Non-ma**h*** flying out of Logan with long gun

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Ammunition can be stored in the magazines.

This depends on the airline. Many of them state that it cannot be stored in magazines. Is that legally binding? My guess is probably not, but they have the right to tell you that you cannot fly items not in accordance to their regulations. Passengers need to verify the rules of the airline they are flying. This is very easy to do.
 
Over complicating stuff huh? So, last time I flew which was last month, the agent at bag check had me open my bag and show him that the ammunition and firearm was packed exactly to the carriers specifications. After he visually inspected this, he asked me a series of questions and had me sign a document stating that each of the guidelines had been complied with. On my return flight, the agent did not have me open the check bag, but had me escorted with the bag in another agent’s possession, to TSA where the TSA agents inspected the contents.

You may have had a different experience, but following the directions of the TSA and the carrier is not over complicating anything. Because there are times when you get checked by the airlines and the TSA to see if you are following the letter of the law.

No disagreement here...I was referring more to the hand wringing over whether you are going to get stopped and questioned by the gestapo just for crossing the MA boarder.

Of course you need to follow the rules...as I noted I stayed exactly within the 11 pound (actually 5kg) rule for ammo per person and it was all properly packaged. And every time I travel with a firearm it is properly secured...
 
This is incorrect. Transportation of the firearm to Logan is covered by FOPA.
I was going to ask this. Thanks for the post.

The OP is passing through the State, not staying here to hang out.
 
Over complicating stuff huh? So, last time I flew which was last month, the agent at bag check had me open my bag and show him that the ammunition and firearm was packed exactly to the carriers specifications. After he visually inspected this, he asked me a series of questions and had me sign a document stating that each of the guidelines had been complied with. On my return flight, the agent did not have me open the check bag, but had me escorted with the bag in another agent’s possession, to TSA where the TSA agents inspected the contents.

You may have had a different experience, but following the directions of the TSA and the carrier is not over complicating anything. Because there are times when you get checked by the airlines and the TSA to see if you are following the letter of the law.
When they say "original container" (POS cardboard box), are there any stories of anyone getting denied because he/she put the ammo in nice plastic boxes that are far superior to the POS original container?
 
The problem is not at checked luggage it is the driving into MA from NH to the airport. If you get stopped for some reason speeding a tail light or because you look like a person to stop and check. Even though you would think you would have protection
under FOPA. The LE that stops you and finds a firearm no nonresident LTC, or paperwork showing that you are going to a sanctioned shooting event can and mostlikely will jam you up.
 
What do.. In Chestnut Hill and the retired BPD rat man is 10ft away from me.

First it was spotting the tranny running for DA, and now this guy who looks like a rat more IRL then he does on TV.

Wondering if I hit submit, will one of the .gov lackeys surfing this forum send a SWAT team down and shoot me.

I have officially declared this area the whitest place on earth.. Seems the only POC here are Door Dash and servants shopping for their white masters at Wegmans.

F it
 
The problem is not at checked luggage it is the driving into MA from NH to the airport. If you get stopped for some reason speeding a tail light or because you look like a person to stop and check. Even though you would think you would have protection
under FOPA. The LE that stops you and finds a firearm no nonresident LTC, or paperwork showing that you are going to a sanctioned shooting event can and mostlikely will jam you up.
They can jam you up even if you have a bullsh*t Email saying you are going to a sanctioned event. No way for then to prove the Email is real.

Anyway... I have been pulled over with 50lbs+ of ammo and about 15 handguns in the car and the cop never asked if I had guns.

Is your experience different? Do cops ask you if you have guns when they pull you over?
 
The problem is not at checked luggage it is the driving into MA from NH to the airport. If you get stopped for some reason speeding a tail light or because you look like a person to stop and check. Even though you would think you would have protection
under FOPA. The LE that stops you and finds a firearm no nonresident LTC, or paperwork showing that you are going to a sanctioned shooting event can and mostlikely will jam you up.

How many times have you had your vehicle searched during a traffic stop? It has never happened to me in 36 years of driving. And what are the chances of said officer tearing apart the luggage in my trunk and finding the small locked metal case containing my firearm?

Also, I keep a printed copy of FOPA in my luggage just in case...
 
When they say "original container" (POS cardboard box), are there any stories of anyone getting denied because he/she put the ammo in nice plastic boxes that are far superior to the POS original container?

Never been denied and if I am just bringing something to carry wherever I am going I usually have one of those plastic boxes with just enough rounds for two magazines.
 
