If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’re on a mission to find the best gun cases that meet TSA requirements. Navigating the rules and regulations of flying with firearms can be a real headache; it’s enough to make your head spin.
I have worked with TSA regulations for years now and have a good handle on what the rules are. In light of my extensive TSA knowledge, let’s quickly look into the rules for flying with a gun.
What Are The TSA Rules For Safe Flying With A Gun?
In a nutshell, to meet TSA requirements, gun cases must be sturdy and tamper-proof, with the ability to fully secure your firearm. The lock must be non-TSA, meaning that only the owner has the key or combination.
This is crucial as TSA guidelines stipulate that no one other than the owner should have access to the firearm. In addition, a gun case is a checked item and cannot be a carry on.
Our buyers’ guide and safety rules are perfect for gun owners to follow the TSA regulations. These gun cases are commonly used to meet TSA firearm transport requirements when flying. So, together, let’s jump into the world of gun cases and TSA regulations.
Overview of the gun cases that meet TSA requirements
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
  Buy on Amazon | Eylar Tactical Hard Sided Gun Case |
 Buy on Amazon | Pelican 1450 Case With Foam |
 Buy on Amazon | HQ ISSUE Tactical |
 Buy on Amazon | Eylar Protective Roller Tactical |
What Makes a Gun Case Suitable for Air Travel?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has strict guidelines regarding gun cases for the transportation of firearms and ammunition on flights.
With these regulations, they specify that firearms must be securely packed in a locked, hard-sided gun case. These regulations are the same for the handgun cases and shotgun cases.
To meet TSA requirements, gun cases must be sturdy and tamper-proof, with the ability to fully secure your firearm. The lock must be non-TSA, meaning that only the owner has the key or combination. This is crucial as TSA guidelines stipulate that no one other than the owner should have access to the firearm.
Many manufacturers of the best gun cases make models specifically designed for air travel, with reinforced construction, durable locks, and foam interior padding to protect your firearm from damage during transit.
Not all of the gun cases are reviewed in the video, so please check out the ones below.
Gun Cases for Air Travel Product Review
Without further delay, here are the reviews of the top gun cases for air travel to protect your firearms and TSA compliance while you travel.
Eylar Tactical Hard Sided Gun Case
The Eylar Tactical Hard Sided Gun Case ranks among the best gun cases for air travel on the market. Renowned for its rugged durability and design, this case promises top-notch security as a handgun case during transportation.
The Eylar Tactical case is built from a durable polypropylene shell, which ensures protection against external elements and impacts. This hard-sided case also features pressure equalization valves that maintain the internal atmosphere, crucial for protecting your firearm from altitude changes during flights.
A key feature of this case that sets it apart from other gun cases is its customizable foam interior. This dual layer of foam can be shaped according to the user’s needs, providing a snug and secure fit for a variety of firearm sizes.
Moreover, Eylar Tactical best gun case for air travel has incorporated holes to place a secure lock system that allows the case to be secured in accordance with TSA firearm transport rules. This security feature means that only the owner can access the case’s contents, adding an extra level of security during transit.
Benefits
- Sturdy Construction: With a hard polypropylene shell, this case promises long-lasting durability and robust protection.
- Customizable Foam Interior: The two layers of foam can be tailored to suit various firearm sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
- Lockable design: The locking holes support the use of non-TSA locks in line with TSA firearm transport rules.
Drawbacks
- Size: The design is for one firearm, which could be a drawback for some users, although it does meet TSA requirements.
- Foam Customization: While beneficial, customizing the foam to fit your firearm can be a time-consuming process and requires precision.
In summary, the Eylar Tactical Hard Sided Gun Case is an excellent option in the realm of gun cases for air travel, offering robust protection and security for your firearm during travel.
Pelican 1450 Case With Foam
The Pelican 1450 Case with Foam is an outstanding choice for secure firearm transportation, and it rightly earns a top spot on the list of the best pistol case for air travel. Trusted by professionals in various fields, from photography to law enforcement, Pelican cases are renowned for their robust and durable design.
Constructed from ultra-high-impact polypropylene, Pelican 1450 gun cases will withstand harsh conditions while keeping their contents safe. It is water and dustproof design, combined with a neoprene O-ring seal and automatic pressure equalization valve, ensures that your firearm is shielded from environmental elements. The double-throw latches offer easy access yet secure closure.
The interior of the Pelican 1450 is a customizable foam set, allowing you to design the perfect fit for your pistol case and accessories. With the Pelican case you can rest assured your firearms will stay securely in place during transit. The stainless steel padlock protectors add an extra level of security, ensuring that your firearm stays securely locked in line with TSA regulations.
