McInnis said:

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mpl35 said:

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McInnis said:

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Quote:

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Glad you learned something and are now using a better practice. This last tidbit also again highlights...

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Yeah, who would have thought that someone on Texags could process new information and change their mind?

But I have confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt that they are not prohibited by the agency that is in charge of enforcing the law. That's just a fact.

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Again....you confirmed with a couple of gate flunkies. Good for you. The bolded above isn't true.SO




And that is just from an observer who has been following this thread. For somebody that claims to have learned from this, and who claims to not be advocating for TSA locks, you sure seem to want to beat this dead horse.

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No, I provided a link to the TSA website. It wasn't just a couple of gate flunkies. It's very clear, I don't care what kind of lock you use, I'm just trying to provide accurate information for the OP. If you want to argue about this further, take it up with the TSA.

Here's the link, again.


https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

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Assuming this is the "law", why didn't the TSA include it on their website prior to late July 2018? The laws regarding flying with firearms haven't changed in the last 20 years I've done it.

The only thing that's changed on their Firearms website in the last 2 years is the addition of the lock line.

https://web.archive.org/web/20180713053033/https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

Current web site

Quote:

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Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

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Those statements are contradictory, unless you believe that the only person who can get into a TSA lock is a TSA agent, and that TSA agents are 100% trustworthy.

Plenty of links online to debunk the latter, and here's the reason the former isn't true.

https://lock-picking.wonderhowto.com/how-to/is-why-your-tsa-approved-luggage-locks-are-useless-0164446/

My guess is that lazy, inept people wanted to use the same locks on their gun case as on their luggage. So someone at TSA with no sense, said, sure, why not.

We've been shown that the law contradicts the web site, and the web site contradicts itself. Even the web site says "may use TSA locks".

I read that as permission to use my own blanking lock, thank you very much, and I will.

Question for the experienced: I am checking a firearm for a flight tomorrow and was wondering if I should check the case by itself, or can I put the case in a larger suitcase with other things (clothes, etc)?

BSD said:

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Question for the experienced: I am checking a firearm for a flight tomorrow and was wondering if I should check the case by itself, or can I put the case in a larger suitcase with other things (clothes, etc)?

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I'd recommend putting it inside a larger case. Use TSA locks on the large case, slow thieves down a little

Obviously, it has to be in the small case to check in, then they'll let you put it in the big case. Don't just check the big case.

CanyonAg77 said:

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BSD said:

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Question for the experienced: I am checking a firearm for a flight tomorrow and was wondering if I should check the case by itself, or can I put the case in a larger suitcase with other things (clothes, etc)?

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I'd recommend putting it inside a larger case. Use TSA locks on the large case, slow thieves down a little

Obviously, it has to be in the small case to check in, then they'll let you put it in the big case. Don't just check the big case.

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This. Give yourself a little extra time. You will need to declare at the ticket counter. They may or may not ask to see that it is unloaded. Sometimes they have you put the form in the case, other times they tape it to the outside. Once it goes back give it a little while before going through security. checking a sidearm has always been simpler for me than a long gun.

Flew out of DEN yesterday. They make you walk with the case over to where it is x-rayed/swabbed. You can not go back there, multiple signs saying it is a secure area and you are not allowed, nor will they bring the case out for you to unlock. They require you to hand over the key and then sign a piece of paper saying you witnessed them opening the case.

The Law:
1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals.
(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

TSA Website:
Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations.

I flew out of Denver last year and did this same routine, however, I unlocked the case before handing it over to TSA and they took it in the room. I didn't ask nor did they, I just unlocked the case on the cart they used to take it over there and then they took it for x-rays and swabs. I could see them the entire time staring through the door.

Did they take it and load it outside for you? That really threw me off, having to load it at the baggage drop before you enter the terminal.

lexofer said:

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Flew out of DEN yesterday. They make you walk with the case over to where it is x-rayed/swabbed. You can not go back there, multiple signs saying it is a secure area and you are not allowed, nor will they bring the case out for you to unlock. They require you to hand over the key and then sign a piece of paper saying you witnessed them opening the case.

The Law:
1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals.
(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

TSA Website:
Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations.

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Was this a long gun or pistol case? You signed a paper, but could you actually see it and them locking it? If pistol would they then put it in your larger luggage?

TSA opening themselves to stupid problems. All it will take is one incident from lost or stolen firearm generated from this type of nonsense to make life more difficult for good people. Because we all know the law will change to limit the people, not un-F the TSA.

I have flown out of DCA (closest airport to DC on Virginia side for those not familiar) on southwest many times and much prefer their process and never an issue.

