New TSA Firearms web page.

[XD_fan]

I was looking up the TSA page to flying with firearms and found the TSA has re-done their firearms web page. Not only does it use some of the worst web design ever its full of disinformation.

In the list of bulleted items there is this beauty "We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container."

This is in clear violation of their own rules.

 

[heypete]

I don't think they're saying that you should permanently give them the key or combination; you'll note it says you'll need to be present there if they need to open it. I think it's just so you don't suddenly open your case, grab your gun, and shoot them (as unlikely as that is). They'd rather you be there to observe them opening the case, but they remain in control of the situation.

Not an unreasonable request, I suppose, though I'd offer to unlock the lock using my key or combination, but then step back to have them remove the lock and open the case.

 

[cowboybobb693]

TSA ??
Is that the Transportation Safety Administration or.............
To Stupid for Arbys???????????????
Just wondering

 

[1911 guy]

Flew to Az. this year.

They demanded I surrender my keys to open my handgun case. It had been previously checked at the counter and by the officer/agent there. My bags were in a "secure area" that I was not allowed into. I was given the choice to give up my keys or not come home on that flight.

&*%$ing gov agencies.

 

[heypete]

They demanded I surrender my keys to open my handgun case. It had been previously checked at the counter and by the officer/agent there. My bags were in a "secure area" that I was not allowed into. I was given the choice to give up my keys or not come home on that flight.

Easy -- tell them that their own rules state that you must be present when the case is opened. Insist that they bring the case out to you, or you to the case, and you'll be glad to open it for them.

I'd rather miss the flight than give them the key...

 

[pcf]

In the list of bulleted items there is this beauty "We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container."

Instead of selective quotes how about the whole thing....

We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.

If a combinitaion lock is used, one should open the cases for an inspecting officer, what they have on their website is in accordance with their own rules.

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

It would be nice if they would mention that the manufacturers original packaging for factory ammunition is a suitable container.

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

1911 Guy, that is why I always print out the TSA page and the airline page before every flight. Works like a charm.

 

[Cacique500]

49 CFR 1540.111.c.2.iv:

http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title49/part1540.html#1540.105

(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

They DO NOT get my key and they DO NOT get my combination. I will unlock them for inspection as required by federal law, but they never touch the key or the firearm. Print it out and take it with you - I've had to use the regs on several occasions now. The actual Federal code conflicts with what TSA has on their website. Notice how they say "We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer" - you can recommend all you want, but it's against Federal law.

+1 Heypete

 

[JohnKSa]

They picked a nice pistol for the pic on the page.

 

[Dmack_901]

Isn't it illegal to solicit crime?

And wouldn't the TSA's recomendation and in some cases, demand, qualify as such a solicitation?

 

[oops!]

More reasons to not fly commercially in the U.S.

The TSA system is a total failure. The training, or lack thereof, for the agents is a joke.

The TSA is trying to use fast food level employees to enforce complex federal laws.