So, you’re planning on taking that long hunting trip or paying a quick visit to friends who live out of town? You wonder if you would be allowed to carry a gun along, for protection at least.
The good news is your gun can come with you. But there’s a catch; it has to be in a Transport Security Administration (TSA) airline-approved gun case.
There are tons of gun cases for airline travel in the market. To avoid getting into an argument at the airport with the TSA, it’s a good idea to get a gun case that meets the agency’s best gun case for air travel standards.
TSA prescribes a lockable, hard-sided gun case for flying.
Getting traveling gun cases that match TSA’s hard-sided and locking features can be a bit daunting. So, to keep you up to speed on the best gun case for flying, check out these options that are worth the try.
Related: Best Gun Case Locks Reviews 2022
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Gun Case For Air Travel
When getting a gun case, there are numerous things to consider, from the hard exteriors to the quality interiors and the locks. To make the job easy for you, here are top things to consider when getting gun cases for air travel.
#Size
The size of your gun case is as important as keeping to the TSA regulations. Seriously, if the gun case can’t fit your gun, then what’s the need to get the gun case in the first place? The size of the gun case should be compatible with your firearm.
It is advisable to go for traveling gun cases that are not very large, except if the interior foam cuttings fit your gun tightly.
Otherwise, your firearm would jolt from one corner of the gun case to the other, which can cause damage.
#Lock
Getting a good locking gun case for air travel keeps you in compliance with the TSA guidelines. Besides TSA compliance, a traveling gun case with good locks secures your gun from damage, theft, and scuffs during the trip.
Consider locks that hold together thoroughly. Padlocks make an adequate lock option that can secure your firearm. Latches locks work fine as well.
Traveling gun cases come in varying forms to suit their use: some gun cases are for pistols, others for rifles, and the list goes on.
The same variation exists when searching for gun cases that comply with TSA standards.
Therefore, always focus on having the best gun case for flying that meets TSA regulations.
Besides the TSA regulations, the protection of your gun is a top priority. You wouldn’t want your rifle missing while being moved into the tarmac.
So, the assurance of the security of your firearm by the airline-approved gun case puts you at ease during the trip.
In this guideline, the best gun case for air travel is listed: the manufacturers, the features, the advantages, and the disadvantages.
Quick List of the Best Gun Case For Air Travel
- Best Plano TSA Approved Gun Case: Scoped Rifle Shotgun Hard Case
- Overall Best TSA Approved Rifle Case: Springfield M1A Waterproof Rifle Case
- Best Budget Gun Case for Air Travel: Flambeau 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case
- Best Double Rifle Case for Airline Travel: Case Club Precision and AR Rifle Waterproof Case
- Best Tactical Gun Case for the Money: Plano All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case
- Best Lockable Gun Case for Airline Travel: Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case
- Best Hard Gun Case for Flying: Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case
- Best Waterproof Gun Case: Case Club 5 Pistol Case
Comparison Of Best Gun Case For Air Travel – In 2022
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Gun Case- Scoped Rifle Shotgun Hard Case |
|
|
 |
Case Club Springfield M1A Pre-Cut Waterproof Rifle Case |
|
|
  |
Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case |
|
|
  |
Case Club Precision Rifle and AR Rifle Pre-Cut Waterproof Case |
|
|
  |
Plano All-Weather Rifle/shotgun Cases. |
|
|
 |
Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case |
|
|
   |
Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case |
|
|
 |
Case Club 5 Pistol Case |
|
1. Best Plano TSA Approved Gun Case: Scoped Rifle Shotgun Hard Case
Made with the best quality exterior and interior finishing, the scoped rifle shotgun hard case from Plano offers gun travelers a suitable quality gun case.
The unique gun case contains an interconnecting, high concentration foam interior, which protects your gun from damage or scratches.
The gun case is suitable for traveling with a shotgun or a rifle- it also contains your firearm accessories, as well as ammunition.
Plano’s scoped rifle is a TSA airline-approved gun case. It has Plano’s patented crush-resistant PillarLock system, which gives you a secured locking gun case for travel.
Also, the gun case is made with long-lasting walled technology, which provides the hard-sided feature for your gun case.
