The only requirement for traversing illannoy with firearms in a car for non residents are that they be in a case and unloaded. Now be aware that shitcago/crook county have a variety of idiotic local ordinances regarding “assault weapons”, magazine capacity, and laser sights. How strictly they are enforced and even what they are continues to be an enigma.To my limited knowledge,because of ambiguity and conflicts with state law I am not aware of many problems. As alwnays though you are at the tender mercy of Chicago cops and return of firearms is problematic,
You are welcome to travel in IL with firearm in unlocked case in your car—not trunk...Go for it...Just hope you don’t get pulled over as everyone told me best to be careful on the road...
You note ambiguity...I spoke to my fav. firearm shop today...Said everyone will tell you differently due to ambiguity and there are local ordnances that supersede state laws. However, You are correct you can carry in case...Ammo should be separately locked in trunk... However, also stated that is the minimum—not necessarily smart...due to ambiguity and you should not be planning to use that firearm in IL for self defense if you are not a resident. Smart firearm owner should CYA and have firearms in trunk, locked in case or separate from ammo...If they are going to gun range or hunting, then when they get there, local and state laws apply...That is how people I know transport if not conceal carrying.
So, I have been told today and in the past that to transport any firearm besides one with a CC permit (a handgun or revolver), it should be in CASE, case should be locked and best in trunk—then no ambiguity about accessibility...Trigger lock or field strip not bad idea...Again, who told me? Gun shop owners in Chicagoland... Better to be safe than sorry.
BTW, I live in IL and have investigated transport of firearms by relatives from different states, and as I stated before, I passed the 16-hour CC course in IL.
My point is the owner of firearm at O’Hare did not follow the laws...obviously, or he would not have been charged.
Oh, and if they were stopped on airport property, then they violated other laws I suspect as it is not legal to carry at O’hare and if you are transporting it on plane, must be unloaded in LOCKED CASE...not sure about current laws on carryon or checked—last I looked had to be checked.
Actually illegal to have firearm in most State and Fed. facilities:
http://smartgunlaws.org/other-location-restrictions-in-illinois/