Declare item, clerk hands you a form and asks you to open case. Clerk gives you a thumbs up to close case. tape form to outside of case, and case goes into checked suitcase. The suitcase is then taken back for x-ray, and you stand there waiting for a thumbs up from TSA agent. Never failed. Granted I don't travel to unfriendly states, and I place CO in that list.

Also don't forget to declare! Lost my Pre Check status and almost got me in Jail.

This was totally painless. I'll be doing this again and probably from now on when I can legally carry where I'm going. And maybe even when not.

IAH had me open the case and show it was unloaded. I then waited to the side while they swabbed and x-rayed the bag and they gave us a thumbs up. We went through, flew to Jackson Hole and picked it up from the luggage desk in JH Airport.

Y'all be ready for some awesome pictures in a trip post when I get back. Beautiful up here.

Form is supposed to go in the case - FYI... I never let the airline put it on the outside of the case.

I typically fly United who goes into IAD. IAD has a similar procedure to DCA. Hand the gun case to the check in agent. After that, you can't touch it any further. They carry to TSA who does their thing in your view and relocks your case. I haven't had IAD take it into another room.

I could see it the whole time through the door. At least while they had it open.

The part I don't like is you check your bags with the gate agent. She calls over some random helper to take your gun case down the hall to the TSA room. Once TSA is done the baggage guy tells you to go to the security line while he takes your case down the hall and down the stairs which is where the baggage claim/passenger pickup area is.

It was a long gun case with 4 guns in it, nothing else 49.5 lb.
Most fun part is that 2 of my bags were overweight on the way back. The heaviest things that I could easily move between suitcases were loaded magazines. I was shuffling AR mags, Glock mags and a D-60 between the bags in front of everyone in line until I found a way to get all 3 bags under 50 lbs.

Just landed in the Flathead Valley (Montana) and flew with a pistol for my first time.

Read up on this thread and drove to Academy this morning before heading to the airport.

Purchased a SnapSafe for about $10 and an ammo case for another $4. Checked in with United about an hour later with zero problems whatsoever. In fact, the guy checking me in seemed very pleased with my setup and didn't even ask to see inside the lockbox.

Outside of a bad experience on Frontier for the ride back, I'll be flying with my pistol much more often.

My setup has worked for me several times:
- Small-ish Pelican case with two reinforced lock holes, foam cutout for my firearm and magazines.
- Two combination HD Master Locks with different combinations.
- I take a steel braided bicycle cable with a loop and secure the Pelican to the metal frame inside my luggage and lock the end of that through one of the Master Locks.
- I have my name and cell phone written on the outside of the Pelican case, should they need to contact me.
- I do not keep the ammo inside the Pelican, just in the factory box or plastic ammo box and tape the ends to make sure it doesn't come open in transit and know when someone has opened the ammo box.
- Holster is loose in the luggage.
- TSA locks on my luggage zippers
- Printed, laminated index card with my LTC on one side and statement that I am declaring that I have a unloaded firearm in my luggage that is locked and secured. Please point me toward the TSA baggage inspection location and I will proceed in that direction when we are done.
- Arrive 2hrs before departure to make sure I am not pressed for time and do something stupid

I do not know it all and there are others with WAY more experience doing this than me. This setup has worked well for me and I will use it again. I learned it by reading this board and other boards filled with people sharing their setup, so I wanted to do the same here in the event that someone else can figure out a way that works for them. I cannot control who is working the ticket counter, TSA line, luggage handling, etc., their individual interpretations of what is right or wrong, their individual motives for handling a situation they way they do, nor anything else that happens when that piece of luggage is not in my hand. I just do the best that I can to deter theft/confiscation of my firearm by following the rules as I interpret them.

Does anyone know if there are additional charges with American Airlines for carrying a firearm? I'm headed to Denver next week from DFW and would like to know if I'm going to be charged overweight baggage fees, Sports equipment or specialty equipment fees? My plan is to put a Hellcat in a locked (non TSA Lock) hard sided plastic case which will go in my clothes bag, which will be locked with a TSA Lock. Ammo will go in either the bag or the case (depending on the size) in the original box (full). This is unclear on their website and I've been on hold for 30 minutes trying to speak to someone. Thanks!

aggieforester05 said:

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Does anyone know if there are additional charges with American Airlines for carrying a firearm? I'm headed to Denver next week from DFW and would like to know if I'm going to be charged overweight baggage fees, Sports equipment or specialty equipment fees? My plan is to put a Hellcat in a locked (non TSA Lock) hard sided plastic case which will go in my clothes bag, which will be locked with a TSA Lock. Ammo will go in either the bag or the case (depending on the size) in the original box (full). This is unclear on their website and I've been on hold for 30 minutes trying to speak to someone. Thanks!

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As long as your carry-on isn't over weight, they don't charge extra for firearms.