The scoped gun case also has three pre-drilled holes for locks that meet TSA locking guidelines.
Highlights Features:
- Stores one rifle or shotgun, firearm accessories, and ammunition
- Crush-resistant PillarLock system by Plano.
- Three Pre-Drilled mounting holes
- Thick-sided exterior
- Broad interlocked Foam Padded interior
Good Sides:
- High quality and durable interior and exterior design
- Superior security features to keep against scuffs and damages
- TSA Approved gun case for airline travel
- Multi-purpose use for firearms and accessories
- Unique crush-resistant PillarLock system
- Well-padded interior
- 52” large interior and 53.25” large exterior
Bad Sides:
- Stores one firearm only
- Stores a few ammunition and accessories
- Small Pre-drilled holes that do not meet TSA standards
Gun Case- scoped rifle shotgun hard case is well suited for the usual activities that occur with travel. The strong sided exterior creates the needed protection for your rifle or shotgun during the entire trip.
Furthermore, with unique locking features, you meet the TSA regulations with ease while traveling with your gun.
These features make the scoped rifle shotgun hard case from Plano a top pick in the best gun case for air travel.
2. Overall Best TSA Approved Rifle Case: Springfield M1A Waterproof Rifle Case
The Springfield M1A Pre-cut waterproof rifle case from Case Club is amongst the most durable gun cases used to carry M1A rifles. It also stores waterproof boxes, magazines, ammunition, pistols, and many more.
The case’s designs contain superior standards that meet your expectations, as well as TSA guidelines.
The Case Club Springfield M1A Rifle Case is pre-cut; this allows you to place your rifles in the gun case easily without the use of scopes.
The primary pre-cut section can be pulled out to let your M1A fit strategically with the gun case.
It also has wheels that give you that luggage feels with your gun case. Plus, a durable Plano design, which makes your trip even more convenient.
On the downside, the gun case from Case Club isn’t light- it gets heftier with your rifle in it, making it difficult to carry around. This heavyweight is caused by the studded exterior finish.
Highlights Features:
- Stores Rifle, ammunition, magazines, pistols, and others
- Stainless steel padlock feature for a secured gun case.
- Durable design for securing your firearm from scratches
- THigh-quality foam interior
- Wheels for more convenience
Good Sides:
- Sturdily-Built and durable design
- Superior quality cushioned interior
- Quality lock technology that is TSA regulation compliant
- Wheel for portability
- Extra spaces for over seven magazines, a pistol, several ammunitions, and others
- The best gun case for M1A rifles
Bad Sides:
- Slightly heavy
- Stores one rifle
- Poor quality interior cutout
Besides a low-quality interior cutting and the heavyweight of the gun case, the Case Club’s Springfield M1A Pre-cut waterproof rifle case is a perfect fit for carrying your firearm when traveling.
Other unique features complement its shortcomings. Hence, the gun case from Case Club, being on the list of the best gun cases for air travel.
3. Best Budget Gun Case for Air Travel: Flambeau 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case
If you are looking to have a hard-sided rifle case with quality interiors that meet the agency’s standards. Then the AR Tactical gun case from Flambeau is the right case you need.
The AR Tactical gun case is created with a studded plastic exterior and four lock points to guarantee your gun stays in a safe place.
The gun case also comes with uniquely designed plastic interiors, which separate your magazine, ammo, firearm, and accessories.
The four-lock system of the Flambeau AR Tactical Gun protects your firearm from scuffs and specks of dust. The gun case has an over 50″ interior that allows you to carry heavy and large weapons.
However, the case gun case doesn’t have a cutout; nevertheless, your gun is held in place, pressed within both sides of the case’s interior.
Highlights Features:
- Studded plastic exterior to secure guns from dust and damage..
- Quality foam interior
- Four locks design for further protection of your gun.
- Stores a variety of firearms, magazines, ammunition, and accessories.
- TSA compliant airline-approved gun case.
Good Sides:
- High quality built and durable plastic design
- Rust-resistant technology
- Secured four lock system
- Sufficient spaces to store ammunition, magazines, and firearm accessories.
- Unique beautiful design
- Zerust tab to secure your gun from rusting.
