Who’s checked one with Delta, and did you have any problems?

I did when visiting my son in Utah. You need to have it unloaded with ammo in original box, all in a locked case inside the suit case. Need to declare it at counter and they will inspect. When you get to your destination, your bag will need to be picked up at a separate counter / office where you will show them your ID. They will open your bag showing you locked case has been unaltered and you will then take possession of bag. I found the guidelines on their website.

If it’s anything like Southwest, arrive at least 45 mins earlier than normal. They don’t get in a hurry checking them and you have to wait with them

Never have had an issue. I always arrive at least 45-60 minutes earlier than normal, too.

Same with me. I've flown all over the country with checked firearms of all types. Only one minor issue that was cleared up quickly. The issue was with an individual airline employee, and not with the airline. A supervisor was able to get things cleared up. TSA procedures can vary between airports, but you shouldn't have a problem. Just make sure you secure your firearm and ammo according to their policy.

Arrive early.
Run bright colored string/zip tie through gun to show it's unloaded, remember TSA folks aren't usually smart, bright colors help.
Have TSA and airline-specific guidelines printed.
Have a good working knowledge of the rules and guidelines, TSA people often don't.
Be extremely polite but firm.

When I fly with firearms they often end up on the generic checked baggage carousel so it's no guarantee they go to specialty.

One tip, and their checking procedures may have changed but this happened to me once:

I was checking a rifle and the TSA guy put it on a table in front of the ticket counter at HSV. He opened it and was looking at something, and I reached over to point it out to him.

"Sir, stand back and do not touch anything."

OK, no problem. Mental mistake on my part, and I guess he didn't want me grabbing something hidden (there was not) or touching anything or disturbing him while he checked it. I stepped back, he made sure everything was OK and closed-locked the case, and I added my padlocks.


So, don't touch nothin' and stand back if they're looking inside your case.


The addition of a lock or zip tie or something to show it's unloaded also is a good idea.

Just put it in your waistband and wear an overcoat, you’ll be fine.

Great advice. 100% on TSA...

Never had trouble checking guns with Delta. Just allow about 40-45 extra minutes like others have said. Most of the time, it hasn't taken me that long.

Does the ammo, still in factory box, have to be locked up as well? If yes, do they require that in a separate locked case?

Ammo should be in the locked case with the gun.
I believe the cap for ammo is 10lbs, that has maybe changed since I last looked.

https://www.delta.com/content/www/e...gage/before-your-trip/special-items.html


Shooting Equipment

Shooting equipment is allowed as checked baggage only. It must fit within the very specific criteria that we outline below.

Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm
Declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel if there's a security checkpoint before the Delta counter
All firearms must be declared by the passenger to a Delta representative at the main ticket counter
Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration
Firearms must be packed in a locked manufacturer's hard-sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case or a locked hard-sided piece of luggage. Handguns may be packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft-sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case
Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit

Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges

You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA websiteopens in a new window
If you are transporting a firearm to the United Kingdom, a permit from the United Kingdom is specifically required. You must contact the United Kingdom for more information about securing this permit
Until further advised, passengers departing Brussels, Belgium are not allowed to check weapons including, antique, sporting, hunting or toy rifles in their checked baggage
Customer must be 18 years of age or older
All firearms checked as baggage must be picked up at the Baggage Service Office upon arrival at your final destination. ID will be required to claim your checked firearm


The following types of ammunition are not accepted:

Gun powder; such as Pyrodex or Black Powder
Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles
Ammunition, including case, exceeding 11 pounds (5 kg) gross weight per passenger
Pistols and accessories must be included in one case and contain:


Pistol telescopes
Noise suppressors
A small pistol tool case
No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition, including case


Rifles and shotguns must be packaged as follows:

One hard sided case containing up to four rifles, shotguns, shooting materials, tools
The case must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. All areas designed to be locked must be locked
Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.
One hard sided case containing up to five handguns, one scope, tools
One bow and quiver of arrows and maintenance kit enclosed in a case or container strong enough to protect the bow and quiver from accidental damage
No more than 11 lbs. (5 kg) of ammunition, including case
An excess baggage fee will apply if checking more than one gun case.

Also make sure if your flight has a layover or you switch planes somewhere, you need to be in compliance with that state. Highly unlikely anything will happen. Some horror stories of unintended layovers in non gun friendly states.