Have you ever transported AEG's with you on a flight?

[otang 30]

I'm planning on traveling with some AEG's and have never flown with them so I have been calling TSA and the airline regarding policy for "BB Guns" and "replica firearms". Talking with reps, neither require orange tipped flash hiders, but should be treated and transported with the same precautions as real firearms, obviously. I was suggested to use orange flash hiders by a buddy, but flying and shipping AEGS's have different laws altogether.

 

Has anyone flown their AEG's before and have you run into problems with inspections if you hadn't used orange flash hiders?

 

http://www.tsa.gov/t...orial_1666.shtm

 

**Edit.

After going through two airport inspections, here is my advice, along with what others have confirmed:

Follow TSA regulations as linked above, and use TSA locks found at Walmart or at stores inside the airport. Tape up all battery connections, and avoid taking gas bottles and take as little liquid silicone as possible, under 3oz.

http://www.sportube....s/TSA_lock2.jpg

http://www.tampersea...earchalert4.jpg

http://photos.amazingsocks.com/500/tsa%20mini%20key%20lock.jpg

[Kilroy 263]

I've gone from KC to Seattle and took 2 AEGs and 2 Sidearms with me. They required them to be in a hard cornered, lockable rifle case. Softcase were not exceptable. I got to Seattle and back without any issues minus a "totally random" additional screening and a stare or two as I entered and left the airport.

 

Other than that, it wasn't a huge deal to do except the cases can get pricey so I borrowed one. Lol.

[SABRE 08 62]

Take real and airsoft on occasion. You just declare you have a firearm at the front and they will send you to some agents to look it over. You have to have TSA approved locks, and you have to have hardcase stuff.

 

When you deboard the plane, you will wait for them to manually hand you your case from the flight line over by the luggage carousel. Pretty easy, painless process. Just be courteous and respectful and discreet.

[dirtpro 177]

I've flown between CA and OK multiple times with airsoft guns. Follow all the TSA guidelines pertaining to real firearms and you'll be good to go.

[otang 30]

Thanks for the advice and reassurance.

[LGM 47]

I would agree. I've had more problems with knives and food and drink than firearms with an airline. Almost zero problems with firearms when traveling, since it's not something that is carried on.

[Metal 689]

I keep hearing basically the same as everyone here has stated. It's pretty easy to do, you just have to check the gun case as 'luggage' and other than that you're probably not going to have to jump through anymore hoops than normal.

 

If it were me, I would speak to the airlines the same as I would to law enforcement and never refer to your AEG's as 'guns'. Police FREAK when they hear that, but if you calmly explain to them that you have 'airsoft replicas' in your vehicle (or in your case, your luggage) things seem to go MUCH easier for everyone.

[SilentVectorX 7]

Jeez, I've flown with Airsoft replicas so many, times, I can't even count anymore. A few flights per year since '05. I always just declared them as firearms at the baggage check-in. Like Saber08 said, be discreet. Lockable hard-sided case (and keep it LOCKED anywhere near the airport).

[Ghost 11]

For those who have flown with their AEG's. Did you store the battery in the gun case or bring it on your carry on?

 

-Ghost

[SilentVectorX 7]

You can store all sorts of crap in the gun case, but I'd try to keep clutter to a minimum. Keep the battery in your second checked baggage, carry on as last resort.

[Metal 689]

I would think an airsoft replica battery would be a big 'no-no' for carry on. Let's put ourselves in the shoes of most airport security and think like a dumbass.....ok now.....a battery?! It's gotta be for detonating an explosive device!!!

[Nasty 153]

Challenge accepted!

 

Next time we fly to an op Metal gets batteries slipped into his carry on. Hilarity will hopefully ensue. Brilliant!

[Metal 689]

Challenge accepted!

 

Next time we fly to an op Metal gets batteries slipped into his carry on. Hilarity will hopefully ensue. Brilliant!

 

Note to self: Fly solo.....

[SilentVectorX 7]

I would think an airsoft replica battery would be a big 'no-no' for carry on. Let's put ourselves in the shoes of most airport security and think like a dumbass.....ok now.....a battery?! It's gotta be for detonating an explosive device!!!

 

Yup, my point exactly!

[otang 30]

I remember watching a documentary about how an airplane accident was caused by a battery causing a spark igniting some gas. I might be wrong, but I'm planning on taping up the terminals just in case.

[White Fox 10]

I got detained the two hours cause i forgot i had one in my cargo pocket when i took my friend to the airport to be shipped of to Iraq

[otang 30]

After going through two TSA inspections, I'm glad to say I had no issues. I ended using special TSA locks and adhering to the TSA regulations for transporting firearms and never had an issue. By the time I had gone through TSA security check, my case and trunk were already checked in cleared by TSA luggage inspectors. I updated my first post.