth around both sets if barrels for protection against any potential movement with no issues. There is probably enough room for the detached forends but I left them out and can secure them in my luggage safely if I go with the Pelican which i’m leaning towards...

Apologies for the long tome and lack of pictures but I would truly appreciate any additional feedback on my case selections and hope this is of some use to others that are contemplating the purchase of a travel case.

Best,
Jerry

Jerry, I have flown with Cabela's proprietary aluminum airline case with no problems (twice), and have flown with my Pelican plastic case. Having done that, I have greater faith in my Pelican case than the Cabela's aluminum case. There's a lot more to it than what the outside material is comprised of. Actually, the Pelican is heavier and bulkier than the aluminum case I used to fly to Argentina twice, but if I go again the Pelican will get the nod.

I'm really not sure how to fully "support" my decision, and I understand that you're comparing two cases that are a lot more similar than I am, but in my opinion there is nothing that compares with the protection capability of the Pelican.

Stan,

I too used to fly with an aluminum that I’m fairly sure was by Americase or whichever mfg Orvis sold as it would fit in the bottom compartment of their large rolling canvas duffle. That was the past and I too now have more confidence in the hard molded plastic cases that just go right on the plane as a separate piece of luggage. I’m still gonna sleep on it but, I’m pretty much sold on the Pelican for my needs and piece of mind...

-Jerry

Me again,, are standard Master key locks still acceptable by TSA? Getting conflicting info from some folks and the TSA website. Thanks again, Jerry

I travel internationally with guns to exhibit in the USA in my checked luggage several times a year and use purpose built flight cases.
When I first started doing this I was told by TSA to use their locks to save them cutting them off for inspection if I was not accessible.
However I soon found that the TSA rule is that you SHOULD NOT use TSA locks as everybody and his dog has a key to fit! I therefore use cheap (keyed alike) brass padlocks which can be cut off at minimal cost if they so wish. I also carry a few spare locks and plenty of keys to give to TSA.
TSA operatives don't appear to give a rat's a*** what locks you use as long as they can get in the case when they want to inspect.

My experience mirrors Toby's exactly. Both nationally and internationally. However, I use fairly good padlocks - 4-number combination locks and I pack a couple of extras. Never had one cut off. Although, back in the day of TSA padlocks, I did have several cut off even though TSA supposedly had a key for them.

I have not flown with guns internationally in recent years but the rule used to be that you use your own padlock after TSA inspection at the departure airport. Ignorant United employees once delayed a 747 from SFO to London for over an hour, generally treating me like a criminal while demanding nonexistent permits and insisting that the case should be unlocked, not even bothering to check their own regs. TSA eventually set them straight.

I have used Pelicans to carry delicate dart guns for over 20 years in Africa. They rattle around in the back of the pickup in very dusty conditions, often with dead cows, Hilift jacks, spare tires, or Masai warriors sitting on them - never a problem.

Thanks Gentlemen,, you have confirmed my past experience and what I should expect today.. I will be using standard Master locks with keys with fingers crossed.

Best,
Jerry

I just carried three shotguns to Canada in a Pelican case. United in Jacksonville, FL pulled a new one on me this time.

I had the six closures secured with TSA combination locks. The locks did not tightly close on the closures. TSA opened all six of the closures and even though the locks were all still in place, they were able to crack the case open very slightly, certainly not enough to get a gun out. They pronounced that if they could get one finger into the case and TOUCH a gun they wouldn't ship it.

I solved the problem by locking two additional locks into the locks already on the case in order to tighten the loop up enough that they could not get a finger in. Seems arbitrary to me...Geo

Dang.

SRH

Why should that surprise you - they are government employees.

I wonder how many "incidents" have occurred with checked firearms while the firearm is in the possession of the airlines?

Just how many times have passengers either jumped onto the tarmanac and grabbed firearms from a locked case and caused an incident, or crawled down intoi the luggage hold and obtained a checked firearm and caused issues?

My question is what is the actual risk(s)these procedures, especially TSA inspection of the checked firearms in locked cases,designed to prevent? I can speculate, but does anyone know the actual reason ing behind the policy?

Optics.?

How about so your guns won't be stolen by a baggage handler and you get an empty gun case at your destination?

