American Airlines
General Check-In Procedures
1. Complete the self check-in process and select the number of bags you are checking and obtain your boarding passes. (Or check-in with the ticket agent and declare at this point).
2. Wait for the ticket agent to call you to weigh and tag your baggage.
3. Give the agent your ID and tickets so they can verify information.
4. At this point you need to declare to the agent/airline your intent to carry a firearm by simply stating "I also need to declare a firearm."
5. You will be asked to present the case to the agent to verify its packed properly and unloaded.
6. The agent will hand you a white Firearms Declaration card which you must sign and place in the case. This card is simply affirming to the airline that the weapon is unloaded. It is also informs TSA (should they inspect the case) that you have declared the weapon to the airline in accordance with federal regulations.
7. Once signed, place the card in the case and lock the case and return to your baggage.
8. Follow the agents instructions on where to take the bag. Flying out of Little Rock it is the passengers responsibility to take the bags to a TSA station. Inform the TSA agent that you have a firearm in your luggage. They will ask to wait at the station until the bags clear their inspection. This generally only takes a few moments. You are asked to wait in case they need to open the case for further inspection; in which case they would need to obtain the keys from you.
Some airports have ticket agents take the bags and put on a conveyor belt to a remote TSA inspection area. If this is the case, the airline and TSA will attempt to reach you by paging you, etc. if they require your keys to further inspect the case. (This has never happened to me in my many flights).
Front of Declaration Card
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Back of Declaration Card
Other Notes
- There is no additional fee to carry a firearm in your luggage. (Other than the $25 checked bag fee).
- The gun case must be "hard-sided" but you can place in your soft luggage bag.
- NEW - TSA locks are NO LONGER APPROVED to lock cases.
Packing Requirements
In addition to TSA regulations, American Airlines further requires that:
1. Ammunition must be packed in its original packaging.
Example of Met Requirements
Make sure your case cannot easily be pried open on either end (TSA regulations).
I'd advise purchasing/modifying a case that has two locks.
I drilled another hole in the case handle to accommodate another lock to meet
federal regulations.
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