Warning about travelling with a firearm to New York

[Pheroze]

I called KLM to ensure nothing else was required of me by the airline as I am going to travel with my rifle to South Africa (I have my permits for the countries). In the discussion, the representative I spoke to warned me to ensure I know the local restrictions. As an example, he cited a New York law that requires a person arriving with a firearm to have a local license. According to him, a KLM passenger was arrested after disembarking with his firearm Not sure of the rest of the story but I thought I would post it.

 

[JimP]

I had no problem last year traveling through NY on my way to SA. I flew Delta into JFK and transferred to SAA to South Africa.

It is my understanding that what you want to avoid at all cost is having to take possession of your firearm while traveling through NY. That is when the problems start and it could understand if the airline didn't transfer your firearm for you where you could get into trouble.

I can see where that would be a problem if you were flying inbound into NY since you have to pick up your rifle and go through customs so it would be in your possession for a short time.

 

[johnnyblues]

I had no problem last year traveling through NY on my way to SA. I flew Delta into JFK and transferred to SAA to South Africa.

It is my understanding that what you want to avoid at all cost is having to take possession of your firearm while traveling through NY. That is when the problems start and it could understand if the airline didn't transfer your firearm for you where you could get into trouble.

I can see where that would be a problem if you were flying inbound into NY since you have to pick up your rifle and go through customs so it would be in your possession for a short time.

Your correct JimP. As long as your gun is in transit and you do not try to leave the airport with it you will have no problem. I am sure thousands of hunters have gone thru this.

 

[cpr0312]

The first time I went to SA, I transited with my gun through NY via US Air/SAA with no problems. Unless something major has changed, as Johnny said there is no issues while transiting through NY

 

[ikeda]

There is a law on the books since 1986 that is supposed to prevent such nonsense. Called the Firearms Owners Protection Act. One of its provisions states that.... persons traveling from one place to another cannot be incarcerated for a firearms offense in a state that has strict gun control laws if the traveler is just passing through, the possession of the weapon is legal in the location the original departure took place from and the ultimate destination, provided that the firearms and ammunition are not immediately accessible, that the firearms are unloaded and, in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearms are located in a locked container. Since the law was designed to cover travel by private auto, bus, train, or airline it should/would cover the time you actually had to take possession, as long as it was unloaded and in a locked container.
Now, unfortunately probably not one in a thousand NYC cops has ever heard of such a law....but at least it would make a good talking point and perhaps prevent an arrest once the cop had done some checking (hopefully) before making an illegal arrest.

 

[JG416]

I have flown from Dulles to JFK to Jo'burg, my luggage was transferred directly to the connecting flight, but I was required pick up my gun have it reinspected and then put it on the connecting flight. This is illegal under US Federal Law, but New York flaunts the regulations and cooperating with them gets the job done faster than trying to educate them. I had three hours and expected to eat a leisurely breakfast with a few bloody marys, instead I had to run to the gate and SAA held the plane a few extra minutes. Going thru New York Airports can be done, and the Port Authority Transit Police are generally cooperative, but make sure you allow plenty of time especially if you are changing airlines.

 

[johnnyblues]

I have flown from Dulles to JFK to Jo'burg, my luggage was transferred directly to the connecting flight, but I was required pick up my gun have it reinspected and then put it on the connecting flight. This is illegal under US Federal Law, but New York flaunts the regulations and cooperating with them gets the job done faster than trying to educate them. I had three hours and expected to eat a leisurely breakfast with a few bloody marys, instead I had to run to the gate and SAA held the plane a few extra minutes. Going thru New York Airports can be done, and the Port Authority Transit Police are generally cooperative, but make sure you allow plenty of time especially if you are changing airlines.

As with traveling anywhere in the world with firearms. You always need extra time . When I travel to hunt I give myself 3 hours at the airport, not because I may be hassled but since JFK is a large airport the port authority police may be detained. In all my years of hunting I have never ever had a hard time with the PA police. They have always been friendly and cooperative. Maybe because I always say morning how you doing and conduct myself like a gentleman.

 

[davidfbowers]

I talked to NYPD two weeks ago. If you are staying longer than 24hrs in NYC, then you need to register your firearm. If not, no issue as I stayed the night changing planes.

Fyi, the port authority police were really friendly and great guys if you chat them up