pistols on planes

[obiwan1]

Esq Stu :

I would have escalated it to the supervisor's supervisor. Once in Raleigh I almost needed to do that. I also had a copy of the law with me. They eventually complied. No way would I use TSA locks!

 

[islandphish]

I use TSA locks. I've flown several times with handguns solo and handguns + ammunition. I've never had a problem checking my firearms.

Now getting through terminal security without being patted down...that's several other stories...all of which end with me getting on the plane no problem.

 

[esq_stu]

Ummm... esq_stu... how does giving the combination equate to needing TSA locks? You have made an illogical leap.

I use key locks intead of combination locks. If the TSA wants me to open the case I will. If they want to open the case I hand the person the key. I really don't care. They hand the key back when finished. The key never leaves my sight and I retain control of the case once it is re-locked.

That only works if they LET you open it. They refused and demanded the combination. It would be the same if they demanded the key. The rule requires you to retain the key or combination. It does not say you can give either to anyone.

It is just plain easier to let them open it with their own key.

 

[Jim101]

Six of us (3 couples)flew from Dallas to Daytona Beach, Fla. The three of us took our KT's. I bought this:
http://www.center-of-mass.com/
Which still comes in handy if I have to lock the gun in my car for whatever reason. Besides the KT I stored ammo in the case, no problems either way, I didn't take the KT apart, just dropped it in the case and emptied the mag., the ammo was stored in one of those small plastic continers made for ammo..

Jim

 

[Ed Ames]

On the taking apart thing...

The one time I've flown with a gun broken down (slide off the frame) was also the one time they opened the case. It took them a few seconds (out of the ten or so they were actually looking) to figure out what they were looking at. I decided, based on that statistically insignificant sampling of one, that in the future I'll just leave the gun assembled.

This is a case where you want things clear and easily understood... most TSA screeners are going to have an easier time understanding "pistol" than "bunch of metal parts..."