I have an invite to do some hunting on a substantial ranch in Texas and would be flying via commercial airline. I understand shipping an M14 should be fairly easy and will fly with me in the hold.
1. Can someone point me to a website that explains the requirements/procedures for flying with a rifle.
2. I figure Texas is about as liberal with firearms as anyone, but I am paranoid that someone at the airport confiscates the rifle because mine has a left-handed widget which are against the law there. Hence, looking for a website, phone number, etc., that would set forth what restrictions are so I know mine is legal. Mine is USGI, including bayonet lug, with a scope.
Thanks in advance.
Two ways to do it. (1) ship it to yourself by common carrier. (2) checked luggage with the airline you fly.
You need to contact or google the airline you plan to fly and look up their requirements. Usually they have the same requirement, but it's wise to check the airline you will fly.
Below is the requirement for Delta Airlines:
Shooting equipment
Shooting equipment is accepted as checked baggage only. It must fit within the very specific criteria that we outline below.
Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm.
Declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel if a security checkpoint is prior to the Delta counter.
All firearms must be declared by the passenger to a Delta representative at the main ticket counter .
Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration.
Firearms must be packed in a locked manufacturer's hard–sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case, or a locked hard–sided piece of luggage. Handguns may be packed in a locked hard–sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft–sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case.
Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit.
Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges.
If you need to travel with a weapon as checked baggage, you are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State, or Local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. TSA locks are not approved for securing firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA site.
If you are transporting a firearm to the United Kingdom as checked baggage, a permit from the United Kingdom is specifically required. You must contact the United Kingdom for more information about securing this permit.
Ammunition in excess of 11 lbs. per passenger or that contains potential projectiles is not allowed
