Opinion
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- “Every bit of learning is a little death. Every bit of new information challenges a previous conception, forcing it to dissolve into chaos.” ~ Jordan Peterson
I flew (SWA) from PDX (Portland, OR) to DEN recently, with my usual complement of gear.
In my Eagle Creek roller-duffel, I have my copy of the FS 7.62×51 (POF Revolution, enhanced to my specification by Robar of Phoenix, AZ). My rifle has a co-axial flashlight (Powertac 900 lumen) and Vortex 1×8 Strike Eagle Optic.
I have the upper and lower separated, as both fit fairly flat in a hard case (Beretta CX4 case), and the whole thing fits inside my Eagle Creek roller-duffel.
Also in my duffel is an innocuous, soft carry case I can use for low-profile transport after I arrive, put my rifle back together, and am away from the airport.
Fully-charged magazines are within a padded case inside of a separate piece of unpretentious luggage.
TSA requires “hard” cases for firearms transport in checked baggage, but I don’t like flying with gun cases that look like gun cases! All my airline luggage is “plain vanilla.”
When I fly out of DEN, TSA x-rays the duffel and sends me on my way. Only once in the last twelve flights have they actually looked inside it. However, at PDX, they don’t have the necessary x-ray apparatus, so they physically examine every bag containing declared guns.
The TSA agent smiled and asked me what kind of rifle it was, and of course, I told him. After a brief conversation about rifle calibers, I was on my way. My bag arrived in DEN, as expected, and as it has many times before.
To be sure, not all airports and airlines are as pleasant and pro-customer as are PDX and SWA. Flying out of any airport in NY or CA is not recommended [ever]. American and Delta are not recommended.
United is okay. SWA is the best. I don’t have experience with most of the others.
The important thing is that I have necessary equipment with me, no matter where I go, and no matter how I get there.
We find a way.
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or in-actions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
I traveled from San Antonio to Atlanta by SWA with my daily carry pistol and 3 loaded mags in a locked hard case inside my soft duffel. Had no problems at all with anyone because of the pistol. My wife, the disabled 72 year-old white terrorist grandma, on the other hand, got held up and strip searched by TSA idiots in the Atlanta airport because she walks with a cane and has a full-length plastic and metal brace on one leg. Now I understand why they REALLY don’t want you to have access to your guns enroute. They’re just trying… Read more »
I had a totally different (bad) experience at PDX. I have a TSA approved hard case for my AR 10 with three lock points on it. The “I***T TSA goon grabbed my case and tried to pry it open. He managed to get one finger up to his first knuckle, He claimed my case was not secure and would not be allowed on the aircraft. Finally I found a way to secure it with a strap that has a combination fastener on it. When I returned to the TSA check point the other agent had left. The new guy looked… Read more »
Do you really believe the guy didn’t read the article but is spending so much effort to complain about the first paragraph. Give me a break. He is just looking for attention.
Soooo, how is TSA theater and SWA allowing the firearm in a soft case? I am puzzled. One of the first times I flew with a handgun, I had a locked soft case in my bag and I had to buy a hard case from the airline. (It was too long ago so I don’t remember the company.)
I stopped reading when you quoted The fraud Jordan Peterson.