Delta Implements New Rule For Guns in Checked Bags

Vanguard2279

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I just saw this today. It doesn't look that imposing. However, I always look at any changes as a chance for things to go wrong. I had to pick up my rifle case from the Delta office in Baggage Claim at LAS. It will be interesting if an Officer has to be requested every time.
Please, excuse the not-so-great video quality.
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Delta-Implements-New-Rule-For-Guns-in-Checked-Bags-417732003.html

Delta Implements New Rule For Guns in Checked Bags

Delta Airlines quietly implemented a new rule for passengers carrying weapons in checked baggage, airlines sources exclusively told NBC 6. Luggage with weapons inside will go through an extra secure process during pick up.

The new policy was installed weeks after a gunman opened fire inside the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, killing five people and injuring six others. Accused shooter Esteban Santiago, 26, got off a Delta flight when he allegedly went to the restroom to retrieve his weapon and ammunition from his checked luggage.

The airline will now have special tags to alert ground handlers to not put bags carrying weapons on the general carousel.

The baggage will go directly to a baggage service agent who is required to perform an ID check on the passenger who picks up the luggage, sources told NBC 6. The agent must then use zip ties to secure the bag.

A police officer will be at the location when the passenger picks up the baggage. Aviation consultant Scott Patterson said this will add another level of security.

“Now, there's a police presence there when there's a weapon that's checked and the police officer can monitor the weapon leave the building satisfactorily,” said Patterson.


NBC 6 reached out to Delta for comment on the new policy. The airline sent the following statement:

“Delta is committed to the safety of our customers and employees. Every day we look for ways to refine processes and procedures with the goal to improve safety and the overall travel experience.”

The federal government said Delta implemented the new policy on its own and the TSA rules have not changed. NBC 6 did not find any another airlines who have made similar changes.
 
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They were already doing this in Kansas City and it's no real problem.
 
Aside from the police, I did this same process when I returned from SA at Louisville. ID check was all it took at the office, and the exit was a stone's throw away
 
Tucson did that also, check ID and ticket before handing me my rifle.
 
Except for the cop walking you to the door, that has been Delta's procedure at DTW for years. Two questions come to mind, How long will one have to wait for the cop? What prevents anyone from re-entering the Baggage Claim Area after the cop leaves?
 
I see nothing wrong with this procedure. In fact I like it.
 
Here is some of the downside:
Airlines used to tag bags carrying firearms on the outside. There was an interesting amount of theft that occurred. Obviously, those thefts went down when the procedure of taping the declaration card to the locked case (I mostly travel with a handgun in my checked baggage)inside of the suitcase went into effect.
This new procedure won't affect rifle cases which travel as a single piece of luggage unto themselves. This is more of a declared handgun in checked luggage issue. Arrests of baggage handlers for theft isn't that uncommon.
The other issue will be wait times for an Officer to arrive at the airline office to personally inspect your firearm (this will happen in some locales) and to see you out the door.
I expected issues when I was flying out of LaGuardia last year. Keep in mind, this is a very New York thing, but a Port Authority Officer was sent to the ticket counter after I told the agent that I had "an unloaded handgun inside a locked case" inside my suitcase. She arrived promptly as people leaving New York with a handgun apparently aren't that common. I showed her my ID and credentials and it was a non-issue. This story isn't really relevant to the conversation. I just wanted to share. Several of my cow-workers were convinced that NYC considered itself exempt from the provisions of LEOSA, but that wasn't the case.
Upon returning from South Africa in September, I too had to pick up my rifle case in the Delta office and verify my ID with the attendant. Very easy and no issues arose.
I was wondering what security provisions would be put in to place after the Orlando shooting. This is surprisingly mild, fairly common sense and not particularly onerous. However, there are certain aspects of it that could become a problem
 
"This new procedure won't affect rifle cases which travel as a single piece of luggage unto themselves. This is more of a declared handgun in checked luggage issue."
To clarify, the process for rifles will remain about the same, except for an Officer being called. It's more of an inconvenience for people traveling with a handgun. I should have been clearer on this. My apologies.
 
Only way to get your gun in Denver already. No change here
 
Made a trip on United over the last two weeks from Philly to Lubbock with one gun case, no ammo. In Lubbock, the case was delivered to the gate agent where it was released after verification of bag tags. Return to Philly on the late flight through Houston, the case came up the carousel, no checks of any kind and I was on my way.
 
What about the 11lb limit on ammunition including the case it's in. I leave wends for South Africa and filled my forms before the change went into effect. I am taking two rifles and combined with the ammo case the ammo will be over 11lbs. I'm wondering if my friend can check some of the ammo even though it is listed on my SAPS 520 form.
 
What about the 11lb limit on ammunition including the case it's in. I leave wends for South Africa and filled my forms before the change went into effect. I am taking two rifles and combined with the ammo case the ammo will be over 11lbs. I'm wondering if my friend can check some of the ammo even though it is listed on my SAPS 520 form.
5 kilos or 11 lbs NOT INCLUDING the container, boxes, labels, etc. Generally speaking, this is an ICAO regulation that the airlines have agreed upon. Check with the airline but in most cases in the U.S., ammo can be in the gun case. If not, ALWAYS in checked baggage. Other countries, check their laws and airline restrictions.
 
From Delta's website

  • No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition, including case
 
Check with the airline but in most cases in the U.S., ammo can be in the gun case. If not, ALWAYS in checked baggage. Other countries, check their laws and airline restrictions.

I don't know for certain, but I'm confident in SA ammo can't be in the gun case. I had mine in a small pelican box inside my suitcase with no problems at all. 80 rounds 30-06; specific weight I don't recall
 
I have the same type lockable case I intend to use but with the ammo inside it is over 11 pounds
 
I don't know for certain, but I'm confident in SA ammo can't be in the gun case. I had mine in a small pelican box inside my suitcase with no problems at all. 80 rounds 30-06; specific weight I don't recall
Up until last year, flying in country, RSA, ammo had to be shipped in a locked case separately. In 2016, from Joberg to Bloemfontien, it stayed in my checked bag.
 
From Delta's website

  • No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition, including case
Found it. That's interesting as other airlines I've used to Africa had the 5k limit regardless of case weight. At any rate, the only time my ammo was looked at was with Air France in Dulles by a clueless gate agent that just wanted to see if it was in ammo boxes and not loose. The weight was immaterial to her.
 
So I called and spoke with a Delta rep for over 30 mins. This may be the most absurd reasoning I have encountered. For purposes of South Africa I have to have the ammo in a separate locked case. For purposes of Delta if I check in with the ammo in the separate locked case then the total weight of ammo and case cannot exceed 11 pounds. However, I can simply place all the ammo in my locked rifle case and that is acceptable to Delta.

The problem is I would then be arriving in South Africa with the ammo in the same container as the rifles.

Does anyone know with certainty if I would have an opportunity to transfer the ammo from my rifle case into the separate locked case upon my arrival in South Africa without running afoul of South African requirements?

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