Airlines transport in checked luggage...NEW INFORMATION!

[The Big D]

I just saw some apparently new information at the TSA site.

Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

It seems the section that some believed banned the use of TSA locks has been removed.

I travel via commercial aircraft regularly and have always used TSA locks though I have been chastised herein.

Looks like my past use has been validated.

For the record, my use of TSA locks was validated via direct contacts with TSA agents and never resulted in a problem(s.) I am pleased the new regs seem to make it clearer for all.

Be safe.

PS: Much more information is in past threads. Consider using the "Search" function for background.

[WC145]

I still don't see anything that suggests the use of TSA accessible locks as you have been recommending for years now. As I've said numerous times before, if you want anyone that has a TSA key to be able to access your firearm without your presence or knowledge, go ahead and use a TSA accessible lock. On the other hand, if you're like me and don't want anyone being able to get to your gun without you being present, use a case and locking system that only you can open.


I took this from your link-

To avoid issues that could impact your travel and/or result in law enforcement action, here are regulations to assist you in packing your firearms and ammunition:

All firearms must be declared to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.

The firearm must be unloaded.

The firearm must be in a hard-sided container that is locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.

If firearms are not properly declared or packaged, TSA will provide the bag to law enforcement for resolution with the airline. If the issue is resolved, law enforcement will release the bag to TSA so screening may be completed.

TSA must resolve all alarms in checked baggage. If a locked container containing a firearm alarms, TSA will contact the airline, who will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner and advise the passenger to go to the screening location. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.

If a locked container alarms during screening and is not marked as containing a declared firearm, TSA will cut the lock in order to resolve the alarm.

Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.

Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.

Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above.

TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.

Rifle scopes are not prohibited in carry-on bags and do not need to be in the hard-sided, locked checked bag.

[The Big D]

Formerly, there was wording to the effect "only you should have the key to the locked case." (NOT a direct quote.)

Some believed that prohibited the use of TSA locks. That was not the intent of the regulation.

No, the new reg doesn't recommend any lock.

Bear in mind that in some airports the traveler is nowhere near his/her checked luggage once it leaves the check-in counter. That effectively precludes being near the screening area if the bag must be opened. Thus my regular use of TSA combo locks since the advent of the regulations.

Be safe.

Addendum: For example, in Baltimore the luggage goes onto a conveyor belt to an area not accessible to the public for screening. The same is the case in Chattanooga. (At least for US Airways checked luggage at both airports.)

In Pittsburgh, for US Airways travelers, you personally convey the bag(s) to the TSA screening area that is within a few steps of the check-in counter.

[GerSan69]

>Bear in mind that in some airports the traveler is nowhere near his/her checked luggage once it leaves the check-in counter. That effectively precludes being near the screening area if the bag must be opened.<

Big D, when we have an issue with a firearm in a bag, we simply bring the passenger to the bag, down in the baggage area. Doesn't matter if they're already at their gate. "Access" is not an issue, because airport-badged LEOs can escort individuals into restricted areas for official business (like opening gun cases.)
In my own travel, I use one of those locking steel boxes with the cable and I've always kept the key. I don't understand the issue about locks; gun locks have always been treated differently than TSA-approved bag locks.
(I'm a long-time LEO/police trainer at a major airport, so I think I know what I'm talking about.)

[Cheyenne WYO]

I lock the case with non-TSA locks and I also put some unlocked TSA and non-TSA locks in the case so that, if the lock needs to be broken, it can be relocked with whatever locks the screening person wants to use.

[Rastoff]

The TSA rules have indeed been updated. It happened sometime this last year or maybe in 2011.

The rules did indeed state at one time that a TSA style of lock should not be used. It's really a moot point.

I'm with WC145, if the TSA wants to see inside my case, they can come get me or break into the case. I have no desire to give them easy access to my gun. There have been too many reports of abuse and theft to trust them with my valuables any more than I have to.

[GerSan69]

Obviously I can't speak for all airports but they don't break locks at mine. And since TSA employees are prohibited from handling firearms, they have to call a LEO to do it. We have the pax open the case if locked...so there ya go.

[BW64]

Wife & I are both TSA & DO NOT RECOMMEND using TSA locks on firearms.


BW

[aguablanco]

Sure glad those locks will keep the whole case from being stolen.
RichH

[GerSan69]

That's why I recommend those metal boxes with the steel cable. Sure, it seems like a crook would be able to cut the cable, but the types of tools required to do so would stand out like the proverbial sore thumb in any airport baggage area and aren't generally used down there, so our usual suspects won't have access to them. Theft from bags in the restricted areas is largely a crime of opportunity; the thief wants stuff that's easy to grab and doesn't require physical effort that might attract attention... kind of like shoplifting, in a way.
I use a suitcase that has access to the telescoping handle frame thru the inside and loop the cable in there.

[TAROMAN]

Even more good reasons to avoid flying.

[Faulkner]

They've put so much hassle in commercial flying I avoid it like the plague. Pretty much if I can make the drive in 8 to 10 hours I don't fly.