Pirates/Indianna Jones type Souvenious on Planes

[SherGoof]

Big question - my son is a huge Indianna Jones fan and Pirate of Carib. fan. Now, we have never bought him any guns, knives etc for play toys. Though, when we were at Disney last time, we did let him purchase a sword (he used it as a pirate for Halloween and it was special to him because it came from Disney) from POC store at MK. We packed it inside our checked suitcase (no problem).
My nephew got an Indianna Jones gun. On our return trip home, my DSIL thought it best to put in the carry on luggage and notify the TSA that it was in my nephew's backpack and a souvenior from Disney. Didn't matter, it was confiscated, she was told she could Fed Ex it home to herself. It turned into a huge deal at the airport. I understand the TSA totally, especialy since 9/11 and agree why it could not be on the carry-on luggage.

My question is my nephew was stating the other day that he wants to get another Indy gun and my DSIL is like no way (she ended up paying over $50.00 for that Fed Ex. - unfortunately, she checked the over night box, by mistake(note: my nephew's father has since broken the gun). He's a good kid and doesn't nickle and dime her to death with requests for souveniors and using all his own money. If he were to put the souvenior in the suitcase that is checked would there be a problem?

 

[cart-mom]

Last year my DH bought guns for my kids and afterwards remembered that we were flying. They had a sign at the register that said the guns had to be in your checked baggage if you were flying. We packed them in our bags as suggested and never thought anymore of it. No problems at the airport. Just make sure that they don't remove the bright orange thing at the tip.

If she's still unsure - or worried - ship it back UPS from the resort. They're cheaper than fed ex.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

It's been that way even before 9/11. I remember one time I was in Newark International sometime in the late 1990s and security refused to let a child bring a toy gun through.

It should be fine to pack in checked luggage, but I would (a) treat it like a real weapon and advise the agent at check-in what you have in the luggage, and emphasize that it's a toy; and (b) be prepared for TSA to inspect that bag thoroughly, because I'm sure it'll show up when scanned.

You might also contact your airline to double check on the policy and any recommendations they would have.