Best Rifle Case for Air Travel
As an outdoorsman enthusiast or an avid hunter, you probably love hunting or taking part in expeditions far away from where you live. You will of course want to carry your best rifle and other gear to take part in this exciting event. But how will you transport your rifle from one part of the country to another? Or even to other parts of the world? Well, your guess is as good as mine, you will need the best rifle case for air travel if you plan on using flights as a means of transport.
If you plan on traveling with your rifle, ensure you pack it as per the Transport Security Administration (TSA) specifications.
Here is a quick list of our favorite rifle cases for air travel
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| Negrini 1640DSR Rifle Luggage |  |
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| SKB Cases 5009 ATA 300 Hard Exterior Waterproof Double Rifle Transport Case |  |
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| Pelican Protector 1750 Series Rifle Cases |  |
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| Plano All Weather Gun Case with Rustrictor |  |
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| Case Club 2 AR Pre-Cut Waterproof Rifle Case |  |
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| Pelican Protector 1700 Rifle Case |  |
Selection Criteria
Before we dive into this comprehensive review, there are a couple of things you need to note when traveling with your rifle
Air Line Approved– As you read on, you will see the words ‘airline approved’ used many times. But what does it mean? Well, To begin with, all the rifle cases we have listed are airline approved, to the extent of our knowledge. However, that doesn’t mean the airlines won’t try and charge you extra for them. We advise you to ask for the manager if this happens, this charge will most likely be waived as airlines majorly exempt rifle cases.
Size of the rifle cases– Airlines have different specifications for the maximum size your case should be. So ensure you check with the airline prior to travel.
TSA– Transport Security Administration, TSA, have guidelines that you should follow.
- Material- If you are planning on traveling with your rifle, ensure the rifle case you get is a hard-shell case. Duffle-style rifle cases are not allowed.
- Ammunition- You can bring your ammo (Shotgun shells and ammo under .75 caliber) but you will have to check it in as luggage. Cannot be in your carry-on bag. TSA goes further to specify how the ammo should be carried, ammunition cannot be transported loose, should either be carried in its original box (manufacturer’s box) or inside a hard case made of metal, fiber. or wood. A point to note: Some airlines abide by these guidelines to the T and some have their own policies so ensure you check with the airline you will be using and read their guidelines
- Locks- The rifle case must be lockable. The TSA also has guidelines on the strength and type of the lock.
- Labels- You cannot label your rifle case indicating there is a firearm inside.
You should get to the airport a little earlier to check in as you will be required to answer a few questions and fill out a declaration form
Best Rifle Case for Air Travel Reviews
Let’s get into the specific details of these airline approved rifle cases
#1)Negrini 1640DSR Rifle Luggage
This is one of the best rifle case for air travel for its functionality and craftsmanship. Fashioned from the best quality materials, the safe sets itself apart from other safes in the same category with its ability to look like more than just a storage box. This rifle safe comes with double-walled exterior ABS with fabric liners of the highest quality and top-tier cushioning inside. Additionally, it is fitted with a wall that separates the cargo net compartment from the rifle compartment. The wall is a fold-down padded wall that helps in protecting the rifles. Features
This very impressive case comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Due to the fact that everything used to make this rifle case is top quality, its price is on the high-end side. However, if you can afford it, this is an exceptional case for any outdoor enthusiast. |
#2) SKB Cases 5009 ATA 300 Hard Exterior Waterproof Double Rifle Transport Case
The SKB 5009 ATA is one of the best rifle case for air travel for various reasons. For starters, it can store rifles that are up to 42″ long and comes with weather-proof stainless steel o-rings that are also stackable. For ease of transport, it is fitted with tow and carry handles with built-in poly wheels. The rifle case also comes with patented and lockable trigger release latches that can be substituted with TSA ratified locking latches. You will also love the fact that it comes with holes for a padlock which are fitted with stainless steel clips for padlock protection. This rifle case is fashioned from super-high density molecular weight polyethylene which makes it an excellent choice for a rifle case. Although it is kind of smaller than the Negrini above and the Pelican below, it is still one of the best rifle cases in today’s market.