Checked bag, not carry on

Thanks, that's what's was hoping!

GAC06 said:

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Checked bag, not carry on

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Carry-on would be more exciting

Have a friend that accidentally flew with a handgun AND suppressor in his carryon bag. Just forgot they were there and TSA didn't notice at check point.

ThunderCougarFalconBird said:

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Have a friend that accidentally flew with a handgun AND suppressor in his carryon bag. Just forgot they were there and TSA didn't notice at check point.

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Had a guy behind me at Logan make it through the body scanners with a box cutter. He turned around and asked TSA if it was allowed as he was grabbing his bag from screening. TSA didn't act very concerned. This was right after the marathon bombing.

I'm honestly surprised more airports haven't ditched them. There's no federal mandate to have TSA and several international airports (including SFO) don't use them.

txyaloo said:

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ThunderCougarFalconBird said:

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Have a friend that accidentally flew with a handgun AND suppressor in his carryon bag. Just forgot they were there and TSA didn't notice at check point.

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Had a guy behind me at Logan make it through the body scanners with a box cutter. He turned around and asked TSA if it was allowed as he was grabbing his bag from screening. TSA didn't act very concerned. This was right after the marathon bombing.

I'm honestly surprised more airports haven't ditched them. There's no federal mandate to have TSA and several international airports (including SFO) don't use them.

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When did SFO stop using TSA? This has to be within the last ~18 months... which us the last time I had to visit that ****ty state.

Buck Compton said:

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txyaloo said:

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ThunderCougarFalconBird said:

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Have a friend that accidentally flew with a handgun AND suppressor in his carryon bag. Just forgot they were there and TSA didn't notice at check point.

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Had a guy behind me at Logan make it through the body scanners with a box cutter. He turned around and asked TSA if it was allowed as he was grabbing his bag from screening. TSA didn't act very concerned. This was right after the marathon bombing.

I'm honestly surprised more airports haven't ditched them. There's no federal mandate to have TSA and several international airports (including SFO) don't use them.

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When did SFO stop using TSA? This has to be within the last ~18 months... which us the last time I had to visit that ****ty state.

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SFO has used CAS since ~2005. Their uniforms are similar to TSA

So looked into it. You're right. My mistake.

But they're literally just contracting for TSA. They have a contract with the federal government to provide services there (not just with the airport). Using all the same rules, at what seems to probably be a higher expense... there's still TSA pre-check lines and all that jazz. The process is exactly the same. The protocols are the exact same.

I don't care who is technically standing there reading an X-ray machine, it's not like one will be higher quality than the other in reality... your post made it seem like "ditching TSA" would make some huge difference in quality. I've flown through SFO A LOT and can tell you their process is abysmal, just like most airports. Having CAS hasn't made it any better.

Got this TSA approved case at academy today and I think it was perfect based on the methods described in this thread. It's lightweight but very sturdy. Corners don't pry open like most of the pistol cases they had. Also has a pigtail that I used to tie it to the frame of my bag. Enough room for the Hellcat in a pocket holster, two magazines, and 20 round box of ammo..



SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box with TSA Combination Lock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRD61CC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F0V2ZMQRTN1ZEYN0EF1Y?psc=1

Has anybody in this thread given the advise to file down the front sight on your bear pistol?

Also if you are flying with a firearm and have the option of using cos instead of den, do cos. Much smoother

I'll say this again - flying out of Denver is a PITA with a firearm. Feels like you walk 2 miles to the TSA check station so they can x-ray and then you have to walk all the way back to the curb to load it. Dumbest system I've dealt with before and it's been the same the last two times...

aggieforester05 said:

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Got this TSA approved case at academy today and I think it was perfect based on the methods described in this thread. It's lightweight but very sturdy. Corners don't pry open like most of the pistol cases they had. Also has a pigtail that I used to tie it to the frame of my bag. Enough room for the Hellcat in a pocket holster, two magazines, and 20 round box of ammo..



SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box with TSA Combination Lock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRD61CC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F0V2ZMQRTN1ZEYN0EF1Y?psc=1

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I am new to this thread, but why on earth would you fly a firearm in a container that TSA can open? That is totally the wrong way to go.

I don't think the keyed version is accessible with a TSA key.

Bump and thanks to all who have made this a very informative thread.

I listened to one guy who suggested always flying with firearms for the very reason that it requires you to use locks the TSA doesn't have keys to. He puts everything in hard sided metal cases and uses huge padlocks. He is a security expert, so also carries lock picks and other tools. Here's his blog post, including links to the video of his presentation and how to deal with all kinds of issues that may arise.

https://deviating.net/firearms/packing/

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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I don't think the keyed version is accessible with a TSA key.

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Right, the key is much larger than a TSA lock.