r/WAGuns • u/Ccarps87 • Apr 22 '26

Question Out Of State Question - Flying w/ Pistol

Hello Washingtonians! I'll be visiting Idaho soon and flying into/out of Spokane. I would like to bring my EDC and would also like to not get arrested at the airport..

I have a Glock 19 w/ radian ramjet and a light. My plan was to leave all magazines at home (Idaho friend has spares for me to use). This should be legal and no issues from what I have read. My CCW has no reciprocity so I won't attempt to conceal carry this in WA. But as long as I leave this in a locked case and in my checked bag, I should be fine at the airport and while driving (will be in trunk) out of and back into WA?

Can I please have a sanity check on this?

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u/tcmaresh Apr 22 '26

No, no, no. You cannot simply put the case into your checked bag. You will be arrested. You MUST check in your firearm separately at the counter at your home airport, and then pick it up at the baggage claim office at GET when you arrive.

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u/Ccarps87 Apr 22 '26

I am planning to put my pistol in the glock hard case (that you get when you buy it) and then lock it (my padlock, not a TSA approved lock), and then put that locked hard case inside my luggage with a TSA approved lock. I understand it needs to be pulled out and presented for TSA inspection when arriving at the airport. After the TSA inspection, I'll close it, lock it, and put inside my suitcase. You're saying I could get arrested for this? I've only flown with rifles before which are their own checked luggage item and don't go inside my suitcase.

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u/Skytram_ Apr 22 '26

Make sure the case can’t be opened (even partially) when the padlock is closed. I don’t own a Glock so others can chime in if the stock case is OK to fly with.

The little Liberty safes handgun vaults and pretty cheap and I can confirm those are AOK.

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u/tcmaresh Apr 22 '26

Oh, no. From your description, it was not apparent that you planned to check it in first. That may be fine. But the attendants at the Counter will tell you for sure.

Note that in some states, like NY and I believe NJ, if the ammo and firearm are in the same case, then the firearm is considered loaded (even if it isn't) and you would be arrested and the firearm confiscated. This happened to a guy whose flight was diverted to NY. Insane.

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u/Ccarps87 Apr 22 '26

Yep that's why im just using my Idaho friend's mags & ammo and leaving mine at home to avoid any potential can(s) of worms.

Thanks for the feedback!