If you're like me, you want your firearm with you at all times at the ready with your Tulster Holster. And this summer, with all of the traveling happening, it is good to know the standard operating procedures for flying with a firearm.

KNOW THE LOCAL GUN LAWS

Knowing the gun laws for the state you're traveling to is a must. Equally so, knowing the state's self-defense laws is just as important. Several states in the U.S. do not recognize an out-of-state concealed handgun permit, and the "illegal" nature of this can put you in a tight spot, especially if you are traveling internationally. Just recently, an American man faced 12 years in a foreign jail because he forgot about some spare ammo in his bag.

CHECKING IN

When flying with a gun, it is imperative that you declare it at check-in. This is the first and most vital step in the process. If you do not check in your firearm and it gets discovered in a screening, you can be open to a potential arrest and numerous fines. On top of being a mandatory procedure, declaring your weapon shows you to be a responsible gun owner who has done your homework. This can make all the difference when working with the TSA and Airport Security. REMINDER: You don't check your firearm at the TSA Security Check Point - You must check the firearm at the airline check-in counter. 

PROPER PACKING

It is vitally important that you comply with TSA guidelines when it comes to securely storing your firearm for air travel.

Firearms must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and transported as checked baggage only. We use the Pelican V100 Vault Small Pistol Case for all travel purposes. It is durable and secure, perfect for air travel. We have flown with it numerous times and have never encountered problems. Predominantly because we followed the steps below to the latter.

Update: Ammunition can be transported in the same hard case, however the magazines and firearm MUST be unloaded.

For civil enforcement purposes, TSA considers a gun to be loaded when the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks. Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. Here are some links to read more on TSA Firearm Guidelines and Civil Penalties.

STAYING PREPARED

Upon landing, you may be required to pick up your checked bag (with your firearm case) at the airline office rather than baggage claim. 

Because you are in a new place your situational awareness should be heightened. You should not be paranoid but instead prepared for any immediate threats to you or your family. That is why we are dedicated to providing the best IWB and OWB holsters available for the guns you love. Carry with Tulster, Carry With Confidence.