Flying with Air Pistol. Issues & tips?

[atomicgale]

Flying with air pistol to Colorado Springs for Winter Air Gun Championship.
(Chattanooga to C-Springs: American Airlines)

What issues or tips have been experienced with airline and/or TSA?

[David M]

I solved all my arguments about tanks for my Morini pistol by removing the rear tank plug.
You need to make a pin spanner to fit the tank and a small clamp to hold the tank.
With the end removed Security can see inside.

[Coolmeester]

That is too much...

In Europe, maybe it is pretty much the same in US?: Just get almost all the air out of the air cylinders, leave ~20bar inside so air humidity won't get inside. They only wan't to see the gun and show them the "F" in pentagon marking on the side of the gun that it is licence Free under 7 joule air gun... and you're free to go!

You still have to inform the airline beforehand that you are bringing weapons to the plane and pay extra gun handling fees to the airline.

[Rover]

"Flying with air pistol to Colorado Springs"

From what I hear, there is some asshole at CS airport who delights in screwing with those "criminal" Olympians.

Most airports could not care less.

[-TT-]

I've had zero issues with American Airlines firearm handling, except sometimes they'll ask you to "prove" it's unloaded right there at the checkin counter. Usually that means very, very discreetly showing the agent that the magazines are empty. They aren't often firearm-savvy. They'll ask you to sign a little card attesting to this, and stick it on the case. In some airports they will then send you to a TSA station, in others, they simply take your bag. Be sure you have it in a TSA-approved locked case inside another conventional bag. If something isn't acceptable, you don't have too many options to continue your trip.

Never traveled with an air pistol but I would expect similar treatment.

[atomicgale]

Dear 2019 Winter Airgun/Olympic Trials I Competitor,

As you may be aware, TSA at the Colorado Springs Airport will not allow air cylinders in checked baggage for departing flights without a prior request from USA Shooting. As the Team Operations Coordinator, I am the person who handles these requests for our athletes and competitors. If you are flying out of this airport after Winter Airgun, you will need to either be included on this list I send in, ship your cylinder home separately, at an additional cost.

What is the process?

I send an email to TSA with passenger/flight information. When passengers check in at the airport for their departing flights, TSA agents will reference this list to approve travel with an air cylinder.

How can you be included?

If you would like to be included on this list, please complete the attached spreadsheet and attach it to a reply message to me by December 2 (rifle) or December 9 (pistol) at xxxxx. I will send a compiled list to TSA. They will reply to me that the information has been received and I will forward that message to you as confirmation. (If you are a funded US Team member and I booked your flight or you have otherwise already contacted me, you are already included.)

Please note: your air cylinder must be unpressurized, reading "0" on the gauge. Depressurize your cylinder before arriving at the airport!

I have been working with TSA on a solution to this issue, but it is a slow process. While we wait for a resolution, this workaround exists and I've been utilizing it successfully for a few years. You may also ship your air cylinder home, as an alternative. See Jared Esquivel at the OTC for a shipping tube and label.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Remember, please reply by December 2 for rifle or December 9 for pistol if you’d like to be included. Thank you and I'm looking forward to seeing you at the OTC!

Reya Kempley
Team Operations Coordinator, USA Shooting