Air Travel with a Firearm in Fort Lauderdale: Dos and Don’ts

While you can legally bring your firearm on plane journeys in many situations, it is important to approach this process in a careful manner. Before heading to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you may wish to review the various laws and regulations that apply to air travel with a firearm. Doing so may save you from serious consequences – including criminal firearm charges.

The Correct Way to Pack a Firearm for Air Travel According to the TSA 

On December 8th of 2024, the TSA demonstrated how to pack a firearm for air travel. Assuming that you are legally allowed to travel by air with a firearm, you should do your best to follow these guidelines. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is the fact you cannot go through a security checkpoint with a firearm in your carry-on luggage. If you do this, your firearm will likely be seized – and you may face further consequences.

TSA officials say that you must place your firearm in a “hard side case” with padding. The case itself must be locked, and the ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm. In other words, a soft case is not allowed according to the TSA. Furthermore, you must inform a TSA official that you are planning to travel with your firearm. You should be able to do this at the airline ticket counter. From there, you will need to fill out a special form. Your firearm will be placed on your plane much like checked luggage – and it will be returned to you once you arrive at your destination.

TSA Officials Are Seizing Record Numbers of Firearms at FLL Airport

In February of 2023, TSA officials reported that they were seizing record numbers of firearms at Florida airports. During 2022 alone, the agency intercepted over 850 weapons – breaking previous records at 14 airports across the state. 134 firearms were seized at FLL Airport in 2022, representing the highest number apart from Orlando International. It should be noted that many of the individuals who had their weapons confiscated were either arrested at the airport or issued a notice to appear in court.

In November of 2023, a Florida man was prevented from boarding his flight after a .380 handgun was discovered by an X-ray machine. He was allowed to return the firearm to his vehicle – suggesting that he is a legal firearm owner. However, it was reported that he faced a fine of up to $15,000 for attempting to bring a weapon into the airport without going through the proper process.

Find a Qualified Firearms Offense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale 

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced weapons crimes lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Haber Blank. We know that visiting FLL Airport can lead to all kinds of confusion – even when firearms are not involved. With our help, you can clear up any misunderstandings and avoid serious consequences for firearms-related airport offenses. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources: 

local10.com/news/local/2023/12/08/tsa-demonstrates-proper-way-for-fll-passengers-to-pack-travel-with-firearm/

news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/02/28/tsa-florida-airports-seize-record-number-of-guns-from-passengers-tsa-precheck-could-be-revoked/69941588007/