Flying domestically with declared firearm on JetBlue and Delta in 2024

[Garys]

If the gun is in a locked case inside a suitcase, the Orange Card goes on the outside of the locked case. I've always asked that it be taped to the locked case so it doesn't get lost inside the suitcase.

If the locked case is the actual luggage being checked (think long guns) then the card goes inside, not on the outside. If the case alerts on something during processing, you'll be called to open the case for TSA. They'll inspect the contents for anything like explosive residue or drugs and look at the Orange Card.

I don’t know what the actual “rule” is here but neither Delta employee told me to put the declaration inside the locked gun case. They said to put it in the suitcase (which holds the locked gun case). If the point of the declaration is to assure TSA if/when they open the suitcase, then it would make sense to not put it in the locked gun case because TSA doesn’t have the key to that.

 

[Broc Tuah]

Bumping this with my recent experience in case it's helpful. Not a surprise, but there is some inconsistency in the process. I flew Boston to Montana (Billings inbound/Bozeman return) on Delta.

I checked a pistol, a mag and a box of ammo (in original box). Used the Hornaday metal locking case and an empty chamber flag, both recommended earlier in this thread. I cable-locked the case to the frame of my hard-sided suitcase and put an Air Tag behind the foam of the Hornaday case. TSA-approved combo lock on the suitcase. Wrote my name and phone number on a label outside the Hornaday case. Wore the key to the Hornaday case on a lanyard around my neck.

At check-in at Logan, the first agent couldn't handle the firearm declaration so she directed me to the next one over. I filled out the orange card while she called over a supervisor. After a few minutes, the supervisor (a Delta employee) showed up and asked to see that the pistol was unloaded. Said they have been having issues with people not knowing the rules and have been making an effort to check before it gets past the counter. I opened the case and he looked and seemed satisfied. The bag was whisked away on the belt behind the counter. This process added maybe 5-10 minutes max to the check-in. At Billings, a luggage handler brought the bag out to me near the carousel and checked my ID, and I went on my way. (Apparently there is no BSO in Billings or if there is, I didn't see it.)

At check-in in Bozeman, the counter agent just asked me to confirm the pistol was unloaded and there was no loose ammo rolling around. I filled out the card and put it in the bag. No one asked to look or to verify. Agent suggested that I stick around the ticketing area for 5 minutes in case TSA paged me, but after that I could go to the gate. I stuck around, heard nothing and went to the gate. So this process also added 5-10 minutes max. When arriving in Logan, the bag came down the carousel -- even though there was a big tag on it saying not to put it on the carousel.

Very easy process in both directions. None of the Delta employees seemed unnerved by a gun.

Very strange it went to the carousel. Delta specifically sends large items and guns to the office.

 

[Inside Out]

Very strange it went to the carousel. Delta specifically sends large items and guns to the office.

I thought so too. Particularly because it had a tag that said "DO NOT PLACE ON CAROUSEL." But it was the last flight of the night, so maybe the crew just wanted to go home.

 

[Broc Tuah]

I thought so too. Particularly because it had a tag that said "DO NOT PLACE ON CAROUSEL." But it was the last flight of the night, so maybe the crew just wanted to go home.

They are a bunch of idiots. The office is open until very early in the morning.

 

[CrackPot]

If the gun is in a locked case inside a suitcase, the Orange Card goes on the outside of the locked case. I've always asked that it be taped to the locked case so it doesn't get lost inside the suitcase.

If the locked case is the actual luggage being checked (think long guns) then the card goes inside, not on the outside. If the case alerts on something during processing, you'll be called to open the case for TSA. They'll inspect the contents for anything like explosive residue or drugs and look at the Orange Card.

I have argued this with JetBlue and failed. Yes, the regulations from TSA say exactly what you say, in the checked luggage but not inside the pistol case that is itself inside your checked luggage. The JetBlue manager went to TSA and asked the trained monkey (likely the wrong question) who then agree that it goes inside the pistol case.

