7 Best TSA Approved Gun Cases Reviewed In 2024, Plus Buyer’s Guide
According to TSA rules, you can only fly with your gun if it is well-secured in a hard gun case that is lockable for complete security of the content. Hence, you must also look for TSA-approved gun case locks that will help you make sure that you are the only individual who can access your gun. While it sounds that TSA approved gun cases are complicated to find, TSA rules are actually pretty easy to comply with since it is just about quality and security. So, you can come across a lot of gun cases.
Even though you can always search for the best TSA approved gun cases, there’s no need for that trouble since this guide can already help you find one that you will like. With that said, all you need to do is to explore the list below. Let’s get started.
Surely, you already have an idea that flying with your gun is much more complicated than simply transporting it. Whether you fly domestically or internationally, security processes are expected since you need to follow both airline and TSA rules. Interestingly, the right trick to avoid such inconvenience is getting a gun case that has TSA approval so you won’t experience headaches with airline rules. Lucky for you, this guide will let you discover some of the best TSA approved gun cases in the market. Therefore, you can ensure stress-free and hassle-free air travel with your gun.
TSA approved gun cases are hard-sided, lockable, and difficult to open by just anyone. With these characteristics, these gun cases are the best to use to travel with your gun with ease and peace of mind. Now, expect that you will need to invest in having the best TSA approved gun case. More importantly, it is worth keeping in mind that you can’t get away without a TSA approved or airline-approved gun case. Without the right gun case, you can either experience losing your firearm, pay a hefty fine, or even serve jail time. Sounds like extreme consequences, right?
Definitely, you can’t go to the airport without being prepared. It will be a huge risk since guns are still viewed as dangerous weapons that need to be handled right to avoid the chances of accidents. Save yourself from all of that inconveniences and troubles, this guide will help you find the best and most suited TSA approved gun case that will satisfy your needs and preferences. Dive into the list below.
7 Best TSA Approved Gun Cases
According to TSA rules, you can only fly with your gun if it is well-secured in a hard gun case that is lockable for complete security of the content. Hence, you must also look for TSA-approved gun case locks that will help you make sure that you are the only individual who can access your gun. While it sounds that TSA approved gun cases are complicated to find, TSA rules are actually pretty easy to comply with since it is just about quality and security. So, you can come across a lot of gun cases.
Even though you can always search for the best TSA approved gun cases, there’s no need for that trouble since this guide can already help you find one that you will like. With that said, all you need to do is to explore the list below. Let’s get started.
1. Eylar Tactical Hard Gun Case
Remarkably, you can’t expect less with a TSA approved gun case. In fact, with the Eylar Tactical Hard Gun Case, you will be impressed to know that it is constructed to be waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, and dustproof. With this kind of construction, you can expect that it is made to withstand even the harshest weather and situations when traveling. More importantly, it is also created lightweight, so you will find it great to handle for convenient air travel with your gun.
With dimensions of 13.37 x 11.62 x 6 inches, this TSA approved gun case is spacious enough to handle your gun for ultimate protection even with constant movement in travel. Also, it features thick foam padding that is customizable for your gun to ensure that it won’t be subjected to any possible damage that can happen during travel. On top of that, it is definitely suited for air travel, thanks to its pressure equalization valve that ensures another level of security and quality to the case.
Moreover, this Eylar Tactical Hard Gun Case is designed to be lockable so you can feel at ease in terms of traveling with your gun using this case. All in all, it comes with every necessary feature that complies with TSA requirements. That’s why you can trust this makes a good choice. Made by Elyar, this hard gun case boasts impressive excellence in quality and innovation that is worth your money.
2. Pelican 1170 Case With Foam
Pelican is quite a popular brand that offers the best gun cases that fit airline and TSA requirements. With that said, you will like its 1170 Case With Foam, which is constructed to be an indestructible case despite being available in a budget-friendly range. Hence, it will not be too much of a surprise to know that it is well-trusted by countless professionals. It is fit to handle even the harshest conditions for travel, so that you can trust its overall quality.
