Flying w/ Handgun: Soft Pistol Case in Hard Sided Luggage?

[Beemerguy53]

...I think the outer case, the main luggage case, could fit that requirement, right?

No, it doesn't fit that requirement. The gun must be in a hard-sided case. The language of the regulation is clear...

"Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only."

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

 

[Beemerguy53]

...Baggage handlers are probably among the least vetted and screened employees in an airport facility, usually allowed relatively free access into and out of secure areas, and always expected to be handling baggage. Perhaps one of the weakest links in the system, IMO.

While I agree that airport baggage handlers are in an especially good position to purloin parcels and pistols, they are vetted no less thoroughly than anyone else who has access to the sterile or secure areas of an airport.

All behind-the-scenes airport employees have to undergo a Security Threat Assessment (STA) -- what we regular folks call a "background check" -- and be issued a SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) badge. This requirement applies to everyone, from baggage handlers to maintenance workers to aircraft mechanics to fuelers, etc.

Security identification display area - Wikipedia

 

[raljr1]

Why? I am curious as to your reasoning, rajir.

Yeah, but I think the outer case, the main luggage case, could fit that requirement, right?

I just prefer the locked hard case inside the suitcase. It is easier to surreptitiously cut open a soft case and remove contents than it is to remove a hard case. I may be overthinking it, but we have had meds stolen out of luggage in the past, and typically if you lock the outer case it needs to be a TSA lock or you risk it being cut open by TSA.

 

[Beemerguy53]

If your hard sided luggage meets the requirements as outlined by TSA (and the airline)...you can put your firearm in a sock if you want. It’s no different than using a dedicated hard sided rifle case...

Respectfully, you can make that argument to the TSA regulatory inspectors who prepare the civil enforcement case against you (which can carry a hefty fine), but I think it's a lot easier just to follow the rules...

Civil Enforcement | Transportation Security Administration

 

[tomhenry]

That might raise an argument with airline personnel occasionally. I have seen it done both ways.

I remember one flight taking me to Atlanta while my checked bag went to another destination. It was delivered to me by a taxi driver a couple of days later, bright red tag visible and my handgun still locked inside. Lucky me (that time).

A guy was at the ticket counter at the airport in Nashville. He told the lady that he wanted a ticket to Louisville, but he wanted his luggage to go to Dallas. She said, "Sir, we cannot do that." He said, "I don't know why not, you did it last week."

 

[Rich Richardson]

When I fly in my plane I usually just leave it holstered

 

[Onomea]

No, it doesn't fit that requirement. The gun must be in a hard-sided case. The language of the regulation is clear...

"Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only."

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

I disagree with this. If the unloaded gun is in a sock, as Bugkiller says above, and inside a locked, hard-sided case — with incidentally, a weeks worth of laundry — it is still in compliance with the rule.

I have no interest in getting into a debate with the airline employee at the desk about whether or not I am following the letter of the TSA requirement...

This I agree with. Best to avoid behavior that might lead to confrontations. Foolish to add extra hassle to the hassle of flying. Excellent point, Chubbs.

I just prefer the locked hard case inside the suitcase. It is easier to surreptitiously cut open a soft case and remove contents than it is to remove a hard case. I may be overthinking it, but we have had meds stolen out of luggage in the past, and typically if you lock the outer case it needs to be a TSA lock or you risk it being cut open by TSA.

This, too, is an excellent point. Typically I don't lock the outer case* but do lock, of course, the small, hard-sided gun case within. I also think I recall that the rules say that the gun case should be locked so that only you, and not TSA, can open it. If outer suitcase serving as the TSA-approved gun case, is locked with a TSA lock, or locked with a personal lock, that's potential trouble either way.

*When I flew cross country the last time, Delta zip tied my unlocked soft suitcase lock, plus the entire suitcase.

Respectfully, you can make that argument to the TSA regulatory inspectors who prepare the civil enforcement case against you (which can carry a hefty fine), but I think it's a lot easier just to follow the rules...

Civil Enforcement | Transportation Security Administration

While I am not willing to concede that my "outer case is the hard-sided case" is against the rules, I am heartily in favor of avoiding potential arguments with airlines or TSA employees while traveling.

Thanks, fellas. It was a useful discussion for me. I will stick with the standard "small, locked hard-case w/ unloaded gun inside larger checked suitcase" that I have been using to date.

 

[The Big D]

TSA locks ARE okay.

As the subject line states, TSA locks are okay for use on your suitcase AND on your hard sided gun case.

They have been okay to use for quite some time.

Check the TSA site if you don’t believe me.

Be safe.

 

[BC38]

Why? ...I think the outer case, the main luggage case, could fit that requirement, right?

Yes it does - as long as it is a sturdy, hard-sided suitcase with approved locks. I've done it several times.
In fact I have a medium-sized, hard-sided, molded plastic "rolling" suitcase I specifically purchased for this purpose, and have flown with as many as 6 guns (and some clothing) inside this one piece of luggage.
Never had any problems.