Air Travel: Best Gun Cases For Safe Journeys

Travelling with firearms can be a stressful experience, but choosing the right gun case can make it a lot easier. The best gun cases for travel should be hard-sided, lockable, and provide protection from bumps and collisions. They should also be lightweight to make travel easier and reduce baggage fees.

When it comes to specific products, the Pelican Vault is a popular choice for a hard gun case, offering excellent protection against damage from impacts and environmental conditions. For a soft gun case, the Browning Pistol Rug is a good option, providing ample padding to protect against dings and scratches.

Other options to consider include the Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case, Plano Rustrictor, Vertx VTAC Rifle Case, and UWK D-Tap Airtight gun cases. It's important to do your research and choose a case that meets your specific needs and requirements.

TSA-approved gun cases

When travelling with a firearm, it's important to follow the rules and regulations of the TSA, as well as those of the airline you're flying with. Failure to do so could result in a hefty fine of up to $10,250. So, what makes a TSA-approved gun case?

Firstly, the TSA requires that firearms are stored in a hard-sided, lockable container as checked baggage. This means that soft gun cases are not suitable for air travel, even if they have a lock. The case must be locked with a non-TSA-approved lock, as only the owner of the firearm should have access to the case. TSA-approved locks can be opened with a master key, so these should be avoided. Padlock holes are a good feature to look out for, and TSA-approved gun cases should have at least four of these.

Secondly, the case must be hard-sided and durable to protect the firearm from damage during transit. Baggage handlers work to tight schedules and often throw luggage around, so a hard-sided case is essential for protecting your firearm from bumps and collisions. A hard case will also protect your firearm from changes in temperature and humidity, as well as from dust and water damage.

Thirdly, the interior of the case should be made of foam to absorb shock and protect your firearm from knocks and bumps. The foam should be custom-cut to fit your firearm snugly and prevent it from moving around inside the case.

Some other features to look out for include:

• A comfortable, robust handle
• A waterproof seal
• An equalizer valve to regulate air pressure
• A lightweight design to make travel easier and reduce baggage fees
• Pelican Gun Cases: These cases feature impact-resistant shell exteriors and shock-absorbent foam interiors. They are also watertight, crushproof, and dust-proof, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
• UWK D-Tap Airtight Gun Cases: These cases are designed specifically for pistols and revolvers and exceed all TSA requirements. They feature a high-impact ABS shell, a silicone o-ring gasket to keep water and dust out, and three layers of convolute, shock-absorbent foam.
• Plano Protector Series Single Scoped or Double Non-Scoped Gun Case: This TSA-approved gun case is lockable and suitable for airline travel.

Travelling with rifles

Choosing the Right Rifle Case:

• Hard-sided and lockable cases: When travelling via airline, it is mandatory to use a hard-sided and lockable gun case. These cases are built to withstand rough handling and provide maximum protection for your firearms.
• Size and weight: Consider the size and weight restrictions of the airline. Choose a case that is lightweight and complies with the airline's baggage restrictions.
• Protection from the elements: Ensure the case has adequate protection against dust, moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Look for features such as sealed gaskets and pressure-release valves.
• Impact protection: Opt for a case with a sturdy outer shell and a foam-padded interior to protect your rifle from bumps and knocks during transit.
• Security: Use a secure locking mechanism, such as padlocks or combination locks, to prevent unauthorised access. Avoid TSA-approved locks as these can be opened with a master key.

Additional Considerations:

• Ammunition storage: Store ammunition separately from firearms in checked baggage. Use a fibre, cardboard, or metal box specifically designed for carrying ammunition.
• Declaration and legal compliance: Always declare your firearms at the check-in counter. Ensure you are familiar with the firearms laws and regulations of your destination, especially when travelling internationally.
• Early check-in: Consider checking in early at the airport to allow for additional time to comply with firearm storage and declaration procedures.
• Insurance: Consider insuring your firearms for travel to protect against loss or damage during transit.

