Things to remember this holiday season

Going on an airplane?

Transporting a firearm while flying can be a tricky and sometimes confusing process. The first thing to remember is to always check with the airline first. Most airlines will allow you to transport a firearm if you make sure the firearm is unloaded, locked, and inside of a hard case. Then you will need to check it in separately with the airline and put it in your checked bag prior to flying. They will often ask you to sign a paper ensuring and guaranteeing in writing that the firearm is unloaded. However, not all airlines are identical so we always recommend calling the airline first to ask what their policy is on “transporting a firearm”.

While airline policy is important, checking state laws is just as important, if not more so! Some states have laws which even contradict with airline policies. For example, New York and New Jersey both have laws that make it extremely difficult if not impossible for people to transport a firearm in an airport. There are many cases of residents from other states getting arrested on felony charges of bringing a loaded firearm into a New York airport or a misdemeanor charge of bringing an unloaded firearm into a New York airport.

Again, when traveling by airplane, remember to check firearm policies of TSA, your airline, as well as the laws of both the state and local municipalities from which you depart and as to which you land as well.

Traveling by car?

Maybe you are planning a road trip or simply going to visit family in another city or state this holiday season. You should try to understand and check reciprocity laws prior to traveling while carrying a firearm. Reciprocity refers to an agreement between two states, where they agree in writing to honor the other state’s permit to carry. I always recommend checking to make sure your concealed carry permit is valid in the state you are visiting (and don’t forget to check state’s you might be passing through on the way as well). Typically, this information can be found through each state’s official website on concealed carry.

The next thing to research prior to travel is firearm laws for the state you are going to be traveling to (and through as well). Now, firearm laws are often abundant so the big ones we recommend especially focusing on are as follows:

• Is open carry allowed without a permit or with a reciprocal permit?
• Do they honor your state’s concealed carry permit?
• What places is concealed carry prohibited by state or local law?
• Laws on transporting a firearm in your vehicle
• Do “no firearm allowed” signs on private businesses hold force of law?
• The state’s law on traffic stops and disclosing that you are carrying a firearm

Remember to follow these tips when traveling and carrying your firearm and you are sure to have a safe and hassle free holiday season!