Northwest Airlines Implements Restrictions On Travel With Firearms

Northwest Airlines has implemented a policy limiting the number of firearms that may be carried in domestic travel and charging a huge fee for overseas travel with firearms. 

The domestic "free allowance" for firearms is limited to four long guns, whether packaged in one case or two, and limited to five handguns, one scope, and one "suppressor and tools."  For overseas travel, there is no "free allowance" for firearms.  The airline will instead levy the charge of $300 for any firearm case that exceeds 62 linear inches (length plus height plus width), which effectively includes all long gun cases.  The airline's web site also erroneously states that gun cases must be properly locked "due to TSA regulations and the Brady Bill."  The policy is detailed at www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/specialitems.html#fire.  If you wish to register a comment with the airline over this change, please visit www.nwa.com/talk/ttu.html and check "Luggage Services," and then "Firearms," in step two of the webform, or call Northwest Luggage Services at (612) 726-2111, and press 0 to speak with an operator.

Since the airline serves the greater St. Louis area, members flying in to NRA's Annual Meetings should consider this policy when making reservations, and should contact Northwest Airlines to voice their opposition to this new and discriminating anti-gun policy.