Flying with an expensive firearm

[willroute]

I have traveled with my gun without a TSA lock. Just make sure they put the paperwork in the case stating that you declared it. Put your lock on the gun, not a TSA lock. The policy does not say TSA lock.

If you arrive at your destination and your gun is missing, call the cops immediately and file a stolen property claim. It is your property and if you check it in the airline and it is missing, that is a felony. Make sure you have your serial number handy and don't take any crap from the airline or TSA. Make sure a supervisor is present when the police arrive.




http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

From the policy:
"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."

why would they cut a lock if it supposed to contain a tsa lock? Think about it. You do not want anyone with a master key pilfering your items.

 

[Fryerpower]

I toss it in the back of my plane along with a case of beer, some energy bars, and plenty of ammo. Then I jump in, fire up the engine and fly to where I am going. No TSA. No problems. I just have to be careful about where I land for fuel.

Jim

 

[Arp32]

no TSA locks??? Lol..

you are violating airline and TSA policy with that.

Texasgun, not trying to be argumentative but please read the guidelines and think it through again before giving bad advice someone else may follow (I mean that in the most respectful way possible).

The TSA locks are so they can easily search your bags without breaking your locks. It's for "convenience."

Flying with guns is a different experience.

Only the passenger is supposed to have access to the gun - they make you open and close the case when you arrive. They specifically advise you not to reveal the combination or give anyone else the key or access without you present. Why would you want to both disregard the letter and spirit of their guidelines and make it more convenient for anyone at the airport with the very rare TSA key (that opens any one of millions of dainty little locks...) access to your guns?

As I said, I once misspoke on this very topic and was promptly (and accurately) corrected by fellow members. I've flown with a few handguns and the procedure was as I described above.

 

[jmace57]

Hit Factor - I know because I was standing there watching them from 6 feet away (small airport - Colorado Springs). The ticket agent handed them the bags with me standing there - they threw it on the belt - there was a guy watching the X-Ray machine with his feet up. I assumed this was their procedure - to run it through the machine first.

The ticket agent then said "we need an inspection - there are firearms in the bag" - both TSA workers looked shocked. I was standing right in front of them the whole time with a bright orange tag in my hand. No-one else around but me and the ticket agent...so they weren't busy.

They then said "it's too late, it's already gone". I said "the hard case is unlocked and the bag is unlocked waiting for your inspection". The TSA guys said "there's nothing we can do".

So, I spent the whole flight worrying about my 2 pistols being stolen, but they were in the bag when I arrived at the airport.