Key Takeaways
- Episode 70 was filmed while traveling with a declared firearm from New Orleans to Las Vegas.
- At check-in, the agent confirmed compliance by checking for no loaded weapons or ammunition before handing over a declaration form.
- USA Carry Travel Tags provide quick access to airline firearm policies and reciprocity maps via a QR code.
- Upon arrival in Las Vegas, the rifle case was retrieved from the Southwest office with locks intact.
- The process remains consistent: declare, fill out the form, wait, and pick up the case, regardless of contents.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Episode 70 was filmed September 21st, flying Southwest from New Orleans to Las Vegas. Two checked bags, the large Pelican rifle case with just one pistol in it, and a heads up at the counter about the locks.
Check-In at MSY
Declared firearms. The agent asked what I had, and it was one pistol in the rifle case. That got a look, but there’s a reason for it. I was flying the rifle case out to Las Vegas so I’d have room to bring some other guns back with me. He confirmed no loaded weapon and no live ammunition, then handed me the declaration form. I borrowed a pen, gave him my ID, and filled everything out. I asked for my PNR and flight number, he gave me both, and the form went in the case.
He also let me know to listen for a page instead of counting strictly on the wait. That comes up with non-TSA locks. If they need inside, they need me. I set my 15-minute timer anyway and waited. No page came, so I headed through security.
USA Carry Travel Tags
Used the wait to talk about the USA Carry Travel Tags. There’s a QR code on the back that pulls up the USA Carry reciprocity maps and every airline’s firearm policy.
The use case is simple. You’re at the counter declaring, the agent isn’t sure of their own policy, and you either scan it yourself or hand it over and let them scan it. It pulls the policy up in seconds.
They come in a pack of two with the luggage attachments for $35.99. I finally have them in hand and they’re in stock and shipping now. Order at store.usacarry.com.
Arrival in Las Vegas
The rifle case doesn’t come out on the carousel. I waited for someone to walk it out to the Southwest office at LAS, showed my ID, and they handed it over. Locks intact. On my way.
Final Thoughts
Seventy episodes in. Declare, fill out the form, wait, pick up the case. Same process every time, whether the case is full or has one pistol rattling around in it.
Read the original story: Flying with Guns: Episode 70 – Southwest from New Orleans to Las Vegas