Traveling with a firearm on Airlines
We travel more and use multiple options to arrive at our destinations including train, bus and air. I want to go over the process of traveling on airlines to a destination/state that the state of Illinois shares reciprocity with for conceal carry. Well, first we need to plan for our arrival to the airport to catch a flight to another state and you need to have everything is order to avoid committing a criminal offense. Ensure that you have a hard-sided TSA approved locked container that is of sufficient strength to withstand normal handling. The firearm must be free of ammunition (NO ROUND IN THE CHAMBER) and the magazine as well and separated from each other. Ammunition is required to be in some form of secured box (fiber) wood or metal box and can be placed inside your lock box or carrying case. Lastly, lock your slide to the rear so that upon inspection by TSA Officers it can be immediately seen that no round occupies the firearm. In your arrival at the airport you have to declare the handgun with the CSA (Customer Service Agent) at the ticket counter. At some point you will be directed to the TSA (Transportation Security Agent) and they will visually ensure that the firearm is completely free of ammunition and that no prohibited items are inside. The locked container or suitcase must completely secure the firearm from access. Cases or suitcases that can be pulled open with minimal effort do not meet the locked criterion. Customers checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock and may use any brand or type of lock to secure the firearm case. Visit the TSA and/or the airline that you will be utilizing for travel to ensure you are following all guidelines for travel before starting your travel. In addition, be versed in the firearm/conceal carry laws of the state you will be visiting. I hope that this helped in some way in guiding you in the process of traveling with a firearm. I have included an attachment for an airline that I most frequently use for travel.
https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html