Combining a crushproof Copolymer-Polypropylene shell and stainless steel hardware, this TSA approved gun case is surely engineered to be highly protective of your valuable gun. Meanwhile, you don’t have to fear being caught in the rain or being out at sea since this hard gun case is made with a watertight O-ring seal and pressure equalization valve that makes it withstand extreme travel adventures to protect your precious gun no matter the instances.
Moreover, this Pelican 1170 Case is made watertight, crushproof, and dustproof for outstanding quality that you can trust. This is surely an amazing fact about this TSA approved gun case since it is available at a budget-friendly price. With everything it has to offer, you will not suspect that it won’t cost you arms and legs. In fact, it also boasts an open cell core with a solid wall design, making it highly sturdy yet lightweight. So, there’s nothing to complain about its weight. You can manage it along with your other things for travel.
In terms of interior, this hard gun case from Pelican features a customizable padded foam that allows you to create a perfect space for your gun to effectively protect it from damage caused by shocks and bumps. Basically, the interior is made with amazing quality, just like the exterior. So, if you are searching for a high-quality TSA approved gun case you can trust that won’t cost you much, get this one from Pelican. You won’t go wrong with this 1170 Case.
3. NANUK 935 Wheeled Case
Searching for a TSA approved gun case with a large capacity? If that’s the case, the NANUK 935 Wheeled Case is what you need. Of course, it is quite different from other TSA approved gun cases since it features large capacity and high-strength polyurethane wheels that promote high convenience for travel. One thing is for sure; it makes a great on-the-go hard gun case that you can trust to protect your gun from any possible damage that can happen during travel.
Moreover, this TSA approved gun case with high-strength polyurethane wheels is specifically engineered to accommodate up to 6 handguns. That’s why it makes total sense that it is a little more pricey compared to other gun cases in this list. Now, if you don’t have that many guns to fly with, you can always use the case to travel with your other valuables. This strategy will help keep your things compact. You don’t have to experience trouble with other items you travel with, such as a laptop, camera, and other shooting gear.
In terms of exterior and construction, this NANUK 935 Wheeled Case features a waterproof resin shell. It is a kind of durable construction that can impress you with how it can endure and withstand drops, scratches, and tough handling during travel. Meanwhile, it sports an amazing interior with closed-cell thick pluck foam that offers a customizable, protective hold for your gear. Since it is customizable, you can guarantee that it can provide ultimate protection so that your valuable firearms and gear will reach their destination safely and securely.
Adding another level of protection to the case are the two patented PowerClaw latches, which deliver superior protection and security against theft. Thanks to this feature, you can ensure that your gun and other valuables won’t end up in the wrong hands. You will be the only one who can access your things, and that’s an advantage worth paying with this TSA approved gun case. Since this has TSA approval, you won’t experience any trouble if you want to go for airline or train travel.
Surely, Pelican never disappoints, so this case is actually backed by a lifetime warranty for sure protection that you can definitely depend on. Once again, you can ensure that this TSA approved gun case suits you if you need a case that has a large capacity. The high-strength polyurethane wheels will take your travel experience with your gun to the next level since they will deliver high convenience. Basically, you can keep your shooting or valuables baggage in just this one hard gun case.
4. Plano All Weather Two-Pistol Handgun Case
Sporting a highly durable construction that looks fancy, the Plano All Weather Two-Pistol Handgun Case can impress you and get the job done at the same time. It is specifically meant to keep your firearms protected from the harshest elements during air travel and long transport. In terms of capacity, it is quite obvious in its name that it is designed to accommodate two pistols. Thanks to its preformed foam padding, you can trust it can gently cradle your firearms.
Certainly, this TSA-approved handgun case stands out because of its excellent construction from highly durable plastics complemented by a proprietary Dri-Loc seal. With that kind of build, this double pistol handgun case provides superior protection from potentially damaging elements, such as dirt, dust, mildew, and rain. This case ensures that your pistols will reach their destination in perfect working condition.
