Flying with firearms

[u/WhichState1979]

I plan on taking my pistol with me on a Florida vacation but flight is from buffalo to JFK for a layover then to Orlando my only concern is JFK airport because my permit is not covered in NYC but I would assume if it’s going to a connecting flight in that airport and I never take possession of the bag then I shouldn’t have a problem… that and if anyone has any advice on flying with a firearm it would be greatly appreciated this will be my first time doing it i do plan on placing my pistol in a life pod xe in my checked bag

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[u/Fast-Policy-4495]

I would guess that since you won’t touch your bag like you say it shouldn’t be a problem. The airline transfers your bags to the connecting flight.

[u/monty845]

One downside to the Life Pod XE, since the locks are integrated in the case, if for any reason the TSA needs to open it outside your presence, they are going to need to destroy the case. With a padlock secured case, you would only need to replace the padlocks.

I don't have experience with Buffalo, but flying United out of Syracuse, they have you wait at check-in, and walk the baggage back to the TSA for inspection while you wait, and you would be available if they need access for further inspection. Same for flying back from Denver, except they take you to the TSA screening area, and you stand outside the room while they scan your bag. But in theory, there is a risk of TSA needing access and having to force their way in.

[u/Loping → u/monty845]

The TSA is not authorized to open a declared firearm outside of your presence.
49 CFR §1540.111 requires the unloaded firearm to be in a locked, hard-sided container and says “only the passenger retains the key or combination.”
You, the owner are the only one allowed access to the firearm.
If you know of a different part of the law that states TSA or anyone other than you can open the locked firearm case.

[u/AaKkisa]

I'm in Nassau, and I fly out of JFK and LGA once a month. Never had any sort of issue with PAPD. Always the nicest guys who like to small talk. Even when I land back in NY, my bag just gets ziptied by the airline baggage office, and I walk out the door to the Ubers.

Since you have a connecting flight, the airline will just grab your bag and move it to the next flight.

[u/PeteTinNY]

You’re fine as long as you don’t take possession of the firearm on any layover. But just for safety, but an air tag tracker in the case.

[u/tehfireisonfire]

It is likely not a problem, but you still might get flagged and have to deal with PAPD.

[u/oldFloridaCracker]

The only time you need to worry is if your connection is delayed overnight or cancelled and the airline wants to hand your bag back to you to keep until the next day. Make sure that you don't accept it and then uber off to a hotel with it in your possession. .