I am thinking more domestically, than internatinally, but which U.S. airlines is the most "user friendly" when flying in the lower 48? It's been years since I flew a gun. Last time was probably Ozark, when they were still in business. Looking at going Indy to Lewiston, ID. Could use Northwest, Delta, or other carriers. Any advice, besides go the cheapest. Thanks.

Mad Dog

Southwest, United and Delta were the easiest for me.

I've never had a problem with Continental.

George

Maybe I've just been lucky over the years but I've never had a problem with any airline foreign or domestic.

I've never had a problem with Air France. Of course, I follow the "rules" as best I understand them. I always inform the airline several days before check-in that I will be travelling with a firearm. When I get to check-in there is already a little note on their computer screen so no one is surprised. If the check-in person has little experience with firearms the fact that is noted in my dossier seems to comfort them.

I don't think you will have any problems with the majors except the normal lost baggage issues. I remember reading of a small Pensylvania airline in American Hunter that does not allow firearms.

American Airlines was the most organized and knew the regulations and procedures. Delta Airlines was the worst.

In my experience the easiest here in the States has been Alaska Airlines. I've had to explain FAA regulations and the airlines own rules to the people behind the counters at Continental and Delta but that might be because I fly out of a small airport here in B-field.

quote:

Originally posted by Mad Dog:
I am thinking more domestically, than internatinally, but which U.S. airlines is the most "user friendly" when flying in the lower 48? It's been years since I flew a gun. Last time was probably Ozark, when they were still in business. Looking at going Indy to Lewiston, ID. Could use Northwest, Delta, or other carriers. Any advice, besides go the cheapest. Thanks.

Mad Dog

KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa, Namibian.

Worst: BA!

Maddog,

Shipping in a tuffpak one thinks it is golf clubs...


Mike

I think you're more likely to experience trouble with individual personnel depending upon the region of the country than due to any particular airline. The chances of you running into an anti-gun nut are much higher in Newark, NJ than in Jackson, MS. Of course, there's always the possibility of getting an idiot that doesn't know the rules wherever you go. Most all domestic airlines have reasonable policies concerning firearms transport, just follow them and you should be all right. If the agent gives you a hard time don't argue with them, tell them to call their boss and take it up with him. Having a printed copy of the company's policies will usually defuse a situation.

The biggest danger now is getting caught up in one of the airlines "money grab" schemes. Since the airline industry started losing so much money, all of the airlines have cooked up a bunch of extra fees designed to fleece the customers and it's easy to get caught by them. Study their policies concerning luggage very carefully, if you're a couple of pounds over the weight limit it could cost you a lot of money, likewise with extra bags, they'll milk you a bunch for those also.