Traveling With Your EDC: What You Need to Know About Reciprocity, Restrictions, and Real-World Readiness
Texas LTC Reciprocity Map
credit: USCCA Website (https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/tx-gun-laws/)
Ah, turkey and stuffing, Christmas presents and family reunions around the table (and maybe one or two inevitable arguments). It’s easy to get wrapped up in the joy of the season—food, family, downtime, festivities—and forget about something that has become second nature to you the rest of the year: your everyday carry mindset.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas upon us, many of us who are committed to carrying daily face an important question:
“Where can I legally carry when I travel—and how do I do it safely, responsibly, and lawfully?”
That question matters not only for legal reasons, but for stewardship, leadership, and preparedness. And just like everything in the preparedness world, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Reciprocity Isn’t Universal (Yet)
Until something like H.R. 38 - National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is passed (and who knows when or if that will be), we must remain aware, informed, and cautious. Your home state’s license to carry does not automatically apply everywhere else just because you passed a background check, trained responsibly, and carry with the right motives.
And while there are many states that do recognize your Texas LTC, there are others that absolutely do not—and if you violate their state law, your home state permit will not protect you.
No surprise here, but most of the states that do not recognize your Texas LTC fall along expected political lines:
States & Locations That Do NOT Recognize Your Texas LTC
Washington
Oregon
California
Hawaii
Puerto Rico
Illinois
New York
New Jersey
Washington, D.C.
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Maryland
(And yes… it changes, sometimes without much notice.)
For example, I have family in Illinois. When I drive through, I can possess my firearm as long as it remains locked, unloaded, and separated from ammunition, secured in the trunk. But once I arrive, I cannot legally carry it anywhere on my person or retrieve it for personal carry within the state.
To put it bluntly… I don’t visit often.
Don’t Assume the Other States Are “Good to Go”
Just because a state recognizes your permit doesn’t mean you get to carry however you want, wherever you want, and in whatever manner you want.
Even states that honor your LTC may have different laws concerning:
✔ signage
✔ prohibited locations
✔ duty to notify law enforcement
✔ magazine capacity
✔ vehicle carry
✔ open vs concealed carry
✔ private property rules
✔ ammunition restrictions
✔ location-based trespass interpretations
You must check every state you enter — not just the first one.
Your Best Resource (Bookmark This)
I highly recommend using this constantly-updated concealed carry reciprocity map:
➡️ https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map
It’s clean, fast, reliable — and has links to each state’s legal summary.
Check it BEFORE every trip, especially during holidays when travel is rushed.
What About Flying With a Firearm?
Different rules, different risks, different process.
You can legally fly with a properly secured, properly declared firearm in checked luggage only, but the rules are strict and violations can be costly.
I personally haven’t done it yet, though a buddy of mine has multiple times without issue. If you choose that route, study the TSA rules word-for-word and never assume airport staff know what they’re doing — sometimes they don’t.
Official TSA guidelines can be found here:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
Another Option: Ship Your Firearm to Yourself
Yes — legally you can ship your firearm to yourself at your destination if done correctly and compliant with federal guidelines. This can bypass airport complications, but you must follow the regulations exactly, and shipping carriers all have their own policies.
Do your homework before you tape the box.
A Mindset Reminder: The Tool Doesn’t Make You Ready
Full transparency:
There will be times you cannot carry.
There will be times you must voluntarily leave your firearm behind.
There will be situations where compliance outweighs convenience.
And that’s okay.
Your firearm is a tool — not your identity.
A trained, alert, disciplined, and aware protector can remain effective even when unarmed because:
Preparedness begins in the mind
Awareness is always step one
Distance, positioning, and intuition win fights
Soft skills prevent hard-skill outcomes
If you rely only on your firearm, you’re not prepared — you’re dependent.
Final Thoughts
Travel wisely.
Study laws before crossing borders.
Never assume.
Never rely on memory.
Never carry illegally — not even with good intentions.
And above all:
stay alert, stay honorable, stay lawful, and stay ready.
Prepared in Spirit. Ready in Strength.
Legal Disclaimer
I am not a legal professional and this post should not be taken as legal advice. Laws change, vary by jurisdiction, and interpretation can differ. You are responsible for researching and complying with all local, state, and federal laws before traveling or carrying.
