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Hey guys. Booked a trip to Saskatchewan this fall. Flying on a fancy airplane with wings!
My question is what types of hard gun cases to y'all fly with looking to put 2-3 boom boom sticks in a case.
I have a double Flambeau hard case but am not convinced that it will meet CATSA approval.
Thanks
Call the airline for info to be sure.
Call them also about the rules how to transport ammo as well..........
I have not taken a gun on a plane but I know there is extra crap to deal with, get there early.
As for cases, Pelican? I just assume everything will be broken when I get my luggage back.
Called and non hunters are not very much help.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fisherman
Hence the reason I'm asking my fellow hunters
Ammo is straight forward.Quote:
Originally Posted by gbk
Original packaging in a seperate case
I agree the pelican cases are nice but if I can avoid another 300$$ on this trip it would be greatQuote:
Originally Posted by Fox
My buddy from WinPeg has flown here a few times with his rifles. He had some issue ($$) with Air canada (who doesn't) the first time so he switched to Westjet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox
It's slick a snot. Absolutely no problems or troubles. Has to drop it off at the special service desk and pick it up at the desk at the other end as they don't send it down the carousel. Only issue he had once is they found a loose 30-06 cartridge in one of his carry on bags going thur x-ray and he had to remove it and discard.
No extra requirements pre flight. Just get your boarding pass and walk over and give the guy your gun case. Easy Peasy.
and yes ..the double Flambeau hard case is what he uses.
I flew Air Canada to Saskatchewan with a firearm last fall. No problems at all, just give yourself lots of time at the airport. I used a Guardforce case by Vanguard. You need to be able to lock it. I also packed a soft case for the actual hunting. Good Luck. See Air Canada guidelines:Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue
Firearms and Ammunition - Air Canada
Passengers travelling with a firearm, ammunition or cartridges must declare the items during the check-in process and complete a declaration form.
Firearms
The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container. One declaration form must be completed for each container.
Accepted firearms: Only hunting rifles, shotguns, BB guns, paintball guns, biathlon rifles, air pistols and certain handguns are accepted as checked baggage.
Here’s a list of prohibited firearms .
Restricted firearms: Visit the Canadian Firearms ProgramOpens in New WindowExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines. and Canada Border Services AgencyOpens in New WindowExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines. (CBSA) websites for essential information on government documentation required for transporting restricted firearms (e.g. handguns).
All firearms:
A maximum of three firearms is allowed per person.
must be unloaded: when checking in a firearm, customers must sign a declaration form attesting that the firearm is not loaded.
must be rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device mechanism (i.e. a trigger lock), but only after the check-in process has been completed;
must be packed and locked in a specially designed, non-transparent case that can’t be easily broken into during transport.
Travel outside Canada: It’s your sole responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the firearm and ammunition regulations of each country on your itinerary.
Non-compliance can result in the seizure of your firearm.
Only passengers age 18 and over may carry a firearm in checked baggage.
Passengers wishing to travel with a firearm in their checked baggage are advised to be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for their flight.
See detailed packing instructions as well as important information on other restrictions and charges as they apply to firearms on the hunting equipment section of our Special Items page.
Ammunition:
The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container.
Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.
Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of plastic, wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it is recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a re-sealable plastic container. To avoid shock movement, the properly packed ammunition must then be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.
Ammunition allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger. Allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined into one or more packages
I remember that my ammo needed to be in the original packaging or in a plastic case like an MTM case - https://www.extremerangeoutfitters.c...e-gard-rsld-50Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Hunter
I had to check it in the oversized luggage area - in a locked hard case. There was a separate fee but it was not that much.
Here is Westjet's rules:
Firearms and ammunition
While WestJet accepts firearms for scheduled flights within Canada and to/from the United States, regulations differ for some of our international destinations. You must contact all the Airline partners on your itinerary operating the international flights at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure compliance with government embargoes and restrictions are completed in accordance with timelines outlined by the operating carrier(s).
Effective March 11, 2019, a handling fee of $50 CAD/USD for firearms.
Although some guidance is provided below for firearm and ammunition restrictions and embargos to/from some of our international destinations, this information may change or new restrictions/embargos may be introduced. Please be sure to contact the country of your destination for the most up to date information.
You are solely responsible for ensuring that all necessary permissions, documentation and other requirements have been obtained or satisfied before travelling. WestJet accepts no liability if your weapon is denied entry or is confiscated upon entry. Please contact your destination's consulate for further information.
If your itinerary includes international (beyond US/Canada) travel with one of our partner air carriers, you must contact WestJet and other air carrier(s) a minimum 72 hours in advance of travel to confirm your intention of travelling with a firearm. Failure to provide advance notification may result in the firearm not being accepted for travel; please note the most restrictive operating rules apply.
