Tip for traveling

[robin]

Thought this was interesting for anyone that travels with baggage that contains valuables.

http://lifehacker.com/5448014/pack-a-gun-to-protect-valuables-from-airline-theft-or-loss

[fudgie]

Good read.  I didn't think you could fly with a gun. Learn something everyday.

[alph]

When I use to work for Northwest I would often tell passengers that if they didn't want to check a bag, that they should send it to their destination motel in advance.  Find out how long it would take, then plan on shipping it that many days in advance of when you leave. 

An old boss of mine use to be a pro-bowler, he would UPS eight bowling balls to his hotel, that way he didn't have to lug them around in the airport.

[Pete]

If you are going to use this tip, I suggest you read up on the current regulations. I have been traveling with Firearms for years and I can tell you that most check in personnel do not know the regulations and will make up on the fly all kinds of BS for you to comply with. It will often be up to you to explain the actual regulations to them and the law officers they call.

Take note of the following:

Do not ever allow them to attach the signed tag to the outside of the luggage, make them put it inside.

Make absolutely CERTAIN the firearms is UNLOADED before arriving at the airport. They can require you to show that it is unloaded and it better be. Make a mistake and you could be going to jail. The signed tag is proof that you said the firearm was unloaded.

Have the necessary paper work for legal possession at your destination or do not pack it.

Secure ammunition in a made for ammunition box in a separate piece of luggage if possible, if only 1 piece of luggage put the ammo in a separate compartment. No loose ammo, no clip in firearm.

Check in luggage at a regular ticket counter, not at curb side(usually not an option anymore).

Be prepared to enforce your fights by following the regulations and insisting that they follow them.

Have fun, Pete.

[CISE]

Of note to other Canadians -

While I stilled lived in the GWN (Calgary), I used to fly/commute to Edmonton weekly for a contract.

Under the Canadian gun laws then (1991-1992). I used to check my Colt .45 in my baggage each week. I would have to present it to the ticket agent to declare it and show that it was in a locked case within my locked luggage.

They would then stick a HUGE BRIGHT ORANGE sticker across the bag. And off it went.

It appeared that the bag was handled well, my other bags would regulary get trashed, and the orange tag made it much easier to find on the carousel.