No one cares what the actual regulations say. They care what THEY THINK they say, and you either acquiesce or don't get on your flight.

 

[Broc Tuah]

I have argued this with JetBlue and failed. Yes, the regulations from TSA say exactly what you say, in the checked luggage but not inside the pistol case that is itself inside your checked luggage. The JetBlue manager went to TSA and asked the trained monkey (likely the wrong question) who then agree that it goes inside the pistol case.

No one cares what the actual regulations say. They care what THEY THINK they say, and you either acquiesce or don't get on your flight.

If it is a such a big deal just sign two cards. Throw one in the locked case and one in the suitcase.

Filling out the card takes less than a minute. I would rather just do it twice than piss off some dude that can f*ck with your ticket and do sh*t like make your seat selection disappear.

 

[Garys]

It happens. I've bad bags tagged BSO go to the carousel now and then. Did they close it with a big cable tie? I think it's American that that, but maybe Delta too.

I thought so too. Particularly because it had a tag that said "DO NOT PLACE ON CAROUSEL." But it was the last flight of the night, so maybe the crew just wanted to go home.

 

[Garys]

I've had that discussion with SWA once or twice. The manager probably went to the break room, told whoever was there that he was dealing with an a**h***, and went back to tell you what the TSA said.

TSA is remarkably better on this than the airlines.

I have argued this with JetBlue and failed. Yes, the regulations from TSA say exactly what you say, in the checked luggage but not inside the pistol case that is itself inside your checked luggage. The JetBlue manager went to TSA and asked the trained monkey (likely the wrong question) who then agree that it goes inside the pistol case.

No one cares what the actual regulations say. They care what THEY THINK they say, and you either acquiesce or don't get on your flight.

 

[Broc Tuah]

I've had that discussion with SWA once or twice. The manager probably went to the break room, told whoever was there that he was dealing with an a**h***, and went back to tell you what the TSA said.

TSA is remarkably better on this than the airlines.

But he probably asked the question the wrong way, so TSA gave the wrong answer.

Anyway, TSA should be on top of this, even in MA there are a lot of people flying with guns.

Last hunting season the Delta agent told me they were checking something like 15-20 guns per day. That is just Delta and we are talking about MA people flying out of State.

I will see how it goes this year when I go hog hunting again. I am thinking of bringing a couple of rifles to FL.

 

[Inside Out]

It happens. I've bad bags tagged BSO go to the carousel now and then. Did they close it with a big cable tie? I think it's American that that, but maybe Delta too.

No, they didn’t close it with a cable tie. It wasn’t a big deal as I needed to grab another bag from the carousel anyway and it got me out of the airport faster. I was just surprised to see it come down the chute.

 

[adacosta]

Very strange it went to the carousel. Delta specifically sends large items and guns to the office.

Years ago I also had a gun case (Pelican rifle case) come out of the carousel at Boston coming from Montana on a Delta flight as well. No zip ties, no BSO, mixed in with the luggage.

 

[Poas000]

Just did it with JetBlue down to Florida and back on Delta a month ago
Very easy with both.They will make sure it is in a hard lockable container( THEY DID NOT EVEN OPEN THE BOX) when you declare your firearm at check in
ammo separate in its own container and just follow instructions given. Process took maybe an extra 2 minutes at check in. be prepared to retrieve your luggage back in Boston at the airline service office next to luggage pickup MAKE SURE everything IS UNLOADED

Did you have to put the ammo in a separate metal container? Or did you put the ammo in the original box inside the pistol case? That’s my confusion on JetBlue

 

[Echo 225]

Did you have to put the ammo in a separate metal container? Or did you put the ammo in the original box inside the pistol case? That’s my confusion on JetBlue

I only took 4 full mags and taped the ends with black electrical tape so the looked empty all in hard container. I only locked the box when I was instructed to do so.Hard case never left my luggage . I did not touch anything until I was instructed to do anything. Went smooth.I the past I was asked if ammo was separate and I always answered yes.