Bad Sides:
- Brand charges for foam replacement
- Stores one firearm
- Not resistant to harsh weather
The anti-rust technology from the Zerust tab allows your gun to stay protected in the gun case without rusting. The gun case further has unique designs that stand out from others in the market.
With a four lock system, the Flambeau AR Tactical Gun Case is a great option to secure your gun while you are on a trip. Generally, this gun case stands as one of the best locking gun cases for air travel.
4. Best Double Rifle Case for Airline Travel: Case Club Precision and AR Rifle Waterproof Case
The precision rifle and AR rifle case from the case club is a durable pre-cut waterproof case. The gun case has hinges and a lock system that closes quickly, letting you travel with ease.
It also comes with an accurate pre-cut interior foam with capacities to store magazines, bolts, varying rifles, ammunition, accessories, and much more.
The precision rifle and AR rifle has space for two firearms, a utility knife, and more. What’s more is that the gun case is IP67 rated, therefore having fully waterproof features; it stays water resistant even when plunged in water
Related: Best Long Gun Safe Made Easy Definitive Buying Guide
Highlights Features:
- A waterproof gun case.
- Quality pre-cut foam interior.
- Stores precision rifle, AR rifle, and a pistol.
- Stores gun attachments, ammunition, accessories, and magazines.
- TSA approve traveling gun case.
Good Sides:
- High quality built case exterior
- Detailed pre-cut foam interior
- Secured pad-lockable case
- Spaces to store ammunition, magazines, and firearm accessories.
- Wheel for portability
- A dustproof and waterproof gun case.
Bad Sides:
- Slightly heavy
- Lots of cutouts making them hard to identify
- Exorbitant prices
The gun case has a unique and superior quality design made from polyethylene that makes cleaning your gun case easy. It also comes with wheels that make it very handy in travel and padlocks for security.
In all, this gun case is worth the try and falls as one of the best gun cases for air travel.
5. Best Tactical Gun Case for the Money: Plano All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case
This Plano All-Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case holds the top spot for a studded exterior and quality made interior.
The gun case is produced with lockable bolts that hold the case closed completely, using its double stage lock technology.
The presence of a pressure release value allows your gun to endure the jolting air. The foam isn’t pre-cut but can be cut with ease.
This gun case’s most prominent feature is its ability to withstand all weather- from sunny to rainy or even winter. This gun case got your back.
Related: Best Portable Safe
Highlights Features:
- All-weather use.
- Lockable latches with double stage locks.
- Stores Rifle, ammunition, accessories, and magazines.
- TSA approve traveling gun case.
- Pressure release value
Good Sides:
- Durable gun case exterior
- Quality interior with easy to cut feature
- Secured lockable latches
- Spaces to store ammunition, magazines, and firearm accessories.
- Wheels to aid portability
- A dustproof and waterproof gun case.
- Sufficient storage.
Bad Sides:
- Stores one rifle only
- Slightly heavy
The gun case is made of a durable plastic exterior and easy dual locks with quality locking bolts. It has sufficient storage for two rifles.
However, the wheels occupy a majority of the space used to store the second rifle. Overall, the Plano All-Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case is one of the best hard-sided gun cases for flying.
6. Best Lockable Gun Case for Airline Travel: Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case
The Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case has a dual locking system technology, giving your gun an added security. The gun case is designed to contain some of your largest pistols, even your Desert Eagle.
The Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case has strong exteriors made of polypropylene with added carbon fiber and quality foam interiors that are customizable to your required size.
The gun case also has double layered foam; the bottom foam layer is a pick and pluck, while the top foam layer is an egg crate.
There is a tool for punching out foam on your gun case to get the shape of the firearm you intend placing in.
The Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case has an IP64 rating, which shows it is dust and water-resistant.
Highlights Features:
- Crush-resistant gun case that flexes when pressured.
- Dual Locking system.
- Dust and water-resistant.
- Stores Pistol and other accessories.
- Double foam interior
Good Sides:
- Strong gun case exterior
- High-quality interior with easy to cut feature
- Dual locking system for added security
- Sufficient spaces for your large handguns.
- Resistant to impact
- Dust and water-resistant gun case
Bad Sides:
- Cutting the interior foam is a bit difficult
- The hinges of the gun case are fragile.
