I went hog hunting in Texas a couple weeks ago. Put my guns in a carry case, checked them in through TSA, put my non-TSA locks on it (3 of them), handed my case to TSA. I pick up my case in Corpus Christi, get to the hotel, and notice one lock is missing. A second combo lock springs when I finally manage to open it (so it was being worked on pretty hard) the third was ok. I had a .308 hunting rifle, .40 Sig hand gun, ammo and a kinfe in there. Somehow they managed to steal my kinfe, but the rest made it. I guess they ran out of time. I had a delay leaving my home airport, which was the only place anybody would have had time to work on it. I reported it, but so what, they don't care. I only write this so that you'll all consider it when choosing the type of case you'll use if you ever check a gun. I'm ordering a much more expensive case! Mine is plastic, which held up well, but obviously not well enough. Why they didn't just cut the plastic is beyond me. Idiots.
Checking your Gun at the airport
- Thread starter OhioChief
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alemonkey
Member
When you check a gun is it labeled as such? Maybe a locking hard case that doesn't look like a regular gun case would be a good idea.
adelbridge
Member
they put a special tag in there that shows up on the x-ray. Your bags are insured, raise hell because they take these issues very seriously. Think about it, a knife was let loose into a secure area. Dont let this go away.
Romeo 33 Delta
Member
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ABSOLUTELY!
I'd make such a stink that TSA would beg to get Rand Paul back in my place.
It's EXACTLY what all this enhanced "SECURITY CRAP" is all about and I'd not let it go until I had my knife back and some <deleted> was rotting in a prison cell for about 25 years. And any of his/her co-workers who knew as well, but said nothing about it.
I'd make such a stink that TSA would beg to get Rand Paul back in my place.
It's EXACTLY what all this enhanced "SECURITY CRAP" is all about and I'd not let it go until I had my knife back and some <deleted> was rotting in a prison cell for about 25 years. And any of his/her co-workers who knew as well, but said nothing about it.
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clem
Member
File a theft report with the airlines and TSA.
My first rule-of-thumb when traveling, is to assure that anything of value has a serial number on it, that ties it to me, such as a driver's license number, or a number that I create, etc. I never use my SS number.
Second, I have photographs of the items, showing the numbers (separate and all packed).
Third, pack everything securely.
If something comes up missing, report it and demand it be followed-up. After all, if the items are so dangerous that they must be declared and transported "securely", doesn't it make sense that their theft under under the TSA's control should be taken equally (if not more) seriously?
Geno
Second, I have photographs of the items, showing the numbers (separate and all packed).
Third, pack everything securely.
If something comes up missing, report it and demand it be followed-up. After all, if the items are so dangerous that they must be declared and transported "securely", doesn't it make sense that their theft under under the TSA's control should be taken equally (if not more) seriously?
Geno
It's amazing how serious TSA is about what you carry through security. They made my wife throw away f'n tooth paste. I have filed compaints and may hear something back. But can you imagine if they would have gotten my guns. I had a Sig .40 and ammo in there. Someone would be behind security, with my loaded gun. All the security that goes into checking firearms, and all the rules about what you can and cannot check, and they seem to turn a blind eye to theft once it's in their hands. I will continue to raise hell. But just wanted to send this comment out incase anybody here traveled in the future, just take extra steps. Thanks guys.
Chris-bob
Member
There is no 'special tag' that shows up on the x-ray. Generally, they(the airlines, not TSA) put a not inside that releases the airline from liability if the firearms are stolen.
As to knives in a secure area. I work in an Airport and am always carrying at least one multi-tool, a little single blade folding Buck and a Kershaw half serrated folding, spring assisted knife. That's even in the sterile areas of the airport. TSA does not care because I have clearance for those areas. So if they saw someone with a hunting knife, they probably wouldn't do jack about it.
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benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
The firearm declaration tag does, I believe, show up on X-ray, so that the X-ray screener can see that the guns in the bag have been checked without opening the case (since IIRC TSA is legally not supposed to be able to open the box containing the firearm after it is locked, per Federal law).
tikka-guy
Member
Federal statutes state that the person who checked the firearms should be the only person capable of unlocking it. So, yes, as a consequence TSA agents should not be able to open your case.
It would be so easy to install surveillance cameras every place your baggage is handled. I can't believe stuff like this happens. And judging by the frequency of it, most of the time they get away with it.
I used to check mine but now i just ups them to myself at the hotel i will be staying with full insurance and proper description of contents! If younlie aboutnwhats in it the insurance is void! Domestic it works great and is 50lbs less to drag through the airport and worry about. Its sitting at the hotel when i get there. Orobably wont work as well if you stay in fleabag hotels
Of course i use a pelican or alumacase and save the origional shipping cardboard the case came in to put the case in to protect from scratches.
Of course i use a pelican or alumacase and save the origional shipping cardboard the case came in to put the case in to protect from scratches.
RangerHAAF
Member
Whenever I make a trip like yours I send my rifles ahead using Federal Express or UPS Next Day Air. It's just too easy for thieves at the airport.
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