Recommended Rifle Cases for Travel:

• Pelican Vault: A reliable and reputable brand offering excellent protection against impacts and environmental conditions. The double-rifle case is bulky but provides great value for money.
• Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case: Highly secure and durable, with excellent environmental protection. It has been praised for its quality latch and hinge design.
• Plano Rustrictor: Features a durable resin shell and a built-in rust inhibitor, making it ideal for humid climates. The case has lockable latches and customisable foam interior.
• Ulfhednar Gun Case w/Backpack Straps: Offers best-in-class protection and excellent workmanship. It has ample room for rifles and accessories, with backpack straps for easy transport.
• 5.11 42-inch Single Rifle Case: A simple and padded soft case that can also be placed inside a hard case for added protection. It has a double zipper and Velcro straps to secure the rifle.
• Pelican Air 1755: A lightweight hard case designed for long, bulky rifles. It features a modular interior and well-designed wheels, making it ideal for transporting precision rifles.
• Boyt Harness Signature Series Scoped Rifle Case: A traditional soft case ideal for transporting scoped hunting rifles. It has a durable brass zipper and offers adequate protection against standard dings and scuffs.
• BluBox Rifle Carry Case: A waterproof and crushproof hard case for transporting two rifles or multiple guns.

Travelling with pistols

Understanding the Rules and Guidelines:

• Familiarise yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines and your airline's rules for travelling with firearms. Knowing these guidelines will help you avoid fines and ensure a smooth travel experience.
• Always declare your firearms at the check-in counter.
• Never bring a loaded firearm to an airport. Ensure that your pistols are unloaded and stored in a secure, locked case.
• Do not use TSA-approved locks on your gun case. The TSA has master keys for these locks, so it is crucial that only you have the key or know the combination to your lock.

Choosing the Right Gun Case:

• Select a hard-sided, lockable gun case specifically designed for transporting firearms. It should have a sturdy outer shell to protect against bumps and collisions during transit.
• Look for a case with a foam interior to absorb shocks and protect your pistols from scratches and damage.
• Consider the size and weight of the case. Choose a lightweight option to make travel easier and reduce baggage fees.
• Ensure the case has a waterproof seal to protect your firearms from moisture and dust.
• An equalizer valve is important to regulate air pressure, especially when travelling to high altitudes.
• Opt for a case with a comfortable and robust handle for easy carrying.
• The case should have a secure locking mechanism or padlock holes to prevent unauthorised access.

Additional Considerations:

• Always pack your ammunition separately in checked baggage. Some places do not allow the transport of firearms and ammunition in the same case.
• Be mindful of the laws and regulations of your destination, especially when travelling internationally.
• Consider adding extra security measures, such as tracking tools or stickers to disguise the nature of the case.
• Weigh your case with the pistols inside to ensure it does not exceed the maximum weight limit.
• Allow for extra time at the airport to inspect your case and go through the necessary security checks.

Packing ammunition

Understanding the Regulations:

• Small arms ammunition, including cartridges up to 19.1 mm (.75 calibre) and shotgun shells, is permitted in checked baggage only.
• Ammunition must be securely packaged and cannot be carried in carry-on luggage.
• The TSA defines a loaded firearm as having a live round of ammunition in the chamber, cylinder, or magazine, or when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger.
• Firearm magazines, ammunition clips, bolts, and firing pins are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage.

Packaging Requirements:

• Small arms ammunition must be placed in a fibre, cardboard, wood, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition.
• Ammunition boxes should be sturdy and securely closed to prevent accidental opening during transit.
• Ammunition clips and magazines must be securely boxed, ensuring no ammunition is loose or exposed.
• The total weight of ammunition per passenger is typically limited to 11 pounds (5 kg) for both domestic and international travel. However, check with your specific airline for their quantity limits.

Packing with Firearms:

• Ammunition can be transported in the same locked, hard-sided case as a firearm, provided it meets the packaging requirements mentioned above.
• Firearm magazines and ammunition clips can be used for packing ammunition, but only if they completely enclose the ammunition.
• When travelling with firearms and ammunition, always declare both to the airline when checking your baggage.
• Ensure that you comply with local, state, and international laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms and ammunition, as these may vary by jurisdiction.

Weight and size restrictions

When it comes to weight restrictions, the general limit for checked baggage is 50 lbs. To avoid additional fees, it is important to ensure your gun case, including any firearms and accessories, does not exceed this weight limit.

In addition to weight and size restrictions, it is crucial to follow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for transporting firearms. Firearms must be unloaded and stored in locked, hard-sided gun cases as checked baggage. It is also important to declare each firearm at the check-in counter. Only the owner of the gun should have the key or combination to the gun case lock.

When choosing a gun case for airline travel, consider selecting one that meets TSA requirements and offers features such as a hard outer shell, a foam interior for shock absorption, a lightweight design, a waterproof seal, and a robust handle. By following weight and size restrictions and adhering to TSA guidelines, you can ensure a stress-free travel experience while safely transporting your firearms.

Frequently asked questions