One of the best pistol cases for air travel is from Cedar Mill. The studded exteriors that can withstand impact make it immune from breaks, crushes, cuts, and general damage.
The dual lock system makes this gun case one of the best lockable pistol cases for air travel.
7. Best Hard Gun Case for Flying: Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case
The Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case is amongst the best gun cases for dust and water resistance.
The gun case has a water-resistant tongue, and seal groove, which guarantees liquid doesn’t penetrate the gun case despite being fully submerged in water.
The gun case contains CN-1 resin- this gives it a lightweight even with its studded make.
The interior has a quality foam that is easily customized to suit your style. The gun case also has a unique patented latches lock system- the lock stands efficiently and can easily snap.
Highlights Features:
- Best Dust and Water-resistant features
- Lightweight with indestructible features
- Unique Latches locking style
- Quality foam interior that’s easy to cut
- TSA airline-approved gun case
Good Sides:
- Durable made exterior
- Dust and water-resistant
- Ample spaces for storagey
- Lightweight gun case
- Unique latch locking system
- Easy to cut foam interiors
Bad Sides:
- The foam interior is slightly thinner than usual
- There are no padding dividers in the case.
With its patented lock system, lightweight and durable features, the Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case are a must-have for handgun carriers. These features place this gun case amongst the best pistol case for airline travel.
8. Best Waterproof Gun Case: Case Club 5 Pistol Case
The Case Club 5 Pistol Case is a durable-made gun case with sufficient storage for up to five guns, several ammunition, over 15 magazines, and much more.
It has three pre-cut layers of the interior made of the best quality polyethylene, making the gun case easy to clean. You also enjoy the convenience of removing or adding foams to suit your style.
There are also compartments for your ammo, magazines, and other accessories. The gun case includes a high-quality silica gel, which makes the case waterproof.
It also has perfectly crafted hinges and standard lock systems that comply with TSA guidelines.
Highlights Features:
- Stores 5 pistols, over 15 magazines.
- Waterproof with silica gel feature
- Two pre-drilled padlock holes with extra fetters and a one-way hinge pin
- Lifetime warranty on water and dust resistance
- Quality pre-cut interiors with padding dividers.
Good Sides:
- Durable made gun case
- Dust and water-resistant
- Ample spaces for storage
- Very secured
- Lifetime warranty on the gun case
- Pre-cut interiors with padding dividers
Bad Sides:
- Exorbitant price
- Slightly heavy.
The Case Club 5 Pistol Case is arguably the best gun case for air travel approved by the TSA. However, the handgun case is slightly expensive and does not accommodate guns like revolvers and snub nose pistols.
The gun case is also a bit heavy, but this is caused mainly by its durable designs. This Case Club 5 Pistol Case is sure to last forever and is the best option for carrying your expensive firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can One Fly With Multiple Guns In One Case?
TSA allows you to travel with the required number of guns in a case as you wish. Nonetheless, airline rules differ and can therefore hinder you from flying with more than a certain number of firearms in your case.
Find out what the rules of the airline you intend to use is. Also, make sure your guns fit in properly into your gun cases, and your case is locked tight. With this, the TSA should let you go in with the guns despite being in a single gun case.
How many locks do you need on a gun case for TSA?
It depends on the specific firearm case and the airline you are flying with. However, typically, you will need at least three locks for a gun case that is TSA-approved.
What type of gun case is TSA approved?
TSA may approve a different type of gun case for each individual traveler. However, some types of gun cases that are typically approved by the TSA include:
1. Gun cases made from hard plastic or metal.
2. Gun cases that are specifically designed to hold firearms and ammunition.
3. Gun cases that are large enough to fit an entire firearm and any accompanying ammunition.
Final Verdict
The guide took you through some of the best traveling gun cases in the market. The TSA guidelines are a big deal- you should take steps to keep to these regulations while getting a gun case for your firearm.
Good locks and a hard-sided exterior are two of the most important features of the best gun case.
The guide also answered the most asked question by firearm owners when getting gun cases. With all these at hand, you can get the best airline-approved gun case for your gun on the next trip.
References
