Flying with muskets

[Elaine Kessinger]

A correspondent from another forum is planning to travel from MA to Los Angeles for a re-enactment and needs to know how would be the best way to get a musket on an airplane (or at least to LAX). The musket is too long for ready made cases and I gather carpentry skills are minimum. Anyone with prior experience or even a good idea, please drop a line. Thank you.

[Jeffrey Cohen]

Ship the musket UPS store to a friend in LA or go to the UPS store and have them wrap it for the plane.
Don't bring rounds or musket caps on a plane. ({It had to be said.}

[jda3rd]

I would first check with the airline and find out their regulations and conform to them. They like rigid cases, but if that's impossible, I like the idea of having UPS package it. Just don't show up with a sealed package and tell them it's a musket, they might not like that. Have it secured but not sealed, because the airline will probably want to have their security people check it first and then seal it. It would be good to have it boxed on arrival to the airport, though. Don't walk in toting it openly, that would create unnecessary tension. Also, insure it well, just in case.

An easier option might be to see if a loaner musket is available at the event, perhaps from a friend who lives in the area?

Frank

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Under no circumstances bring a musket in a sealed container. They will open it up upon check in for inspection, as they must look at it in your presence and place the proper labels on them as such. I know of no airline that will take a musket in anything other than a secure hard container, be that a wooden crate (be careful of the excessive weight as you'll be charged some pretty steep check-in prices) or a metal hardcase like those available at Cabella's or other manufacturors. Be ready also for personnel at the counter who have no idea what to do and will have to call over a supervisor (anticipate a longer wait at the counter than average). It goes without saying to have no powder, cartridges, or caps as you will not be going on any trip that day other than to the airport holding cell.

[MMurphy]

FYI,
Check with airlines first.
Also check with "The UPS store" as MOST of them will tell you that they do not ship "firearms". They will instead direct you to the actualy UPS shipping point. (UPS and The UPS store are two different entities. I found that out when trying to ship my musket to Lodgewood in June)...

Insure it....

Good luck.

[wmkane]

Perhaps this isn't the most obvious answer, but it should alleviate all problems:

Buy the largest hard cased gun tote you can find. Disassemble the musket (i.e. remove the barrel). This should allow it fit, and will cause less tension with the airlines. Any tools necessary to reassemble the rifle can be placed in the tote with the musket.

Of course, you should check in advance with the airline regarding their firearms policies, and get the best tips on how/when to secure the tote, and how to insure it. If possible, even have the policies in writing (from the website?), to show any of the unfamiliar staff/security that might be encountered.

[jat]

An easier option might be to see if a loaner musket is available at the event, perhaps from a friend who lives in the area?

Frank
If you know what event it is that they are going to then I would advise that they contact a unit and ask for a loaner musket.

By the way do you know when, and where this event is?
The reason I ask is I live in Southern CA.
If they don't have a unit to fall in with I am positive they could fall in with mine , depending on the event. The reason it depends on the event is at one event a year my unit does a school demonstration.

[reb64]

While I put my declared handguns and body armor in my bags, locked and sealed and with ammunition and have had no problems, a long rifle just would seem to add to your luggage. It only needs to go in a case, but the airlines may not cover it anyway. Id just mail it priority, usps has no restrictions on longarms. would get there cheaper than the airlines bag fees.

[Poor Private]

YES I agree just send it USPS and insure it. I have received several BP weapons thru the mail, with no issuses. Just send it to someone at the other end is all.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Thank you all for your replies. I was thinking along the same lines as you've suggested. I will direct them to this thread.

Thanks again, Elaine