When they say "original container" (POS cardboard box), are there any stories of anyone getting denied because he/she put the ammo in nice plastic boxes that are far superior to the POS original container?
I did not have my ammo in the original box. The TSA does not require it to be in the original container. However, many airlines have a requirement that it be in the original container or in a container designed to carry ammo, like your nice plastic boxes. Here is an example from American Airlines:

“In the original packaging from the manufacturer or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition (made of fiber, wood or metal), with a maximum of 11 pounds (5 kgs) per container or customer. Ammunition is not accepted loose or in magazines or clips.”
 
How many times have you had your vehicle searched during a traffic stop? It has never happened to me in 36 years of driving. And what are the chances of said officer tearing apart the luggage in my trunk and finding the small locked metal case containing my firearm?

Also, I keep a printed copy of FOPA in my luggage just in case...
No I have never have had my car searched except by flashlight from outside the car. The op asked a question I was just pointing out the possibilities of what could happen not that it would. He should also know the down side.
 
When they say "original container" (POS cardboard box), are there any stories of anyone getting denied because he/she put the ammo in nice plastic boxes that are far superior to the POS original container?
I see @LakeTrout already answered this. I generally only fly Southwest so can’t comment on other carriers, but SW does not allow loaded mags, only authorized storage containers as noted.
One time I was flying from Texas to BOS and one of my cardboard boxes had got soaked and fell apart during my trip, so I just stuffed the 50rds into a sock and tied it off. About 30mins post security I was called on my phone by airport police asking if they could come meet me about some ammo.

The guy was cool about it, came to me and didn’t make me f*** around with security again, just wanted to let me be there when he opened the bag again to remove the ammo in a sock and explained SW won’t allow it. Anyway he wasnt busting my balls or being a dick about it, I never ID’d myself as LE fo him, just another Joe Blow and I was off again in like 3-4 mins to my flight, albeit 50rds shorter.
 
I see @LakeTrout already answered this. I generally only fly Southwest so can’t comment on other carriers, but SW does not allow loaded mags, only authorized storage containers as noted.
One time I was flying from Texas to BOS and one of my cardboard boxes had got soaked and fell apart during my trip, so I just stuffed the 50rds into a sock and tied it off. About 30mins post security I was called on my phone by airport police asking if they could come meet me about some ammo.

The guy was cool about it, came to me and didn’t make me f*** around with security again, just wanted to let me be there when he opened the bag again to remove the ammo in a sock and explained SW won’t allow it. Anyway he wasnt busting my balls or being a dick about it, I never ID’d myself as LE fo him, just another Joe Blow and I was off again in like 3-4 mins to my flight, albeit 50rds shorter.
I'm glad you mentioned this story. It answered a question that I had about what would happen if ammo was stored improperly. I was curious if they would confriscate it, or tell you that its your problem to figure out what to do with it but you can't fly with it until you sort that out. One of the times I was asked to open my luggage for the ammo and firearm containers to be inspected, and I had mistakenly put 9mm into an ammo container that was too tall. And when I opened up the suitcase it had come loose inside of the container. It looked like a real mess. All of it remained in the container, but the individual rounds weren't in their slots anymore. The first thing I thought was they were going to tell me this wasn't an acceptable container.

I was in a panic because I didn't know if they would take the ammo and let me fly or hand it back to me and tell me to come back when I have a proper container. I didn't want to miss my flight so I was thinking maybe i would chuck it somewhere and come back, then buy more ammo when I landed. But then I was thinking about how there are cameras everywhere, and ditching ammo in a trash can at the airport in Boston or down a storm drain would probably be a bad look. Fortunately they didn't seem to care and I was on my way.
 
I'm glad you mentioned this story. It answered a question that I had about what would happen if ammo was stored improperly. I was curious if they would confriscate it, or tell you that its your problem to figure out what to do with it but you can't fly with it until you sort that out. One of the times I was asked to open my luggage for the ammo and firearm containers to be inspected, and I had mistakenly put 9mm into an ammo container that was too tall. And when I opened up the suitcase it had come loose inside of the container. All of it remained in the container, but the individual rounds weren't in their slots anymore. The first thing I thought was they were going to tell me this wasn't an acceptable container.

I was in a panic because I didn't know if they would take the ammo and let me fly or hand it back to me and tell me to come back when I have a proper container. I didn't want to miss my flight so I was thinking maybe i would chuck it somewhere and come back, then buy more ammo when I landed. But then I was thinking about how there are cameras everywhere, and ditching ammo in a trash can at the airport in Boston or down a storm drain would probably be a bad look. Fortunately they didn't seem to care and I was on my way.
Oh man I can see the news story now. lol grainy video of someone nonchalantly dropping rounds into a sewer while ripping a butt outside.

I imagine though that it’s all very dependent on what type of mouth breather you get that day.
 
I went thru with a 1911 without issue. Picked it up at the desk near luggage pickup.
 