Bruce

How does the TSA people looking at the guns, then locking the cases back, help your gun not get stolen by a baggage handler? Marshgrass said that the case was locked to begin with, but he questioned the purpose behind the inspection of the guns inside the case. Every time that case is unlocked it allows a greater chance of thievery, even if it is TSA personnel.

SRH

Stan,

I agree with his (and your) questioning that aspect of the silly criteria that being able to open the case while locked to a small gap is a problem. Of course, if someone did unlatch your Pelican case but it was still locked I would not want to see that firearm after being rattled around in the hold. I really was responding to the statement:

"Just how many times have passengers either jumped onto the tarmanac (sic) and grabbed firearms from a locked case and caused an incident, or crawled down intoi the luggage hold and obtained a checked firearm and caused issues?"

Locked cases prevent theft is my only point. The other stuff is eyewash, and TSA always focuses on the last threat, it seems. If handlers will open your luggage and steal electronics and jewelry they will steal your gun. If a ground crew member can steal an airplane as happened recently in Seattle certainly a firearm is in the realm of the possible. I haven't flown with a gun for a while but I was always asked to wait for the gun to be screened (unlocked) and was then paged to lock the case in front of the TSA agents.

I like the ATA-rated SKB cases, since they are a little lighter. We use Pelican cases at work for shipping scientific gear and they are the gold standard for that.

Bruce

I completely agree. Thanks for the clarification, Bruce.

SRH

Makes perfect sense to me George.

jOe, you're not the one had to go buy two more TSA locks in addition to the four I already had on the case...Geo

Update from my recent domestic air travel (AUS -IAD). Two procedural changes since last time I flew with guns:

1) only airline employee examines guns at their check-in counter. Same at both airports.

2) airline employee escorts you to TSA agent who only wants to see a locked case. No visual inspection by agent*.

At IAD, TSA agent sent case through x-ray and likely swabbed case exterior while I waited for the thumbs-up. This process was likely done at AUS but, behind closed doors. When arrived at IAD, case was further secured with a heavy zip tie. Must have been $10 retail; $100 govt LPTA price

Airline folks who handle guns and ammo are all over the place... Had to show one agent Delta’s policy on ammunition weight when she was adamant about a 3 lb limit. Didn’t even ask to see the ammo which is supposed to be in mfg packaging.

Anyhow, actually none of this was a big deal and the Pelican case carried well and held up perfectly.

-jmc

When I last flew with guns, the cases were required to be locked after examination. If they couldn't locate me when they wanted to inspect, they would cut off the locks or jimmy the case if the locks were integral with the case. Solution: put a key in the lock in front of the employee, but don't lock it. Wrap the case with duct tape, over the lock. If they wanted to get in the case, they cut the tape and, viola, the case was unlocked. Honest mistake, right? No one ever cut my tape or damaged a lock in years of traveling under those rules.

The airline handlers absolutely destroyed my Americase. They are heavy and when thrown as the airline handlers do, the Americase takes it rough. I think I need to find a better case for airlines too. My last experience they looked at my gun when I checked in at airline counter, I signed a card it was unloaded, then locked the Americase in front of airline people with the card enclosed. They gave me a paper which I took to TSA after going through the security shakedown, gave TSA the paper and shortly thereafter, they told me gun on the plane and I was good to go. I try to get direct flights with firearms, if possible.

I don't fly much with guns, but I did campaign a aircraft inspection method around the country and to Europe, with a heavy airplane component (3 long guns in weight) in a SKB 46" roller case. It made about 7-8 trips before the airline handlers ripped the handle off, which was secured by a hollow rivet of some sort. I fixed it and continued another half dozen trips with it. SKB cases are good, Pelican and similar are better. I ship expensive guns in an all aluminum takedown case enclosed in a cardboard box. There's a guy in Long Beach CA that makes/made inexpensive all aluminum cases that are good construction. http://www.ziegeleng.com

I think Negrini cases are probably ok for a single gun. I traveled once with my 4 barrel K80 in an Americase. I don't trust the built-up Americase with that much weight. It's pop-rivetted together on the inside. I suspect one toss by a handler and it would fly apart like a Yugo hit by a train when it hit the pavement.

I would never fly with a built-up wood-framed case. That's just inviting trouble. That includes all the fabric and leather covered cases I have seen. A drop from 1-2 ft might break the frame of these kind of cases IMO.