Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Episode 50 details a smooth flight experience with declared firearms on Southwest Airlines.
- Check-in involved declaring the firearm, answering standard questions, and filling out a declaration form.
- After landing in New Orleans, the hard-sided case was picked up at baggage claim without any issues.
- The process becomes consistent with experience: declare, answer, complete the form, and allow time for TSA checks.
- Overall, it was another hassle-free trip traveling with declared firearms.
Episode 50 was filmed on March 25, flying Southwest Airlines from Las Vegas back to New Orleans. Like most of the flights in this series, the process was quick, smooth, and exactly what you want when traveling with declared firearms.
Check-In at LAS
I walked up to the counter, greeted the agent, and said I was declaring firearms. I was using my usual setup: a locked Condition 1 hard-sided case packed inside a piece of luggage.
The agent walked through the standard questions—confirming the firearm was unloaded and that any ammunition was properly stored in its original packaging and under the 11-pound limit. After that, I filled out and signed the declaration form, and he handed my ID back.
Once everything was squared away, I closed up the bag and the agent asked if I knew where to go next. As usual, that meant heading to the flagpole area and waiting about 15 minutes in case TSA needed to inspect the case.
I set my timer and waited. No one came out, so I headed through security.
Arrival in New Orleans
After landing at MSY, I went to baggage claim. Since the hard-sided case was packed inside regular luggage, my bag came out on the carousel with the rest of the checked baggage.
I grabbed it, checked to make sure everything looked as it should, and was on my way.
More Flying with Guns:
Final Thoughts
Episode 50 is another example of how consistent the process becomes once you’ve done it enough times. Declare the firearm, answer the standard questions, complete the form, and give TSA a few minutes just in case they need access.
No issues, no delays—just another smooth trip flying with declared firearms.
