Best Gun Case For Air Travel Review & Buying Guide

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 the 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

1. Best Plano TSA Approved Gun Case: Scoped Rifle Shotgun Hard Case
2. Overall Best TSA Approved Rifle Case: Springfield M1A Waterproof Rifle Case
3. Best Budget Gun Case for Air Travel: Flambeau 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case
4. Best Double Rifle Case for Airline Travel: Case Club Precision and AR Rifle Waterproof Case
5. Best Tactical Gun Case for the Money: Plano All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case
6. Best Lockable Gun Case for Airline Travel: Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case
7. Best Hard Gun Case for Flying: Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case
8. Best Waterproof Gun Case: Case Club 5 Pistol Case

1. Best Plano TSA Approved Gun Case: Scoped Rifle Shotgun Hard Case

Product Specs:

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 a hard-sided feature for your gun case.

The scoped gun case also has three pre-drilled holes for locks that meet TSA locking guidelines.

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

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Product Specs:

• Use: Rifles, Shotguns, ammunition, and accessories.
• TSA Approval: Yes
• Lock features: ‎Yes, padlock
• Hard Sided: Yes
• Warranty: Manufacturer warranty

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.

Besides a low-quality interior cutting and the heavy weight 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

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Product Specs:

• Use: Several firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories
• TSA Approval: Yes
• Lock features: ‎Yes, four locks system
• Hard Sided: Yes
• Warranty: Manufacturer warranty

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.

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

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Product Specs:

• Use: Precision rifle and AR rifle, one semi-auto pistol, ammunition, and firearm accessories
• TSA Approval: Yes
• Lock features: ‎Yes, padlock
• Hard Sided: Yes
• Warranty: Manufacturer warranty

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

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

Product Specs:

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 valuve 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

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

Product Specs:

The Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case has dual locking system technology, giving your gun 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 to place in.

The Cedar Mill Hard Gun Case has an IP64 rating, which shows it is dust and water-resistant.

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

Product Specs:

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.

With its patented lock system and lightweight and durable features, the Condition 1 Medium Waterproof Protective Hard Case is 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

Product Specs:

The Case Club 5 Pistol Case is a durable-made gun case with sufficient storage for up to five guns, different 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.

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.

9. Doro Gun Case With Foam Inserts – Portable

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Are you someone who travels quite a lot? If yes, then take a look at this carrying case.

This DORO case is lightweight and portable due to the use of high-quality injection-molded plastic and military-grade foam insert.

It adheres to TSA guidelines and is small enough to stay with you throughout your flight. The interior has a custom foam insert that fits one gun, two magazines, and another space for any accessories.

Slap on a small padlock on the dual 3/16 inches shank padlock holes and you’re good to go.

Additionally, this case has a rate of IP67 which means it is waterproof, dustproof, and airtight. Don’t worry about pressure building up in the case because it features an auto pressure relief valve. 

Another key point on why you must get this case is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. It also has a 30 days money-back guarantee if you are not happy with the product.

What We Liked

• Portable
• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• TSA approved
• Custom Foam Insert

What We Didn’t Like

• Only for use with small padlocks
• Made of plastic

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 are 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.