Besides reaching TSA requirements, this handgun case also boasts of being an airline-friendly option. Well, that’s all thanks to its integrated padlock hole, coupled with highly durable plastic snap brackets for ultimate security. This means that you won’t have to fear the protection of your pistols because they will stay inside the case until you open it. Of course, it will be a plus if you use a TSA-approved lock.
This Plano All Weather Two-Pistol Handgun Case is also equipped with a pressure release valve feature that works well in terms of protecting the content inside the case from varying pressure and temperature changes that occur during air travel. Hence, you won’t have to fear that your valuable pistols will be subjected to any damage during travel. You can’t go wrong picking this TSA approved case if you need a sturdy case that can help you travel with your pistols with less hassle and stress.
5. NANUK 930 Equipment Case
Ideal not just for transporting firearms but also for traveling with gear and other valuables, the NANUK 930 Equipment Case is specifically built to protect everything you store inside it while you are on the go. Having TSA approval and being an airline-friendly option, you can expect nothing less with this equipment case. Its versatility is also outstanding; you can even use it aside from traveling with your gun.
Like other TSA approved gun cases, this one also boasts impressive construction. This comes with a waterproof resin shell built that has great strength to withstand drops, scratches, and tough handling during travel. Since it is waterproof, you can expect that it can protect your gun well from water and moisture. Meanwhile, its closed-cell interior pluck foam padding guarantees a customizable, protective hold for your gear.
Moreover, this case from NANUK is equipped with two patented PowerClaw latches that provide superior protection against possible theft. Backed up by a lifetime warranty for protection, this case has every necessary feature needed to let you experience trouble-free air travel with your gun or other valuables since it is a universal case. Just change the foam padding to use it as storage for your other gear, and you are good to go.
6. Durabox All Weather Travel Hard Case
The Durabox All Weather Travel Hard Case is designed to be travel-ready for any kind of travel. With its comfortable fold-down handle, it is perfect for carry-on travel. Compared to normal cases, this universal hard case is tougher and more durable since it is constructed to be crushproof and shockproof. This means that it can effectively absorb any negative impact from bumps and drops during travel, promoting high protection for the content.
Complementing the hard exterior is the thick, customizable padded foam interior that is ideal for protecting your valuables, such as guns, shooting gear, and other things. It is great for transporting your valuables by plane, train, or car. With the heavy-duty latches included, this hard travel case guarantees that valuables will remain safe and secure no matter what the case experiences during travel. Latches don’t come off easily, and accept padlocks for another level of security and protection.
When it comes to the interior, this case allows custom fit. With its pull-and-pluck foam inserts, this case from the Durabox store surely fits to accommodate your gun for hassle-free travel. Since the foam inserts are customizable, you can ensure a snug and tight fit of your gun inside. More importantly, there is also an included top layer of egg carton foam that provides an extra layer of protection against impact. Sounds like a great protection advantage worth paying for, right?
Additional features of this Durabox All Weather Travel Hard Case includes waterproof and splash proof advantages. Because of that, it can still ensure the safety of your gun, even if it will be submerged in water just under 5 ft. deep for up to 30 minutes. Also, it is a plus that its closed-cell foam is water resistant. Meanwhile, the pressure valve feature offers protection during airline travel. Hence, there is no wonder this case effortlessly met TSA requirements.
Remarkably, this All Weather Travel Hard Case from the Durabox store is available in different sizes. That’s why it is available from $49 to $98. You can find your go-to travel case to rely on with this one. Check why many people gave it positive reviews in the product link below.
7. Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case
Featuring item dimensions of 40 x 12 x 5 inches, the Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case is the one to pick if you need a sturdy hard travel case for your long gun—rifle or shotgun. Amazingly, it is quite popular because of its rugged construction. Its hard plastic exterior boasts high strength from hard impact and general wear and tear. The interior foam padding, on the other hand, provides next-level additional support against shock due to falls, bumps, and drops. No wonder it effectively meets TSA and airline safe requirements.
