Those who fly with firearms have a bit of hassle ahead of them. Sure, the process can be quite easy and smooth. It might even flow swimmingly. But it certainly won’t if you don’t have a TSA approved gun cases. Here is why.
There are numerous restrictions and requirements when it comes to what is approved, and what is not. The TSA, which is the security arm of our nation’s airports, requires certain standards be met to enter an airport and travel with a firearm. Fortunately, if you follow the rules, it doesn’t have to be that difficult.
TSA Approved Rifle Cases
Cedar Mill Firearms Double 2 Tactical DS3TeK Rifle Case
Features
- TSA & Airline Certified
- Heavy-Duty Wheels & Durable Handles
- DS3TeK Shell & Stainless Steel can Withstand Extreme Pressure
- 44″ X 14″ X 5″ To fit some of the largest Rifles and Shotguns and extra accessories
- IP67 Rating Keeps Water and Dust Out & Engineered to Float
- Lifetime Warranty
This tactical double rifle case is crafted from top-notch materials that ensure your guns are secure during travel. With an IP67 rating, it can withstand extreme pressure and keeps water and dust at bay. Even if it falls into a body of water, the case floats and your guns remain safe. This gun case stands out from others in the market due to its exceptional features and affordable price point. Furthermore, they offer a lifetime warranty on all of their products to ensure complete satisfaction.
Cedar Mill Firearms Iron Clasp – Cam Latch Long Rifle Case
Features
- TSA & Airline Certified with 2 Locking Points
- DS3TeK Resin and Stainless Steel
- 48″ X 9″ X 4″
- IP67 Rating
- Dust and Water-Proof
Secure and protect your weapon without breaking the bank with Cedar Mill Fine Firearms rugged firearm case. This top-of-the-line case offers ultimate security, premium features, and high-quality materials. It comes with two plush layers of one-inch pick and pluck foam that can be easily customized to fit your firearm. The DS3TeK resin shell, stainless pins, and corrosion-resistant hinges and carry handles provide unbeatable protection and durability. The case is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, making it ideal for any travel or storage situation. Plus, it is TSA-approved, so you can carry it with you anywhere worry-free.
Pelican 1745 Air Long Case
Features
- Six push button latches offer secure closure with easy-open access
- Ideally suited for today’s tactical firearms and their accessories
- High-impact polymer assures protection of your firearm, via road, trail or air
- Crushproof, dustproof, and weather resistant
- Heavy duty handles are ergonomic and will stand up in even the toughest conditions
- Four layers of protective foam
The Pelican 1745 Air wheeled hard long case is a lightweight, crushproof case made from HPX2 polymer that offers excellent protection and storage for delicate equipment. This case features an updated push-button latching system that compresses the case shut on three sides. The 1745 Air comes with two layers of Pick-N-Pluck foam that you can customize to fit your equipment precisely by removing the pieces you don’t need. The case has a solid base foam layer and a convoluted eggcrate foam lid insert for added protection. It features three overmolded handles for easy carrying and two low-profile, quiet-running wheels that allow you to tow the case behind you. The case is waterproof and TSA-approved for worry-free transportation.
Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case
Features
- Interior: 44.00″ L x 16.00″ W x 6.25″ H
- Exterior: 47.12″ L x 19.18″ W x 6.90″ H
- Crushproof, dustproof, and weather resistant
- High-impact polymer assures protection of your firearm, via road, trail or air
- Heavy duty handles are ergonomic and will stand up in even the toughest conditions
- 6 push button latches offer secure closure with easy-open access
- Ideally suited for today’s tactical firearms and their accessories
Safeguard your long gun from harm and unauthorized access while in transit or storage with the Pelican V730 Wheeled Hard Tactical Rifle Case. Constructed from robust and resilient polyethylene, this case is impervious to crushing, dust, and moisture, keeping your valuable firearms and accessories protected and secured. A foam insert cushions your rifles and additional gear from shocks, while a foam lid insert keeps them immobilized and prevents any collisions. This case can be carried by one or two individuals or towed effortlessly by its low-profile wheels, offering flexibility and convenience for transporting your equipment.
TSA Approved Handgun Cases
Pelican V100 Vault Small Pistol Case
Features
- Perfect for the personal handgun
- High-impact polymer assures protection of your firearm, via road, trail or air
- Crushproof, dustproof, and weather resistant
- Heavy duty handles are ergonomic and will stand up in even the toughest conditions
- Four layers of protective foam
- Two push button latches offer secure closure with easy-open access
The Pelican V100 Vault Small Pistol Case is a durable and weather-resistant case designed to protect your small firearms during transport and storage. It features a foam insert for added protection and organization, as well as a purge vent and easy-open push-button latches.
Eylar Tactical Hard Gun Case
Features
- External Dimensions: 13.37″ x 11.62″ x 6″
- Internal Dimensions: 11.81″ x 8.87″ x 5.18″
- IP67 Waterproof, Dustproof and Shockproof protection
- Meets TSA requirements with lockable hasps and fittings
- Polypropylene Body, ABS Latches & Handles, Steel Pins
- Pressure equalization valve
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The Eylar Standard Hard Gun Case is a durable and reliable case designed to protect your firearms during transport and storage. It features a hard shell exterior made of high-impact polymer that is crushproof and dustproof. The interior of the case is lined with egg crate foam to cushion your firearms and prevent them from moving around inside the case. The case also has a pressure release valve and four secure locking points for added security.
