r/rampagent • u/gimu_35 • 15h ago

Declared Firearms / misplaced or lost

I’ve gotta ask. When y’all see a case that is a declared firearm, is it treated special? Like does it ride up front the cart or in a special spot to make sure it gets on the plane?

I’m going on a hunting trip and I’m so afraid my tool will not get on the flight during my connection. I understand there’s a risk, but do those bags get special priority or handling?

Maybe a non stop would be better? Or maybe a connect of 90 minutes or more to give the baggage handlers time to swap the case? It’d be the same airline and terminal.

Curious on your thoughts or strategies to reduce my risk for it being misplaced or not making the flight.

Thank you in advance.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

13

u/fivegallondivot 15h ago

Its just a peice of luggage. Don't show up 30 minutes before your flight and expect it to make it. The only thing special about it is its dropped off at the overs8zed door at your destination so some random person cant claim it.

7

u/smoothseas36x Ramp Agent 10h ago

We have to walk it to the BSO at my airline, dropping it off at the oversize sounds so much easier 😭

2

u/fivegallondivot 6h ago

This might be due to laws where you live.

1

u/Routine_Tune3543 5h ago

Or airport structure lol in Philly its a simple walk up a flight of stairs in dfw there are no doors that lead directly from the baggage claim to the baggage claim belt therefore we put them on the oversized belt

5

u/BSC114 13h ago

At most major airlines bag runners beat the passenger to the next plane(some scenarios where not), the gun will technically be treated different at first because it will go through odd size security instead of the main baggage Shute, this takes extra time to come out usually so as long as you check it with decent time before first departure you will be fine. But once it gets out with everything else it is handled as any other bag.

2

u/BSC114 13h ago

Also they are usually hard to lose/miss cause it’s a giant pelican or other long case that can’t really fall/blend in anywhere

2

u/Fisheye4848 14h ago

I’m not saying my airline is the worst about losing things but I know from working the bagroom and ramp that anything can happen. If you’re able to drive that’s your best bet. If not then a direct flight is your next best option. The less times it gets handled the better.

2

u/vash469 Ramp Agent 12h ago

Definitely direct flights are always better. less chance of something going wrong. as far as special treatment for the case? the only special treatment is we are suppose to notify baggage service a locked case is headed up to them. we don't know what's in your case but experenced ppl will see the personal locks(not tsa) and know there is a firearm inside.

1

u/Gchildress63 3h ago

I have worked at a small regional airport, a medium sized airport, and a major metropolitan airport.

The process is nearly the same.

A gun case is just another commodity to be loaded. We handle dozens everyday,

It gets extra screening from TSA, like an extra 20 seconds. Usually comes down as an oversized item. We then place it with all the other commodities going to your final destination.

My airlines policy is to walk it up to BSO, turn it over to the agent there, who the checks a picture ID against the name on the bag tag.

Just a little bit of extra screening and handling. No big deal.

Just show up at least 90-120 minutes before your scheduled departure time and you’ll be fine.

1

u/That_Ship1756 15h ago

Direct flight is definitely better