Key Takeaways
- The flight from Las Vegas to New Orleans was smooth, especially when declaring firearms with Southwest Airlines.
- At check-in, the agent confirmed the firearm was unloaded and explained ammunition doesn’t always need to be in original packaging.
- Using a FedEx sleeve for the declaration form simplifies the process and avoids extra tape or stickers.
- After landing, the hard-sided case came out with regular luggage, making retrieval straightforward.
- Overall, understanding the routine for flying with firearms can enhance the travel experience.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Episode 48 was filmed on March 11, flying Southwest Airlines from Las Vegas back to New Orleans. Like most of my recent trips, the process was quick, easy, and exactly what you want when traveling with declared firearms.
Check-In at LAS
I walked up to the counter and said my usual line that I was declaring firearms. The agent handed me the declaration form and had me fill it out and sign the back.
During the process, she confirmed the firearm was unloaded and asked about ammunition. One thing that came up that I don’t hear mentioned very often is that ammunition doesn’t always have to be in the original packaging. As she pointed out, if it’s not in the original box, it can be stored in a magazine. That lines up with Southwest’s own declaration card language.
After filling out the form, I placed it into the FedEx shipping sleeve attached to my Condition 1 hard-sided case, which was packed inside my small Samsonite luggage. The agent mentioned that was a smart setup with the sleeve, which is something I hear fairly often. It keeps things simple and avoids needing tape or stickers. I’ll admit, I got that idea from someone else a long time ago.
Once everything was closed up, she told me to wait about 10 minutes by the flagpole in case TSA needed to inspect the bag. That timing can vary depending on the airport or agent, so I stuck with my usual routine and waited 15 minutes just to be safe.
No one came out, so I headed through security.
More Flying with Guns Episodes:
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 that the locks on the hard-sided case were still intact, and was on my way.
Final Thoughts
This flight was another good example of how smooth the process can be when you know the routine. Small details—like understanding ammo rules or using a sleeve for the declaration form—can make things even easier.
Most of the time, it’s just a simple, repeatable process from check-in to baggage claim.