Travel with Gun in Checked Luggage-New Info

[The Big D]

Just returned from a trip to Miami Beach and want to share my experience as I often do after travel with a gun in my checked bag.

Travel was via Reagan National (DCA) to Miami International. As always, if traveling from DCA on US Airways you convey the bag to the TSA luggage screening area personally. After check in with the US Airways agent, of course. On this occasion, the agent wanted to see the gun and ensure it was unloaded. No worries. He also asked me to place the "gun tag" in the gun case. That was easy as was the time spent awaiting TSA clearance...mere minutes.

Departing MIA the US Airways agent simply had me sign the "gun tag" and he completed the flights info. He then carried the bag to the TSA site with me following. Though I could see into the TSA area I could not see whatever they did with my bag. However, I was given a thumbs up minutes later.

Upon arrival in DC late night I opened my bag before the long dark drive home. It was a bit of a surprise to find TSA has opened/inspected my bag as witnessed by a "Notice of Baggage Inspection" form in the bag. This rarely has happened to me. No worries!

They had also opened the box containing the gun and ammo. It was relocked properly, however.

Though some here still aver TSA combination locks cannot be used, this again proves they are appropriate and authorized. Both my Samsonite suitcase and the Doscocil gun box are secured with TSA locks.

Hope this info is useful.

Be safe.

 

[chief38]

Most of the problems concerning traveling with weapons is the fact that most of the people in charge don't really know the law or proper procedure.

In my Home State, some of the Cities within that State do not honor the State's Carry Permit. Pathetic.... but true! If I want to fly out of a major Airport within the City, I can not legally bring a weapon to the Airport within city limits. There are SUPPOSED TO BE procedures to legally circumvent these stupid laws, but neither the Police, Airport Personnel or anybody else I've spoken too can give me a clear definitive answer. Since I choose not to spend my vacation in jail or Court Rooms, I do not bother to even try.

One of my friends is an FBI Agent and even he has been told he can not enter certain parts of "Gun Free" restricted zones with his weapon unless on official business!!!

Chief38

 

[Neumann]

TSA regulations are quite clear. The weapon must be unloaded and secured in an hard sided container, to which only you can have a key or combination. TSA locks are not appropriate. Ammunition does not need to be secured, as long as it is in a container designed for that purpose. That container can be in the same box as the firearm.

By using a TSA lock, you were in technical violation of the law. More important, you exposed your firearm to theft.

 

[NE450No2]

TSA regulations are quite clear. The weapon must be unloaded and secured in an hard sided container, to which only you can have a key or combination. TSA locks are not appropriate. Ammunition does not need to be secured, as long as it is in a container designed for that purpose. That container can be in the same box as the firearm.

By using a TSA lock, you were in technical violation of the law. More important, you exposed your firearm to theft.

EXACTLY.

And also if TSA wants to look at your gun, you do not send the key to TSA you must be present when TSA opens the gun case.
Ane when they lock it up, or most normaly have you locket it up again you retrain the key.

Whenever you fly with a firearm you need to print off the "rules" of the airlines, and the TSA rules. Many of the "workers" do not know their own rules.
When I encounter people that don't, I ask for a Supervisor. If the Supervisor does not know the rules, I ask for the Director of Security for the airline, or the head TSA person at the airport, depending on the people that are causing the problems, and an on duty Airport Police Officer, as I will tell the "offenders" I an going to insist they be arrested for breaking the law.

I have only had to ask for a Supervisor for the Airlines a couple of times.

Never any problems with TSA, except when once they wanted me to send the key to the guncase with a "runner" from the gate to their inspection room
I refused, got on the phone with the TSA and told them they were fixing to break the law..

I insisted that they hold the plane, if I had to come down there and open up the gun case. I was leaving for Africa..

Well I was escorted to the inspection room, where I unlocked the gun case, and the TSA guy, a retired Police Officer, inspected the contents. Then as he or any body else could never get all that stuff back into the TuffPak, had me repack it.

THEN a TSA Supervisor showed up, no Police experience and started to get crappy with me, and the other TSA personal there as to why I was allowed into the inspection room, so I jumped in his mess kit, advising him that it was against the law for TSA to be in my guncase with out me present, and maybe he should look at his own rules or get some on duty real police dwon here...

Well long story sort I had HIM escort me back to my departure gate, they did hold the plane..

En route he actually mellowed out and was not a bad guy after all, he just did not know his own agency rules...