Moreover, this TSA-approved AR Tactical Gun Case boasts an impressive Zerust anti-corrosion technology that provides inhibiting vapor that effectively forms a protective layer on metal to stop rust. This advantage guarantees a minimum of 5 years of protection against rust. Meanwhile, it also features four locking points that deliver safe and secure closure of your valuable gun during train transport or air travel. It is meant to survive the harshest use, so you can store your long gun in this case without anything to worry about.
What’s impressive about this Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case is that it features a smart storage design. Because of that, it includes 10″ x 13″ magazine storage dividers. You can probably store more inside, while the Velcro straps are reliable in securing everything inside. Therefore, nothing will cause a mess inside. Expect that everything you store inside stays in its proper place. Overall, this provides a secure go-to case for your long gun to be ready for air travel.
Basically, you can check this TSA-approved case for long guns in its product link below to see what more it can offer and why it is positively favored by many.
Buyer’s Guide
To find the best TSA approved gun case, you need to be strict. Definitely, your gun case will be mistreated if you wish to fly with it, so you should only settle for the best-approved case. Sounds complicated? No worries, you can just have a buying guide that will help you make a great buying decision.
Here are the critical factors you must include in your buying guide:
Durability
It is a must that you expect your gun case will not be handled with care in the airport. With that said, you must only choose a hard gun case with a hard-sided, tough, and durable exterior. Checking durability is a great strategy to determine the protection quality, so don’t overlook this critical factor.
Security
Security is a big deal for the TSA. That’s why it is fundamental to choose a gun case that can be securely locked with a lock or code. Always go for a TSA-approved gun case that accepts locks to ensure the necessary security. Another noteworthy tip that will save you from experiencing trouble is using a TSA-approved lock. The checkpoint will be smoother that way.
Interior Quality
Of course, you should see that interior quality is as important as the exterior durability for gun cases suitable for air travel. Generally, you should pick a TSA-approved gun case that features thick foam padding in the interior because the material is protective enough to insulate your gun from shakes and bumps. Also, it is better to have a customizable foam to provide a snug fit space for the best protection.
If you don’t intend to use the case as storage for other valuables, it is much better to have the foam bonded to the case using an adhesive to avoid issues about moisture and rust.
Additional Features
When it comes to additional features, you must consider choosing a gun case with a waterproof tight seal, dustproof advantage, and pressure equalization valve. A gun case option jam-packed with excellent additional features that add value and functionality. Lucky for you, the best TSA approved gun cases reviewed in this guide are worth choosing since they are all constructed to be high-quality.
Price
You won’t go wrong setting your budget when you want to purchase a TSA approved gun case because that strategy will help you not to spend too much. Plus, what’s great about gun cases is that you can buy one, no matter what your budget is. The best decision is not to fear stretching your budget since there are the best TSA approved gun cases worth paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got some questions about the TSA approved gun cases and related topics? No worries about that because this FAQs section can help you learn more about everything relevant to the topic. Let’s check them out below.
What to remember when flying with a gun?
When flying with a gun, you should comply with a lot of rules regarding security and protection. To keep everything smooth and never run into a problem, here are some detailed guidelines to note so you can be well prepared:
• You must never go to the airport with a loaded gun.
• You must only store your firearm in locked, hard-sided gun cases or containers. Always aim to use a TSA approved gun case.
• The gun must only be stored in checked luggage.
• You, as the gun owner, should be the only one that can access your firearm.
• It is highly recommended to use a TSA-approved lock to ensure high security for your gun.
• Replica firearms must also be in checked baggage to avoid any troubles from security.
• Always check with your airline about other specific rules and ammunition limits.
• Declare every gun in your checked luggage at the desk.
• If you are traveling abroad, don’t forget to check the laws of the country you’ll be visiting about guns and ammunition.
What makes an ideal gun case for travel?
Excellent quality and security make an ideal gun case for travel. Of course, durability and protection are also important. Since your baggage will disappear from your sight once you check it in for travel, you need to expect that it will certainly be mistreated. In fact, your gun case will be subjected to bumps, knocks, throws, extreme changes in temperature and pressure, and an overall lack of care.
