Montana Firearm Owner? What you need to know when traveling.

If you are planning to fly at all this holiday season and want to take your everyday carry (EDC) or are planning on doing some hunting elsewhere. Here's a basic overview of what you need to know before you go and some helpful resources to double-check regulations.

Want a pro-tip?

I have traveled all over the United States and Internationally with firearms. ALWAYS double-check regulations before hitting the road and educate yourself as much as possible.

Also, it never hurts to have a printed copy and links to websites saved on your phone to back yourself up. Trust me, it comes in handy when dealing with government agencies.

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Flying with a Firearm with TSA approval.

If you have never checked a firearm onto a plane, it can be kinda intimidating. Have no fear, it's simpler than you think. The first thing you want to do is check which airline you are flying with because each airline can implement its own rules on top of what TSA mandates.

Once you've reviewed your specific airline regulations, let's talk about how to check your pew safely. Make sure your firearm is unloaded. No projectiles in the magazines and absolutely nothing is in the chamber.

All bullets must go into a separate locked container from the case your firearm is in. So yes, that means you will need TWO separate lockable cases.

Your case should be made of a hard, durable material with lockable sections all around it. It needs to have foam inside to prevent the firearm from sliding around. If you think it could use extra padding, feel free to add your clothes to provide additional protection.

The best advice I can give for a case.... go ahead and splurge on something nice because TSA is not known for handling luggage gently.

What kind of locks do you need?

This is the one thing that I have had the most trouble with during check-in. Some ticketing agents think that it is mandatory to have TSA locks on the case, but it is not required.

According to the TSA website, "You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks." - TSA

In my opinion, this is not beneficial because they are not permitted to open your firearms case at any time without your presence. The only thing you need to be concerned about is having a lock for each designated spot and making sure you have those keys accessible.

"Only the passenger may retain the key or lock combination. " - Transportation Security Administration National Firearms Document.

What happens at the check-in counter?

Now that your firearm is safely packed and you’ve taken all the necessary steps to prepare, here’s what to expect at the ticketing counter. The first thing you should say is, “I’d like to declare a firearm.” The agent will ask you to fill out a form after inspecting the firearm, which will then be placed in the secure case. You will need to lock the case after the inspection, and that’s it!

It is always recommended to remain near the security checkpoint for about 15-20 minutes, just in case TSA wants to inspect the firearm further.

Hopefully, these tips help break down the process for you and as promised here are some links to help you do your own research!

TSA Ammunition Video

TSA PDF

Delta Firearms Rules

United Firearms Rules

American Airlines Firearms Rules

Credit: TSA