Firearms are restricted on flights to or from:
Bermuda (BDA)
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS)
Mexico (this includes any Mexican city that WestJet-operated aircraft, or our airline partners, fly to)
Each firearm item will be considered a piece of your checked baggage allowance.
All applicable checked baggage fees will be charged.
Firearms acceptance criteria
Firearms are permitted ONLY in checked baggage, and ONLY if the firearm is:
Unloaded (declaration must be signed);
Packaged in a locked, heavy-duty container or hard-sided (opaque) gun case;
Restricted firearms must be locked with either a cable lock or trigger lock;
Non-restricted firearms such as hunting rifles and shotguns do not require a cable or trigger lock.
WestJet will accept the following types of firearms:
Shotguns
Handguns
BB guns
Starter pistols
Rifles
Air pistols
Paintball guns (Please note: carbon dioxide cartridges/tanks for paintball guns will only be accepted if empty, with the valve secured in the open position. Please see restricted items for more details.)
Ammunition must be:
Securely packaged and packed separately from the firearm, however it is permitted to be transported within the same container.
Carried in sturdy baggage not weighing more than 5 kg (11 lb.) gross weight per person (excluding ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles)
Packaged in the manufacturer's original container or an equivalent sturdy, durable container that provides sufficient cartridge separation
Tasers and stun guns
Tasers and stun guns are prohibited for transport
X2 on Westjet,they are(were)very hunter friendly.
As far the ammo is concerned-many have stated above,just packaging is not enough.I atually packaged in its original cardboard box,placed into a gutted out handgun hardcase-so to fit inside(the box cost few dollars in the big scheme of things)so i complied to the regulations at the time. Also i was able to padlock the small case,for piece of mind.
I also had to write on the plastic box-Ammo.......
I left my spent shell that I shot my deer with in a waist bag pocket.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
After X-ray, I had to find it and put in the ammo box.
Thanks for the help!
I flew to BC. I had my 06 in a double Flambeau, with two locks. I took the foam out of the case and packed extra clothes I needed, but didn’t have the room in my checked bag. Worked like a charm, and no problems. One thing I found interesting, in Vancouver, the security at check-in swabbed my gun for explosives......duh...I asked her about that and she just laughed and said, “I know, I know ....”Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue
Just make sure you have the keys to the locks handy. You will need to open the case.
The clothes in the case is a great tip thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
Did you tape the case, or just use the latches provided?
I have flown with guns a good deal within Canada. Instead of a dedicated gun case, I use a case designed for golf clubs. It holds 3 or more guns, which I put in soft cases within the hard outer case. I fill the empty space with bulky clothes, boots (even waders), sleeping bags etc. Mine has wheels on it, which makes it easy to move around the airport. It locks securely, and isn't as obvious as to what is inside. I did get some strange looks when I arrived in Norman Wells, NWT with "golf clubs".
The ammo must be in a separate checked bag, in original boxes. This necessitates 2 checked bags, for which you will be charged extra - more by Air Canada simply because it is a gun. The extra space in my gun case allows me to at least pack extra gear for the additional money I am paying.
I always arrive at the airport early, and when checking the bags discreetly tell the agent I am travelling with a firearm. Invariably, the supervisor is summoned since the regular agents aren't sure of the policy. I stick to the supervisor, who usually walks me through the system teaching the regular agent what to do. You are usually asked to demonstrate that the gun is unloaded, so be prepared with a key handy - or use combination locks. Usually this takes place in a area off to one side, where oversized bags are handled - musical instruments, bicycles etc.
I bring a roll of duct tape and tape the s**t out of the padlocks once they are happy, Almost always one lock is broken by the time I get home. I throw a spare lock in, just in case. When you arrive at your destination, the bag will come out at the oversize baggage area, off to one side. I have never had an issue with that, although once a guy had golf bags in his case, identical to mine!
There is a case designed for this purpose, called 'Tuffpak". It is heavy, and costs a fortune. I use an SKB Freedom bag - which I love. It cost me $70 years ago, I see they are double that now. My buddy uses a similar one which hinges open.
Final note - do NOT let any ammo, fired on not - stray in to your gear. Go through your pockets at home or at the hotel. They do not tolerate that error gracefully.
Did you know there is a limit as to how many lighters you are allowed to bring? Handlers in Edmonton seem to think so....
I didn’t tape my case. The latches were all intact when I retrieved my gun at the airport. I used two locks though.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue
I've used a hard golf club travel case as stated above, trigger locks on firearms locks on case. I also didn't travel with ammo , I purchased that at my destination. Declare the firearm at checkin the first time I didn't it the rifle showed up when they Xrayed the case and the appropriate documentation was all that was needed.