All in all, you can say that a gun case is ideal and has TSA approval if it can be locked for tight security, has a hard shell, has a tight seal for ultimate protection, and has a protective foam to safeguard your gun without any issue. Ultimately, the best TSA approved gun cases are ideal for air and train travel.
What to do when flying with your gun in domestic travel?
There are rules to follow when domestically traveling with your gun. To avoid the headache and the expense, here are the things to remember:
• Always make sure that you don’t go to the airport with a loaded gun. Ensure that your unloaded firearm and ammo are securely stored in checked baggage.
• The baggage should only be a hard-sided case, preferably designed for firearm transport.
• Declare what you want to travel with at the check-in counter.
• The gun case must have a lock, and only you should have the combination or key.
The reminders above can be your key to ensuring a hassle-free travel experience with your gun.
What are TSA rules for flying with ammo?
Similar to traveling with your gun, TSA and airlines also have clear rules and regulations when traveling with your ammunition. Clearly, your ammunition must be in a locked hard-sided case and must be declared when dropping it off as checked luggage. Remember that your ammunition must never be stored in carry-on luggage. Nonetheless, you will be caught since there are security checkpoints. Don’t go over the ammo quantity limits of your airline.
What happens when you bring a loaded gun to the airport?
Definitely, you should never make the mistake of bringing a loaded gun to the airport. Otherwise, you might be subjected to consequences, such as paying a fine, facing jail time, and not being allowed to travel with your gun. Basically, you must follow TSA and airline rules so you can enjoy stress-free and trouble-free flying with your precious gun.
Who makes the best TSA approved gun cases?
If you are searching for the best brand that makes top TSA approved gun cases, you won’t just discover one name. In fact, a lot of brand names effectively stand out because of how amazingly they provide gun cases that fit TSA requirements. Some of the impressive brands include Eylar, Flambeau Outdoors, Pelican, NANUK, and Plano.
What is a TSA-approved lock for gun cases?
Even though it is not mandatory to use TSA-approved locks for gun cases, it is highly recommended. Unlike ordinary locks, TSA-approved locks are much greater since they pass high standards regarding security. More importantly, the primary advantage of using a TSA-approved lock is that it can save you from the hassle of security checkpoints.
Where to buy a lock for a TSA approved gun case?
Cabela’s can be your go-to online shop to get a high-quality TSA-approved lock for gun cases. The locks ensure high security, so you won’t worry about protecting your gun from getting into the wrong hands. The most exciting part is that they don’t cost much. So, feel free to get a nice TSA-approved lock in Cabela’s.
Where to purchase TSA approved gun cases?
Amazon and Cabela’s are go-to online stores you can prioritize when searching for high-quality TSA approved gun cases. Online stores come with a lot of perks, but there are some risks to avoid. For that reason, you should avoid suspicious sites and only look at trustworthy ones that will give the right value for your money.
Final Thoughts
Definitely, this guide is meant to help you find the best TSA approved gun case suited to take your convenience in flying with your gun to the next level. The hassle and stress will be dramatically reduced because you will have a gun case that meets the standards and requirements. Hopefully, this guide will really serve its purpose for gun owners like you.
Still, it is somewhat daunting and overwhelming to choose one TSA approved gun case despite the excellent options above and the buyer’s guide, right? Well, the best trick to that is to see the option in its overall quality and the right purpose for it. For instance, the Eylar Tactical Hard Gun Case and Pelican 1170 Case With Foam are great for the best TSA approved gun case that will get the job done without costing you much.
Moreover, the NANUK 935 Wheeled Case makes an excellent choice if you are particularly looking for a gun case with a large capacity and convenient wheels for nice and trouble-free travel. The Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case, on the other hand, is a go-to choice if you want a sturdy case that can accommodate your long gun. See? The reviewed TSA gun cases above are amazing, so don’t hesitate to check them out.
Now, if you still want to learn more about shooting and gun cases, the Survival Gear Shack website is the best place to go since you can also discover more relevant information about hunting, survival, and the outdoors.