All these features are housed in a case that maintains a compact and portable design, making the Pelican 1450 an excellent option for those who frequently travel with their firearms. Whether you need to secure a handgun, camera, or any other sensitive equipment, the Pelican 1450 Case with Foam is a reliable and versatile choice.
Benefits
- Durable Construction: The Pelican 1450’s ultra-high impact polypropylene shell ensures it can withstand rough handling and harsh environments, promising long-term durability.
- Waterproof and Dustproof: The case’s design, complete with a neoprene O-ring seal and automatic pressure equalization valve, provides excellent protection from environmental factors.
- Security Features: The case has stainless steel padlock protectors, providing added security to prevent theft or tampering.
Drawbacks
- Size: Depending on the specific firearm or equipment, the case might be too compact for some users. Make sure to check the dimensions of the case and your equipment before purchase.
- Foam Customization: While the customizable foam is a significant advantage, it requires time and precision to tailor accurately to your equipment. Inaccurate cuts could reduce the level of protection offered to your firearm.
In summary, the Pelican 1450 Case is an excellent option for your choice of gun cases for air travel, offering enhanced protection and excellent reviews.
HQ ISSUE Tactical Hard Rifle Cases
The HQ ISSUE Tactical Hard Rifle Case is a standout choice when selecting from the variety of gun cases available today. It offers top-tier protection and security for your firearm, making it an excellent choice for the best airline rifle case for frequent travelers.
This case is constructed from a rugged polypropylene shell that ensures superior durability and protection. It’s designed to withstand rough handling and adverse conditions, which is crucial for those long journeys. The foam interior is customizable, allowing you to tailor the padding to perfectly fit your rifle or other equipment, making it a best rifle case to fly with.
One of the key features of the HQ ISSUE Tactical case that sets it apart from other gun cases is the inclusion of four secure locking points. These points offer a high level of security and ensure that your firearm safely meets TSA regulations during transit.
Benefits
- Durable Construction: The rugged polypropylene shell provides excellent durability and impact resistance.
- Customizable Foam Interior: The foam can be easily adjusted to fit your specific firearm, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Multiple Lock Points: The inclusion of four secure locking points provides superior security compared to some other models.
Drawbacks
- Size: This case is specifically designed for rifles and may not be suitable for smaller firearms. Make sure to check your firearm’s dimensions before purchasing.
- Weight: The robust construction, while offering excellent protection, does result in a heavier case, which may be a drawback for some users.
In summary, the HQ ISSUE Tactical Hard firearm case remains a top contender in the market. Its balance of robust security features and customizable interior ensures that your firearm is well-protected during travel with the best hard rifle case for air travel.
Eylar Protective Roller Tactical Rifle Hard Case
The Eylar Protective Roller Tactical Rifle Hard Case is a top-tier choice among gun cases for air travel. This case combines robust protection with ease of mobility, making it a perfect pick for individuals who travel frequently with their firearms.
Constructed with a polypropylene shell, this case is designed to endure harsh conditions, ensuring the secure protection of your firearm. The case also includes pressure relief valves, a feature that helps in maintaining the internal environment of the case, critical when traveling on flights with varying altitudes.
One unique feature of the Eylar Protective Roller Case, compared to other gun cases, is the inclusion of roller wheels. This allows for easy transportation, a significant advantage when you’re moving through busy airports.
The case comes with a customizable foam interior, allowing you to securely fit your rifle or other gear for secure transport. Additionally, Eylar has incorporated a secure combination lock system, adhering to TSA’s strict requirements and ensuring only the owner can access the firearm. Overall, this case is a top best rifle case for air travel.
Benefits
- Roller Wheels: The built-in roller wheels make this case easy to transport, even in busy airports.
- Customizable Foam Interior: Eylar Tactical’s best rifle case for flying will hold 2 rifles, although you can only have one in the case to fly. The foam can be shaped to ensure a secure and snug fit for one rifle.
- Secure Combination Lock: The lock holes adhere to standards set for gun cases for air travel, adding an additional layer of security.
Drawbacks
- Size: As it’s primarily designed for 2 rifles, you can put 2 in one case to fly, however it may exceed the weight limit and require an extra fee,
- Weight: While robust construction promises protection, it also results in a heavier case, which could be a drawback for some users.
In conclusion, the Eylar Protective Roller Tactical Rifle Hard Case stands out as a top contender among gun cases for air travel. Its blend of durability, mobility, and customization makes it a fantastic choice for secure firearm transportation.
Please note: Product titles, visuals, and details can change. Information is provided for reference; confirm current specs on the product page.