TSA Approved Gun Case Features to Consider
Obviously, firearms are not permitted in carry-on baggage, or on your person, while in an airport or on a plane. They must be in a locked TSA approved gun cases which must be a checked bag. Remember these consideration points when picking the best gun case for travel needs.
Those traveling must select a hard-shell case that can be locked. The case should also be designed specifically for travel, preferably flight; be able to hold its form under pressure (weight); to not open wide enough for a hand under the use of short-shank locking devices; and have plenty of foam to secure the firearms and ammunition from moving around.
Additionally, it must only be accessible to the owner. It must not be easily forced open. It also must remain locked unless a TSA agent is inspecting it.
Naturally, most TSA approved gun cases will require multiple locks, depending on functionality. Generally, that means every lock hole must have a lock to secure it. This prevents any area of the case from being pried open without first removing the lock.
While owners can technically use any padlock of their choosing, a TSA approved lock is best. This is because TSA agents have keys that can open these locks without breaking them. If TSA decides to inspect the contents of the case—which they have the right to do—they will likely cut off your locks if these are not TSA approved locks they can work with. This is not only possible, but likely probable to happen.
Strict rules apply to ammunition, too. Obviously, guns must remain unloaded within their case. Magazines should not have ammunition in them, even if removed from the gun. All ammo must remain within its original packaging and must remain within the locked case. Loose ammo within the case is strictly prohibited.
Individual airlines might have their own rules and regulations on flying with firearms and ammunition, too. So, check with both organizations prior to traveling with a firearm. Furthermore, study up on state and local regulations for the areas you might be traveling through (flight connections) and to (destinations). You must also adhere to the laws in these areas, and sometimes, restrictions do apply. For example, some don’t allow certain guns. Others require guns and ammunition to be locked in separate cases.
Additionally, for those flying outside of the United States, a form 4457 is required. This is obtained from the nearest Customs and Border Control office. It is needed to declare your firearm to be able to bring it back into the United States on the return flight home. Do this a few weeks before the trip.
Of course, once ready to travel, before arriving at the airport, make sure the gun is unloaded, action is open, and bolt (if bolt action) is removed. Breaking the gun down into an un-ready form is a good faith gesture that you are mustering the utmost caution. Upon arriving at the airport for departure, you must “declare” your firearm. The TSA agent will ask you to remove the locks, will inspect the contents, declare it as a firearm, and place the proper documentation inside of the case. This document must remain within the case with the gun and ammo. The agent will watch you lock the case up, and then they will tag it and place it on the belt. Sometimes, they will ask you to take additional steps, such as an x-ray process.
Once you reach your destination, your gun case might appear on the baggage claim carousel. However, it’s more likely to appear in the oversized baggage area, or even the baggage claim office itself. These are for security purposes. Obviously, keep your baggage claim ticket, and never throw these away until you have your firearm and return home.
FAQs
What do I look for in a gun travel case?
Choose a hard-sided gun case that is lockable (can’t be accessed), durable, protective, impact-resistant, has wheels, has ergonomic handles, and includes desired extra features.
What are TSA approved gun cases?
A TSA approved gun case is a firearm transport container that meets the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. These cases are specifically designed to securely store firearms and ammunition during air travel. They are typically made of durable materials and include locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. The TSA requires that all firearms transported on commercial flights be properly stored in a TSA approved gun case and declared to the airline during check-in.
Why is it important to fly with TSA approved gun cases?
This is required by law, and failing to adhere to these laws will result in serious legal ramifications.
What can happen if you don’t use a TSA approved gun case?
Failing to use a TSA approved gun case, and following all associated laws, can result in serious penalties, fines, and incarceration.
Can ammo be in TSA approved gun cases?
Ammunition must be declared and remain locked up in a checked bag, just as the firearms are done so. Ammo cannot be loose within the case. It must be contained, and preferably in its original packaging. Ammo cannot be in the firearm, or even in a magazine. And in some states, it must be locked up in a separate case away from the firearm.
Can I put my TSA approved gun case in my suitcase?
This is not advised for long guns, such as rifles and shotguns. However, handguns that are locked up in a TSA approved case can sometimes be placed within a suitcase, so long as all TSA, state, and local laws and rules are followed.
Do gun cases require TSA locks?
TSA approved locks are advised, as TSA agents might have to cut off padlocks they don’t have direct access to open.
How much earlier should I arrive at the airport to finish the gun declaration process?
It is best practice to arrive about one hour earlier than you would if not traveling with a firearm. Sometimes, the process is much faster than this, but it’s better to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Overall, flying with a firearm can seem like a lot. And there certainly is some stress involved. But it isn’t something to avoid just because of the procedures that must be followed. Rather, it’s best to study the rules, follow them, and enjoy the trip. And always be polite to the TSA agents, even if they aren’t being nice to you. That’s called being a good person. Furthermore, if you aren’t polite, they can make life hard for you.
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