TSA had X rayed the case, but in their defense I did have some strange looking stuff I was taking to Zim in the guncase with the guns...

So I did give them, and told them so, high regards for their vigilance.

They have a very hard and very necessary job to do.

However when a passenger follows their rules, they should know, and follow their own rules.

 

[NE450No2]

Whenever I fly, I fly with a lot of "stuff".

I have had TSA ask to look in my carry on a few times.

Once it was a baggie full of change for the hotel vending machines.

Once was because they thought I had a couple of loaded speedloaders in my carryon. It was a couple of the SureFire battery spares containers...

Once when they swabbed my carry on, I was going on a hunting trip to Alaska and using my day pack, as my carry, on it set off the BOMB detector.

Now that was exciting for a few minutes.

I use that backpack at the range when I practice with my hunting guns...

I still fly with it, sometimes but I no longer use it for a carry on...

 

[The Big D]

A few last words and I am forever done (perhaps) with "debating" this topic.

Some posters continue to aver TSA locks are not authorized; THEY ARE. This has been proven through practical experience and in person talks with TSA personnel including sworn personnel. In my personal experience it has been proven in practical application at the following airports: Bradley International, Denver, DCA, BWI, La Guardia, Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm, LAX, SFO, LAS, San Antonio, PHL, PIT, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Providence, Boise, Spokane, O'Hare, Rochester, MSP, San Diego, MCO, Atlanta, Charlotte, Key West, Tampa, New Orleans, Newark, Salt Lake City, DTW, Cleveland, Louisville, Memphis, Knoxville, Asheville, Greensboro, Dulles, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Kansas City, JAX, and more.

In addition, TSA doesn't ask to open your bags...ever. They will open as they deem necessary. If your bag is opened and doesn't have a TSA lock and cannot be relocked it won't fly if it contains a gun. That's a fact.

Be safe.

 

[RevTracy]

In addition, TSA doesn't ask to open your bags...ever. They will open as they deem necessary. If your bag is opened and doesn't have a TSA lock and cannot be relocked it won't fly if it contains a gun. That's a fact.

Be safe.

OK...not to belabor this discussion, but I have a question of clarification. I am traveling to L.A. in 2 weeks to visit family and friends. I moved FROM there to Colorado 2 years ago. When I did, I forgot to pack my little pocket pistol...my friend has kept it for me. I plan to bring it back with me, so I am taking one of my GunVault cases with me (empty) and plan to return with my pistol. I know that the case is TSA approved, but do I need a TSA baggage lock on my checked bag? From what you've said it appears I do, but I just want to make certain...I don't want any surprises at LAX...

 

[elm_creek_smith]

OK...not to belabor this discussion, but I have a question of clarification. I am traveling to L.A. in 2 weeks to visit family and friends. I moved FROM there to Colorado 2 years ago. When I did, I forgot to pack my little pocket pistol...my friend has kept it for me. I plan to bring it back with me, so I am taking one of my GunVault cases with me (empty) and plan to return with my pistol. I know that the case is TSA approved, but do I need a TSA baggage lock on my checked bag? From what you've said it appears I do, but I just want to make certain...I don't want any surprises at LAX...

I'd drive.

ECS

 

[The Big D]

That's a good question, RevTracy, and here's the best answer I can provide as I do not recall specific check-in procedures at LAX...meaning I don't recall whether the bag is TSA checked near the counter or beyond.

The gun case with a lock is sufficient, per se. In fact the suitcase can be soft-sided though that's not a good idea for any traveling...w/gun or not, IMHO.

That said, I recommend getting a TSA combination lock. They are relatively inexpensive and can be found at Wal Mart, Staples, etc. (TSA personnel have keys that will open them.)

If TSA has to open the gun case and cannot lock it anew it will not fly. Do remember to declare the fact you have a gun in your bag when checking in at the ticket counter. You must use an airline agent there. Self-service kiosks can be used for your boarding pass (as can any computer) but you MUST check the bag and declare the gun with the airline agent. Curbside check-in cannot be used, obviously.

Hope this helps.

Be safe.

OK...not to belabor this discussion, but I have a question of clarification. I am traveling to L.A. in 2 weeks to visit family and friends. I moved FROM there to Colorado 2 years ago. When I did, I forgot to pack my little pocket pistol...my friend has kept it for me. I plan to bring it back with me, so I am taking one of my GunVault cases with me (empty) and plan to return with my pistol. I know that the case is TSA approved, but do I need a TSA baggage lock on my checked bag? From what you've said it appears I do, but I just want to make certain...I don't want any surprises at LAX...