TSA Guidelines For Transporting A Firearm In Flight
According to the TSA, there are strict guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition when flying.
- You must declare your gun at the airline ticket counter. No loaded or unloaded firearm can go to the security check-in point. It is punishable by law and possibly jail time.
- You must check all firearm gun cases (firearms unloaded) as a check on luggage.
- It must be transported in a locked, hard-sided case that meets TSA firearm transport requirements.
- Ammunition must also be in your checked luggage. It is best to store it in the original box or a container designated for ammo, although you can keep your ammo in the gun case with your firearm in a suitable ammo box.
- The gun cases must have key locks or combination locks, and only you can have the key or combination.
- For rifle cases, use enough non-TSA locks to keep the case fully secured so it cannot be opened.
- You may have as many firearms in separate gun cases in your checked luggage as weight allows. In other words, you can put 5 suitable gun cases in your checked baggage, but airlines set their own baggage weight limits and fees, so check your airline’s rules before flying.
Please look online at the airline regulations you are flying and any countries you will visit for more in-depth airline regulations.
Do not use a TSA-accessible lock on your gun cases. TSA regulations state that you and only you are to have a key to your gun case. If you use a TSA accessible lock, all TSA workers have a key to the lock. TSA rules prohibit the use of TSA-accessible locks on firearm cases, as only the owner may retain the key or combination.
What does this mean? Using a TSA-accessible lock can increase the risk of the case being opened without you present. So please be safe.
What Features Make Gun Cases Ideal For Air Travel?
We will cover the top 3 features that make a gun case ideal for air travel. These features also apply to a rifle case commonly used for airline firearm transport.
Durability
Your firearms must be in hard-sided, crush-resistant cases and possibly stackable. In addition, when looking for the best gun case, you will want at least 1-inch thick foam because layers of foam absorb shock and protect your firearms. The best travel gun case will be aluminum or hard plastic casing.
Locking Capability
All cases that are suitable for air travel require gun case locks, but the rifle cases require a lock at each end. Make sure the case you purchase has the appropriate locking holes to meet TSA requirements.
Do not use TSA-accessible locks on firearm cases; TSA rules require that only the owner retains the key or combination. Instead, use regular locks that only you have a key to unlock.
What to look out for
Not all gun cases are suitable for air travel. A gun cases for air travel must follow the TSA guidelines for transporting a firearm in flight. For this reason, we have listed the regulations for you to follow. But always check with the TSA site, as rules do change.
FAQs About Gun Cases
Here are some commonly asked questions about gun cases for air travel in general.
Can I take ammunition with me in my checked bags?
Yes, you can take ammo with you in your checked bags. However, it must be in the original packaging or a sturdy ammo container designed for ammunition. Also, you may pack it in the same hard-sided locked case as your gun, but the firearm must always be unloaded.
What type of gun case is suitable for air travel?
According to the TSA website and regulations, a suitable gun case must be a hard-sided case with locking areas to secure your firearms. You must keep the key to your locks in your possession while traveling.
Who can have the keys to my locked gun case?
You are the only person who has the key to your locked gun case. You are not to give it or a duplicate to anyone else. In addition, do not use a TSA accessible lock on your gun case. If you use a TSA-accessible lock, TSA may be able to open it without you, which is why non-TSA locks are recommended for firearm cases.
How many locks do I need on my gun case for TSA?
Use enough non-TSA locks to keep the case fully secured so it cannot be opened; using all available lock points is commonly recommended. However, I have also seen information that states you do not need a lock on every hole. To be safe, place a lock in each hole or contact the TSA and airline for further information.
Can TSA open my gun case without me present?
TSA regulations state that you need to be present to open the lock. Now, with that said, if you have a TSA-accessible lock on your gun case, then TSA has a key and can unlock it. Or if you give your key to another person, they can give it to TSA personnel, and TSA can unlock it without you there. This is a no-no! You and only you are to keep possession of the key to your locked hard-sided gun case. You are to be present or within viewing range when TSA unlocks your firearm case.
Can I fly with my gun in Glock case?
If your Glock case complies with all of the TSA rules and regulations for gun cases, then yes, you can fly with your gun in the Glock case. Most TSA gun cases are not specific Glock cases, but most gun cases for air travel have a foam to customize the fit for your Glock.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on TSA, here are some additional posts about TSA:
Conclusion
Each of these gun cases will help you meet the requirements for the best travel gun case. However, it is necessary to check the airline and TSA rules before flying, which are on the website for each airline.
So you can fly with a gun? Yes, but you must have a suitable gun case and a non TSA accessible lock to do so. Don’t you think it is well worth it for peace of mind and a great time?
Happy travels, my friends.