Traveling with firearms requires careful planning and the right protective gear. For air travel, a durable, well-padded soft gun case is essential for safeguarding your firearms during baggage handling while complying with airline regulations. These cases offer flexibility, organized storage, and reliable protection against bumps and scrapes. Selecting the best case depends on your firearm type, capacity needs, and desired features for a secure journey.
This roundup focuses on ten highly-rated soft cases designed for transport. From compact pistol bags to spacious double rifle cases, each option provides a blend of security, durability, and practical organization. The right case will give you peace of mind, knowing your equipment is protected from the check-in counter to the baggage claim.
Our Top Picks for Air Travel Gun Cases
- Bulldog Cases 35-Inch Tactical Shotgun Case
- Allen Company Daytona 52-Inch Soft Gun Bag
- DULCE DOM 36 inch Double Case Soft Bag
- US PeaceKeeper Products P21011 Pistol Case
- Savior Equipment American Classic Double Gun Bag
- VISM by NcSTAR Double Carbine Case
- Allen Company Rocky Double Rifle Case
- Bulldog Cases Tactical Shotgun Case, 42-Inch
- G. Outdoor Products 42″ Double Soft Rifle Case
- Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case, 42-Inch
Bulldog Cases 35-Inch Tactical Shotgun Case
This Bulldog case is built for secure transport of tactical shotguns and other firearms up to 33 inches in length. Its design focuses on core protection with 1 3/4 inches of total soft padding surrounding your firearm. The interior is lined with a scratch-resistant tricot material to keep finishes safe during transit.
A full-length heavy-duty zipper provides easy access and reliable closure. The case is straightforward and effective, offering a no-fuss solution for travelers who need dependable padding and a snug fit for their firearm. Its compact size is suitable for a variety of rifles and shotguns with pistol grips.
Allen Company Daytona Shotgun Case – 52-Inch
For longer shotguns and rifles, the Allen Company Daytona provides a generous 52-inch interior. The dense foam padding and rugged Endura fabric construction shield your firearm from the inevitable bumps and scrapes of airline baggage handling. This case ensures a secure and snug fit for optimal protection.
Its versatility is a key benefit, as it can accommodate most hunting and sporting long guns under 52 inches. The simple, robust design makes it a reliable choice for hunters and shooters who need a dedicated, full-length soft case for air travel without extra compartments.
DULCE DOM 36 inch Double Case Soft Bag
This double case from DULCE DOM functions as both a protective gun bag and a practical range backpack. Constructed from heavy-duty 600D nylon, it is water-resistant and dust-proof, offering performance in various conditions. The main compartment is spacious enough for two firearms along with essential accessories.
The backpack-style straps make hands-free transportation through airports and parking lots significantly easier. With ample padding throughout, it provides all-around protection for your gear, from shotguns and pistols to magazines, ammo, and hearing protection, consolidating your essentials into one portable package.
US PeaceKeeper Products P21011 Pistol Case
For handgun travel, the US PeaceKeeper pistol case offers a compact and secure solution. It is built with durable, 600-denier water-resistant fabric and features a double-stitched construction for long-term durability. The brushed tricot liner inside prevents scratches on your pistol’s finish.
The case includes a lockable zipper closure, which is a critical feature for complying with airline regulations for checked baggage. Its medium size is ideal for a single pistol and a few magazines, providing a straightforward, protective enclosure that is easy to pack within larger luggage.
Savior Equipment American Classic Tactical Double Long Gun Bag
This case is a high-capacity workhorse for the traveling shooter. The ultra-spacious design can hold two rifles and two pistols within its dedicated compartments. It is constructed from heavy-duty 600D PVC nylon, promising exceptional durability for frequent travel.
Security is emphasized with lockable zipper sliders on both of the main firearm compartments. Additional pocket compartments throughout the bag provide organized storage for all necessary accessories. The included backpack strap adds to its convenience, making it easier to manage as carry-on for your other gear once firearms are checked.
VISM by NcSTAR Double Carbine CASE
The VISM Double Carbine Case is designed for efficient transport of two carbine-sized rifles. The primary compartment features a thick padded center divider and four hook-and-loop straps to secure each rifle individually, preventing internal movement. The heavy-duty PVC material offers reliable external protection.
A significant benefit is the secondary compartment, which is filled with multiple pockets. This area is perfect for storing handguns, optics, tools, cleaning supplies, and documents, keeping your entire kit organized in one bag. This integrated storage system is ideal for longer trips where you need to bring supporting equipment.
Allen Company Rocky Double Rifle Case
The Allen Company Rocky case provides secure dual-rifle protection in separate, padded compartments. Each compartment has its own lockable zipper, allowing you to secure each firearm individually in accordance with travel guidelines. The soft shell construction uses dense foam and Endura fabric to guard against impacts.
This case excels in organization with its multipurpose storage system. It includes four different zippered pockets: an external stretch pocket, a flap pocket, a back pocket, and a large front gusset pocket. This design ensures you have dedicated space for magazines, binoculars, and other smaller essentials alongside your rifles.
Bulldog Cases Tactical Shotgun Case, 42-Inch
This 42-inch version of the popular Bulldog case accommodates longer tactical shotguns and rifles up to approximately 40 inches. It maintains the brand’s focus on effective padding, featuring 1 3/4 inches of soft protection and a scratch-resistant tricot inner lining.