Features
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#3) Pelican Protector 1750 Series Rifle Cases
Pelican’s legendary status and being known for producing the highest quality rifle cases are reasons why the Pelican Protector 1700 is on our best rifle case for air travel review. It comes as a surprise to no one, that Pelican is one of the two brands TSA has approved explicitly. This case is crushproof, watertight, and dustproof making it a favorite for the military, hunters, and even law enforcement. It comes fitted with a pressure equalization valve that is automatic. This valve helps in keeping the case watertight. The interior comes with 3 foam pads that you can easily customize depending on the rifle type you have. This rifle case has been put through rigorous tests and has come on the other side of it with its contents intact so when Pelican says it is virtually indestructible, believe them. Features
This rifle case is from a renowned brand that has been in business for years. It is a functional rifle case you want to use when traveling.
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#4) Plano All Weather Gun Case with Rustrictor
As far as the best rifle case for air travel goes, the Plano All weather is a must include. It is a large rifle case, bigger than the cases we have reviewed above. It can hold two scoped rifles with enough extra space for ammo and any other thing you want to carry. It comes fitted with 4 lockable latches for enhanced security and a pressure equalization valve ensures pressure is equalized inside. What’s more, you can easily customize it as it comes with pre-perforated pluck foam while a Dri-Loc seal ensures it is dustproof and watertight. It is fitted with wheels so movement in a busy airport is easy. This rifle case’s price is on the budget friendlier side while still offering value. However, due to its large size, it goes past the limit size for many airlines. A workaround for this is, calling the airline you will use beforehand and confirming the details with them before purchase. Features
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#5) Case Club 2 AR Pre-Cut Waterproof Rifle Case
This is a rifle case that can easily store two rifles, AR-15 or AR-10 rifles, and a pistol. The Case Clun 2 AR comes fitted with a divider foam that keeps the 2 rifles separate from each other while silica gel canisters help in keeping the case moisture free and also prevent dust. What’s more, a pressure release valve for keeping the pressure regulated. You also get an accessory box that is waterproof for storing your small accessories. Additionally, it is dustproof and waterproof, The foam used can be easily wiped and the case comes with wheels for ease of transport. Features
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BEST RIFLE CASE FOR AIR TRAVEL COMPARISON TABLE
So how do these rifle cases compare?
| PRODUCT | WEIGHT | DIMENSION | AIRLINE DIMENSION | EXTRAS |
| Negrini 1640DSR Rifle Luggage | 21.75 pounds | 54” x 15.5” x 6” | 75.5” | High-end, luggage wheels for ease of transport, cargo nets for additional storage |
| SKB Cases 5009 ATA 300 Hard Exterior Waterproof Double Rifle Transport Case | 22 pounds | 50” x 9.5” x 6” | 65.5” | Wheels for transport can store two rifles |
| Pelican Protector 1750 Series Rifle Cases | 24 pounds | 50.5” x 13.5” x 5.25” | 69.25” | Renowned brand, watertight, practically indestructible |
| Plano All Weather Gun Case with Rustrictor | 20 pounds | 54.625” x 15.5” x 6” | 76.125” | Watertight, pressure release valve, easy glide wheels |
Airlines typically get their dimension value by adding up the three dimensions, for example, if their maximum size is 75″, it the L+W+D that gets them the size. Like in the case of the Negrini 1640DSR, 54 +15.5+6 gives 75.5″ and that is what airlines consider.
Factors to Consider for Best Rifle Case for Air Travel
TSA
Any rifle case you choose should be TSA-approved. Luckily, we have only listed TSA-approved rifle cases. Even after making sure your rifle case is TSA approved, there are a couple of things you need to do.
- Ensure your rifle is not loaded
- Your rifle case is locked
- You have declared your rifle and filled the declaration form
Construction
Ensure the case is constructed using material that can handle numerous transport. The cases we have reviewed have time and again proven to be high-quality rifle cases that can handle long-distance travel whilst keeping their components intact.
Size
How many rifles do you want to carry? If you want to carry more than one rifle, consider getting a rifle case that can hold more than one rifle.
Final Thoughts
While the best rifle case for air travel largely depends on what you prefer, we have taken the liberty to bring you the best there is to make it easier for you to choose. These rifles have proven to do what needs to be done and give you less hassle at check-in. Most importantly, they are airline approved. We however advise, calling the airline you intend to use to get their specifications beforehand so you can be fully compliant.
See also: Top 5 Best Quick Access Rifle Safe