imported post
Never had a problem with checked firearms. But concealed firearms are forbidden at the airport by law (NRS 202.3673):
2. A permittee shall not carry a concealed firearm while he is on the premises of a public building that is located on the property of a public airport.
There is no statute prohibiting the open carry of a firearm, but that doesn't mean you won't be hassled, so be cautious.
It's a gray area as to whether a firearm is considered concealed if it is carried upon your person (such as in your suitcase) but not displayed openly. Technically, it is not lawful to carry in this manner, even if unloaded and locked in a case, unless you have a concealed weapon license. It is a gray area, because an extreme interpretation of this law would mean that any person without a CCW who purchases a gun and carries it in a bag to their car is breaking the law, and that's obviously not legislative intent.
All that being said, I've flown in/out of McCarran plenty of times with guns in my checked bags. I've only flown Southwest with firearms, and have never had a single issue. Every airline employee I've encountered has been well educated (they don't freak out, call a supervisor, or act nervous or confused) and handles your bag quickly and professionally. An added benefit is that bags with guns seem to come out of the baggage claim first. Since I've started carrying with air travel, I've never waited at a bag claim more than 5 minutes.
Tim