The problem is not at checked luggage it is the driving into MA from NH to the airport. If you get stopped for some reason speeding a tail light or because you look like a person to stop and check. Even though you would think you would have protection
under FOPA. The LE that stops you and finds a firearm no nonresident LTC, or paperwork showing that you are going to a sanctioned shooting event can and mostlikely will jam you up.
when was the last time your car was searched after being stopped for a tail light out?!
Seriously, my standard answer if a cop tells me he stopped me because I have a light bulb out I say "thank you, I have a spare in the glove box" or "dang it! I just had that one changed last week, thanks for letting me know." Then I don't even get a ticket as they realize "I didn't even know" and I tell them I will go get it replaced right away.
 
I stipulated chamber flag because they can ask you to show empty, and the flag is an easy way to show a person who knows nothing about guns that it is empty. Remember the person checking your gun likely knows nothing about them other than the process to hand you the paper slip.

Ammo in original carton I would strongly recommend regardless of what company you book with because flights do get canceled and sometimes that will mean the company you booked with transferring you to a different company's flight.

I'll also add NEVER take back possession of your gun until you reach your destination. If you have connections and a flight gets canceled, DO NOT let the airline hand you back your gun.

Same here.
I always use a chamber flag in the event that I am asked to show them it’s empty.

I‘m disabled so I always ask for a chair in case I have a long walk or my back is bad. Last time I flew home from Florida the airport was mobbed and the lines were really long so the airport employee, who was a young kid, said that I could just drop my bag in the baggage section and he would wheel me to the security check point.

I told him that I need to check in at the desk. He repeated himself saying that I could just drop the bag and I would be all set. I told him that I needed to check a firearm and the “oh crap” expression on his face was priceless. What made it even funnier, to me anyway, was that my wife was standing behind him tapping her toe and rolling her eyes.

Bob
 
When they say "original container" (POS cardboard box), are there any stories of anyone getting denied because he/she put the ammo in nice plastic boxes that are far superior to the POS original container?

It’s the FAA that doesn’t want loose ammo, even for general (private) aviation. They don’t want the rounds banging against each other as it could set one off. That’s the fear, anyway.

How someone could argue the nice plastic box is not the original container for hand loads is anyone’s guess.
 
It’s the FAA that doesn’t want loose ammo, even for general (private) aviation. They don’t want the rounds banging against each other as it could set one off. That’s the fear, anyway.

How someone could argue the nice plastic box is not the original container for hand loads is anyone’s guess.
I would never tell them they are hand loads. Imagine someone making up some BS and saying they are not safe.
 
I was going to ask this. Thanks for the post.

The OP is passing through the State, not staying here to hang out.
Chances of your average statie understanding that before they haul your ass into custody….10%?
 
I don't know. I don't hear any stories of people in MA getting f*cked driving through with guns.
Driving through, no.

Driving into MA, parking at Logan, walking into the airport past a bunch of staties with a rifle case…just seems like it’s a recipe for bad juju.

Fly from NH I’d say.
 
I don't know. I don't hear any stories of people in MA getting f*cked driving through with guns.
This, 100%.

Start with the whole "nothing's illegal until you get caught" and add a bit of "don't break the law while you're breaking the law."* How often are we all getting pulled over that we're worried about talking ourselves into roadside searches?

I have more that my share of "performance awards." I've talked my way into the Roadside Olympics twice. Once, my car got searched, and entirely because I was young and dumb.

If you're driving to the airport, with plenty of time to get through security, then you won't be driving to draw attention to yourself. If you have that bad tail light, do like @FrugalFannie just said and you're out of the fishing expedition. Just avoid the Sovereign Citizen act for one day and you'll be fine.

* Further, if your stuff is packed up in accordance with FOPA, your not breaking the law.
 
I would never tell them they are hand loads. Imagine someone making up some BS and saying they are not safe.

Sure, but when would you have that opportunity anyway?


"The FAA requires that ammo not be in loose containers. The original container was a box with the rounds loose. So I used this much better box to comply with FAA regulations."
 
Driving through, no.

Driving into MA, parking at Logan, walking into the airport past a bunch of staties with a rifle case…just seems like it’s a recipe for bad juju.

Fly from NH I’d say.
First - there is usually one statie sleeping in the car, if there is anyone.

Second - plenty of cases resemble rifle and handgun cases. You should see some of my bass cases, and the gator case for my amp head and EQ looks a lot like a handgun hard case.

Third - let's ask. Plenty of people here flew out of Logan and to Logan with guns. Has anyone here ever been stopped by a Statie walking in or out of the airport with a rifle case?
 
Driving through, no.

Driving into MA, parking at Logan, walking into the airport past a bunch of staties with a rifle case…just seems like it’s a recipe for bad juju.

Fly from NH I’d say.
You're in America now, comrade. They're not randomly checking bags at Logan. All these boogeymen are in your head.
 
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