Key Takeaways
- Episode 46 details a routine flight with Southwest Airlines from Las Vegas to New Orleans.
- The check-in process included declaring a firearm and answering a new question about flying armed.
- After landing, the hard-sided case arrived safely with regular luggage at baggage claim.
- The overall experience demonstrates how predictable flying with firearms can be, despite unexpected questions.
- Clear communication and following the standard processes make traveling smooth and uneventful.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Episode 46 was filmed on February 25, flying Southwest Airlines from Las Vegas back to New Orleans. Like most of my recent trips, the process was smooth and routine, with one small question I hadn’t been asked before.
Check-In at LAS
I walked up to the counter and said my usual line that I was declaring firearms. I was traveling with my standard setup: a locked Condition 1 hard-sided case packed inside a small Samsonite piece of luggage.
The agent confirmed the firearm was unloaded and asked about ammunition. I let her know I had one box and that it was under the 11-pound limit. After verifying my information, she handed me the declaration form and asked me to sign the back, confirming the firearm was unloaded and ammunition was packed properly.
I placed the form into the sleeve attached to my hard-sided case instead of using tape, zipped everything up, and prepared to head out.
Then she asked something I hadn’t heard before: whether I was law enforcement or flying armed. Since that’s not a question I’m typically asked, I didn’t catch it the first time and had to ask her to repeat it. Once I understood, I answered that no, I was not flying armed.
After that, she directed me to wait by the flagpole for about 15 minutes in case TSA needed to inspect the bag.
As usual, I set my timer and waited. No call from TSA came, so I headed through security.
More Flying with Guns:
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 my locks were still in place and was on my way.
Final Thoughts
This flight was another example of how routine the process can be once you’ve done it enough times. Even when an unexpected question comes up—like being asked whether you’re flying armed—it doesn’t have to complicate anything. Answer clearly, follow the process, wait the standard 15 minutes, and most trips go exactly like this.
Smooth, predictable, and uneventful.
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