Need to ship inherited firearms

[jackelope]

you'd need a FAA approved case for each gun, and you'll also end up paying additional baggage charges for each of them.
that's gonna be big bucks.

If you want them bad enough I'd go there and do all the shipping stuff and then go and ship them to yourself. You might be able to avoid FFL transfer fees by shipping them to yourself too...

[whacker1]

Yes, you would have to have a hard case for all of them, but 2 guns per case times 3 cases.  If any are pistols then possibly less cases than the requirement for long guns.  Traveling on Alaska for hunting trip with guns was not that difficult.  Just required that they inspect them, and amunition traveled separately.  I think flying would be your best bet.  Make a weekend trip and spend a day with your family.  extra bags could rack a few fees, but shouldn't be horrible.  Either borrow case or two from a buddy or buy them in AZ.

[KimberRich]

Could just buy 2 large hard cases and check them.  I've flown with guns before and wasn't a problem.  He did say that he wasn't sure what he was even getting so could be pistols or easily broke down shotguns or ?? I shipped 3 shotguns in one large hard case this year and it worked great.  Just padded between them to keep from rubbing against one another.  Like I said, it's to bad about your uncle but I wish I had the problem of having to pick up a bunch of guns!

[jackelope]

from american airlines website.

For tickets purchased on or after February 1, 2010:
$25 for the first checked piece. Exceptions may apply.
$35 for the second checked piece. Exceptions may apply.
$100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags
$200 per piece for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces

Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/157 cm will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece.

you're also gonna have to watch the length too, although I don't think they'd be +5' long...  
an airline approved case will probably start around $50.00 or so for a single gun sized case.

[whacker1]

when we flew Alaska, we had 2 guns per case per person x 4 guys.  They didn't inspect each case to see if they were FAA approved, but I do believe that all of our cases were FAA approved.  I know some folks that travel with custom made travel cases and don't catch any flack.  $15 per bag x 3 = $45 unless you break 50 lbs.   $45 x 2 trips (WA to AZ) & (AZ to WA).  = $90  doesn't seem that unreasonable to me.  

We flew to Alaska in 2004, so things may have changed, but I haven't heard any real difficulties mentioned lately from folks that have traveled with firearms more recently.  might be worth insuring them via homeowner's insurance prior to departing AZ if any have significant value, in case the airline makes errors, and one case should disappear or get damaged.

Yes, Jack that is exactly why I avoid American if I have any luggage requirements.  They don't seem to want to be in business for very long based on their current customer service modeling. 

[whacker1]

My math was wrong regardung Alaska's baggage fees.

$15 for first bag
$25 for second bag
$50 for third bag

$90 each way - looks, like you would be in the $400 range including the airfare assuming it took 3 cases to make it happen.

oversize baggage is over 62 linear inches
here is the link on transporting firearms via Alaska
http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/SportRelatedItems.asp

[whacker1]

Jack - This could work well for getting some of those firearms back from New York.  make a point of flying an airline that will be helpful, and bring a case or two with you.   

[bobcat]

I would do what Jackelope suggested, fly down, and then mail all the guns to yourself. This way you don't have to pay a transfer fee to an FFL holder. That will save you about $150 right there. The cost of mailing each gun shouldn't be too high either, maybe $15 or $20 each.

[MikeWalking]

When I fly to Alaska my Rifle case (sometimes with a revolver in it too) goes in an Army surplus duffel with soft gear. sleeping pads and the like.  2 guns per case, 3 cases should fit in one duffel. Might pay extra for weight, or not...

[KimberRich]

I would do what Jackelope suggested, fly down, and then mail all the guns to yourself. This way you don't have to pay a transfer fee to an FFL holder. That will save you about $150 right there. The cost of mailing each gun shouldn't be too high either, maybe $15 or $20 each.

Mailing them home is a good idea also.  I agree that avoiding the FFl hassle is the way to go. Most guns I ship are from $30-$40 and those are single guns in single cases or even a box when possible to reduce weight.  A larger heavy case will be more.  I'm thinking when I shipped 3 Model 12 Win. to Colorado in one large case it was about $70 with insurance and all.