The full-length heavy-duty zipper ensures easy loading and a consistent closure along the entire case. This model is a straightforward, reliable choice for shooters who need a bit more length than the 35-inch version provides, offering the same trusted protection in a larger size for air travel.
G. Outdoor Products G.P.S. 42″ Double Soft Rifle Case
This tactical case is built for the organized shooter. The main compartment has two rifle slots with a full-length padded divider and hook-and-loop lockdown straps for secure transport. The exterior is crafted from durable, abrasion-resistant 600D polyester with double-stitched seams for longevity.
A standout feature is the external double pistol pocket, which includes two large padded pistol sleeves. Combined with additional zippered pockets, this case offers extensive storage for all necessary equipment. The inclusion of MOLLE webbing on the exterior adds further customization for attaching additional pouches or gear.
Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case
Plano is a trusted name in protective cases, and their All Weather Tactical series is designed for tough transport conditions. While specific features for the 42-inch soft case should be verified, Plano cases typically offer quality padding, durable exterior materials, and reliable closure systems.
These cases are generally constructed to shield contents from moisture, dust, and rough handling. For air travel, a Plano case would provide a robust layer of defense for your firearm, coming from a manufacturer known for producing dependable storage solutions for sports and tactical equipment.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Soft Gun Case for Air Travel
Picking the right soft gun case for a flight isn’t just about convenience; it’s about meeting strict airline and TSA rules. I’ve learned from experience that a good case is your first line of defense. The goal is to get your firearm to your destination safely and without any hassle at the check-in counter. Here’s what I always check for.
First and foremost, you need a case that locks. And I don’t mean just any lock. The TSA requires that your case has a locking system that only you can open. That means using either a key lock or a combination lock where the TSA cannot access the key or combo. The locks must be on the case itself, not just on the zipper pulls. Many good soft cases have reinforced lock holes or locking loops built into the zippers and the case body to make this secure.
Next, look at the construction. A flimsy bag won’t cut it. You want a case made from heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon or polyester. The stitching should be double or triple-stitched at all the stress points. Reinforced corners are a big plus. Inside, a thick, padded liner is essential to cushion your firearm and optics. Some cases have customizable foam or padded dividers, which I prefer because they let me secure each item individually and prevent them from knocking together during handling.
Size and storage are also key. Your case needs to be large enough to hold your unloaded firearm, but also any necessary accessories like magazines, tools, or a cleaning kit. However, remember that airlines have rules about checked baggage size and weight. A good soft gun case for air travel should have plenty of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized, but it shouldn’t be so bulky that it becomes a problem itself. Look for features like MOLLE webbing or accessory pouches on the outside for items you need to access quickly once you land.
Finally, don’t forget the practical details. A comfortable, padded carrying handle and a detachable, padded shoulder strap make a world of difference when you’re navigating a busy airport. Some cases even have backpack straps for hands-free carrying. Reflective piping or patches can also be helpful for visibility. By focusing on these features—secure locking, rugged build, smart storage, and practical carry options—you can confidently choose one of the best soft gun cases for air travel that will protect your gear and make the journey smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the TSA rules for flying with a gun in a soft case?
The TSA rules are non-negotiable. Your firearm must be completely unloaded. It must be in a locked, hard-sided container. This is the critical part: a soft case alone does not meet this requirement. To use a soft case for air travel, you must place the locked soft case inside a larger, locked hard-sided piece of luggage, like a standard suitcase. The hard-sided container is what the TSA rule specifies. The soft case provides extra protection inside. You must declare the firearm and any ammunition at the airline check-in counter.
Can I use any lock on my gun case?
No. You must use locks that only you can open. The TSA specifically prohibits using TSA-recognized locks (the ones with the special master key) on gun cases. You need to use a traditional keyed padlock or a combination lock where you control the combination. The locks must secure the case itself. Many quality soft cases have built-in locking loops designed specifically for this.
How much padding is enough in a soft gun case?
You want substantial padding. Look for cases with at least a half-inch of closed-cell foam padding on all sides. Closed-cell foam is important because it doesn’t absorb moisture. The interior should be lined with a soft, non-abrasive material like felt or Cordura to prevent scratches. For rifles with scopes, I look for cases with extra padding in the top panel or a raised scope channel to protect the optics from impact.
Are there size restrictions for checked gun cases?
Your checked baggage, which contains your locked gun case, must adhere to your airline’s standard size and weight limits for checked luggage. There’s no special “firearm” allowance for oversized bags. It’s your responsibility to ensure your overall suitcase dimensions and weight are within the airline’s policy. A compact, well-designed soft case helps you stay within these limits while still offering good protection.
What’s the advantage of a soft case over a hard case for air travel?
The main advantage is using the soft case inside your hard-sided luggage. A soft case is typically lighter and more flexible, allowing it to fit into a standard suitcase more easily than a bulky, rigid hard case. It also provides organized, padded protection for your firearm and accessories during the journey and is much easier to carry once you reach your destination. For many travelers, this two-layer system (soft case inside hard luggage) is the most practical solution.
Can I pack ammunition in the same soft case?
Ammunition must be packed in its original box or a specifically designed container like a plastic ammo box. It can be stored in the same hard-sided suitcase as your locked soft gun case, but it cannot be loose or loaded in magazines (unless the magazine is securely packaged). I usually pack my ammo box in a separate compartment of my suitcase, away from the soft case, just for an extra layer of organization and safety. Always check your specific airline’s rules on ammunition weight limits, as they can vary.