Can anyone tell me about flying rules and rules about having a firearm in VA? I'm going to training and need to check my pistol intol the luggage. I have never done this before, was always able to drive.
Might be a @HayesGreener question or someone from VA that could answer about VA that lives there. No carry-on, but will be a checked luggage. Keep it unloaded and firearm case locked. Not sure about check points on what to do
Your firearm must be unloaded in a locked hard case. Ammo must be in a separate container. You declare the firearm to the ticket agent when you check the bag. They will make you unlock the case, certify the gun is unloaded, sign a card they give you and lock it in the case with the gun. Your bag is checked through to your destination. Some airports require you to pick up your bag in a secured location, some just let it go to the regular carousel. Virginia honors valid concealed carry licenses from other states
Last time I flew with my gun I had my pistol locked open with ammo (no loose rounds) locked in the box in my bag. Left the ticket agent and took my bag to the designated TSA checkpoint. TSA agent asked me to hang around for a bit to make sure everything was good and then told me I was good to go. Went to the Security Office at baggage claim showed my ID got my bag and left. Very easy process.
Don't just hope for the best. We cover the rules for packing, declaring, storing, and locking your firearm for flying...plus our favorite cases and locks.