 

[Moonman]

ANY QUESTIONS?

Check ALL WEBSITES concerned.

All your Questions can be answered by each SPECIFIC AIRLINES PROCEDURES, they are not all the same procedures.

TSA website for THEIR REGULATIONS ON FLYING WITH FIREARMS.

The STATE and LOCAL LAWS of your departure/destination do apply.

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL THE INFORMATION.

MAKE COPIES of the information and keep it with you.

Life is MUCH easier when you do your HOMEWORK FIRST.

Many people fly everyday with firearms, YOU JUST HAVE TO KNOW THE LAW AND PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.

 

[Neumann]

A few last words and I am forever done (perhaps) with "debating" this topic.

Some posters continue to aver TSA locks are not authorized; THEY ARE. This has been proven through practical experience and in person talks with TSA personnel including sworn personnel. In my personal experience it has been proven in practical application at the following airports: Bradley International, Denver, DCA, BWI, La Guardia, Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm, LAX, SFO, LAS, San Antonio, PHL, PIT, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Providence, Boise, Spokane, O'Hare, Rochester, MSP, San Diego, MCO, Atlanta, Charlotte, Key West, Tampa, New Orleans, Newark, Salt Lake City, DTW, Cleveland, Louisville, Memphis, Knoxville, Asheville, Greensboro, Dulles, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Kansas City, JAX, and more.

In addition, TSA doesn't ask to open your bags...ever. They will open as they deem necessary. If your bag is opened and doesn't have a TSA lock and cannot be relocked it won't fly if it contains a gun. That's a fact.

Be safe.

The fact that you violated the rules and got away with it does not alter the rules. Violation is a civil offence, which can carry a fine up to $10,000. The TSA page has pictures, if that would help.

The TSA does open bags containing firearms. You are advised to be there and available if the firearm itself must be inspected. This has happened to me twice - once in Chicago O'Hare and once in Ft. Meyers, Florida. On several other occasions, they have notified me that they were opening the outer bag for inspection while I was there waiting, although there is no obligation for them to do so.

There is no requirement for the outer bag to be locked, but it makes sense. If you don't use a TSA lock, they may cut the lock as needed. The TSA states that if they need to open the firearm container, and you are not available, the bag will not fly. Individual airlines may have more stringent requirements, and these requirements change from time to time and at various locations.

 

[madmikeb]

When I fly I take both a TSA lock and a non TSA lock, that way I'm covered either way, and ask at the counter which they would have me use. In Tucson they always have me use the TSA lock. In other airports it could be either. I have never had any issues with the ticket counter people or TSA. They have always been courteous and professional, which makes me tend to think that people that have issues with them maybe display a bad attitude?

 

[The Big D]

Wow, you simply don't get it. As I have advised, TSA locks are appropriate, authorized, legal, proper, you name it...surely doubt so many TSA sites would have simply ignored/forgiven my repeated "violations" of the law. (Yes, I have personally flown with a gun in my checked bag to each and every one of the airports listed.)

To those who choose to believe me, please understand that in many airports you are nowhere near the TSA bag screening area. Your bag goes there on a conveyor after counter check-in. I can assure you there is no chance you will be invited to the bowels of BWI International or the Chatanooga airport should TSA folks want to open your bag...and this does not apply just to carriage of a gun.

Be safe.

The fact that you violated the rules and got away with it does not alter the rules. Violation is a civil offence, which can carry a fine up to $10,000. The TSA page has pictures, if that would help.

The TSA does open bags containing firearms. You are advised to be there and available if the firearm itself must be inspected. This has happened to me twice - once in Chicago O'Hare and once in Ft. Meyers, Florida. On several other occasions, they have notified me that they were opening the outer bag for inspection while I was there waiting, although there is no obligation for them to do so.

There is no requirement for the outer bag to be locked, but it makes sense. If you don't use a TSA lock, they may cut the lock as needed. The TSA states that if they need to open the firearm container, and you are not available, the bag will not fly. Individual airlines may have more stringent requirements, and these requirements change from time to time and at various locations.

 

[RevTracy]

Thanks for the info...I think I will simply follow the rules and hope for the best.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

From the TSA site:

* TSA must resolve all alarms of checked luggage. 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.

