Update on recent experience flying with handgun

[.455_Hunter]

At least this thread was informative. Usually, somebody will derail by harrumphing how they haven't flown commercially since [XXXX] and then it's a contest to see what curmudgeon can claim the earliest date and wear it around as a badge of honor. I fly frequently, and most of the time I check a sidearm or two. My son and I went eclipse hunting this past week and flew on Southwest. No drama, just the signature card taped on the outside of the metal security box that is cabled to the frame of the suitcase. DIA has a special separate screening station, which is good, so you don't have to worry about getting paged later for key access.

 

[Old Dog]

Usually, somebody will derail by harrumphing how they haven't flown commercially since [XXXX] and then it's a contest to see what curmudgeon can claim the earliest date and wear it around as a badge of honor. I

And often they seem to be the same folks who proudly claim they never travel out of their state (or maybe their village) because they refuse (on "principle" mind you, not fear) to ever go anywhere where they cannot be armed 100% of the time.

 

[Charlie98]

GET THERE EARLY AND BE FLEXIBLE

This seems like a quote from CPT Obvious... but it bears repeating. Figure... you are going to have to at least stand in line to check your weapon... which can take some time for sure... and then any other 'go here' or 'go there' instructions.... and you still have to get through security and to your gate.

Your gun case was separate from your checked luggage? Was it a long gun?

It was separate... all I had in both trips was a carry-on with clothes, and the checked pistol case. Yes, even though it was just a pistol case, both times I had to pick it up at Oversize. DAL and IND.

 

[Larry in wyoming]

In jackson hole, for united, anything that looks like a weapons case goes to Baggage Service Office (bso). If your pistol case is in a suitcase, I can't identify it so it goes on the regular bag belt. We take weapons in last.

 

[Elkins45]

So the question remains, ho do they know to divert it to lost luggage or an office?

Flying Delta out of Cincinnati they have you check in at the special services counter. The bag containing your gun goes on a special conveyor to TSA and they tell you to wait 10-15 minutes in case TSA has questions or wants you to open the locked case. I presume this is when the industrial zip ties get applied. So they might know from a note that pops up when they scan it, or in this case just look at the zip ties.

 

[Balrog]

Its too bad the airlines, airports, and TSA can't standardize on a single procedure at all locations. It would make it a lot less confusing and cause less anxiety about the process.

Seems the best way to do it would be to declare firearm at the ticket counter, fill out the card, tape to hard case, put hard case back in suitcase, and then put it on conveyor belt with other luggage, and then when you reach your destination, just have it come out on the usual baggage claim carousel. I really don't see how TSA involvement is helpful or makes anything more secure.