This indicates that the TSA won't have a key to open the container for the firearm. If you used TSA locks, they wouldn't need you to be available to open the container.

ECS

 

[WC145]

Wow, you simply don't get it. As I have advised, TSA locks are appropriate, authorized, legal, proper, you name it...surely doubt so many TSA sites would have simply ignored/forgiven my repeated "violations" of the law. (Yes, I have personally flown with a gun in my checked bag to each and every one of the airports listed.)

To those who choose to believe me, please understand that in many airports you are nowhere near the TSA bag screening area. Your bag goes there on a conveyor after counter check-in. I can assure you there is no chance you will be invited to the bowels of BWI International or the Chatanooga airport should TSA folks want to open your bag...and this does not apply just to carriage of a gun.

Be safe.

The Big D and I have been having this discussion for a couple of years now and we both say the same things every time. He is correct - you CAN use "TSA locks" on your gun case in your checked luggage, not a problem, not illegal. However, using a TSA lock on your gun case means that anyone with a TSA key can access your gun and whatever else you have in that case - ammo, knife, etc.. If you're okay with that, like The Big D, go ahead and use a TSA lock. Personally, I don't want anyone accessing my gun, ammo, and other gear without me being present so I choose to NOT use TSA locks. I would rather be bothered than have someone messing with my kit. You make the choice as to how you want to do it - do want someone to be able to get to your gun without your knowledge or not? For me the answer is simple - no.

 

[GerSan69]

I'm a LEO at an airport. While I don't dispute that you can/can't use a particular type of lock, I can shed some light on a couple issues of interest.
First, TSA personnel are not permitted to touch firearms under any circumstances. If a weapon must be removed from a bag, a LEO must do it.
I don't want to disparage TSA. They have a very difficult job... believe me, I see it every day. They have mostly good people who take their responsibility very seriously. But it's no secret that like any other job, they do have some bad apples. You've all probably heard of the several well-publicized cases of thefts from passengers. That said, if you use a TSA lock on your firearms, you're asking for trouble. Not only are there several keys to your lock at every airport, most of those things can be twisted off with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Trust me, I've seen the results. Don't press your luck; get a decent locked case.

To those who choose to believe me, please understand that in many airports you are nowhere near the TSA bag screening area. Your bag goes there on a conveyor after counter check-in. I can assure you there is no chance you will be invited to the bowels of BWI International or the Chatanooga airport should TSA folks want to open your bag...and this does not apply just to carriage of a gun.

Actually, I've escorted passenger several times into the restricted area to open a gun case that contains a loaded or undeclared firearm. Not to mention,the folks that leave a loaded magazine in a semi-auto even with the chamber empty (classified as "loaded.") Or leaving a loaded magazine in your gun case...

 

[Bedrockk]

Until now, I've always traveled on airplanes w/ just & carry-on & no checked luggage (obviously, no firearm in tow).

My question is: if I want to keep traveling light, can I just check the secure gun case for my flight or must the gun case always still be locked w/in a larger luggage case?

 

[Out West]

Last year when flying home from Albuquerque NM the American agent started prying on the edges of my Doskosil case (plastic). With a great deal of effort he was able to pry up one edge enough to barely see the pistol inside. As a result, he said that the gun box was unsat and that unless I could lock down that edge, it would not being going home with me. Funny thing is the same agent went into the back and came out with a drill and we were able to secure the case to his satisfaction.

Since then I have replaced that case with an all metal box. The lock uses a key that looks like one of those that open up a pop machine. I do not believe it to be a TSA approved lock. Even if I wanted to use a TSA approved lock there is no provision for adding or substituting a lock with this box. I have flown a couple times with the new box without any issues, but am now wondering if I should be expecting some kind of hassle given that the lock is not TSA approved?

Out
West

 

[Josh83]

I am new here, but have been around guns and gun forums for a while. I want to address that there is some misinformation being passed off as fact here. If you go to TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security you will find regulations for flying with firearms. Those regulations make it clear that the case only be accessable by you. TSA locks are accessable by many people, therefore, they are not in compliance with the regulation. The same page also states that the firearm tag must go INSIDE the outer bag, but OUTSIDE the gun case. Just because someone uses TSA locks and doesn't have a problem doesn't make it correct. If I drive 100 miles an hour down the interstate and don't get a ticket, that doesn't mean I complied with the speed limit. As was stated before, print out the TSA reg's and the reg's for the airline you are flying on and take all of that with you to the airport.