First time flying with a firearm

[ikeo1]

From what I have been told by a supervisory TSA official, you are wrong on some points, but that could also simply be your experience.
DO NOT USE A TSA LOCK ON THE OUTER SUITCASE.
Airlines that I frequently use DO NOT even look at my weapon. They simply ask you to fill out the card. I PROVIDE TAPE to attach it to the weapon box.
I have NEVER had anyone open up a luggage item once it left my immediate presence. Only in front of me, most often in Idaho.

I wouldn't say I'm wrong, I used to travel with firearms frequently for competitions. It's all dependent on the airline, TSA, and staff. It's always in front of you. I'm talking about after you hand it to them, it still goes through the scanner. As you mentioned, you attach the form to the outer gun box. That still goes through x-ray. Depending on the airline, they'll open up your suitcase see the form and close it back up.

If you have a non-tsa lock on the outer AND inner case, how do they see your form?

https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/transportation-security-administration-national-firearms-document.pdf

 

[Malibu]

“Passengers may use any brand or type of
lock to secure the case, including TSA-recognized locks.”
“MAY use” does not mean SHALL use. Where do you see that you SHALL use a TSA lock anywhere? Please help me to see this.

 

[22plinker]

If you have a non-tsa lock on the outer AND inner case, how do they see your form?

What if there is no form or notification at all?


Here's my Alaska trip experience. We were doing a 18 day motorcycle adventure so all my gear was packed in a huge heave duty hockey duffle bag.

It was with Alaskan Airlines and I was leaving San Diego and had the same exact experience the OP did. (had my own locks on the duffle and revolver case) The attendant was very unpleasant and had me completely remove the huge 44 mag SS revolver right at the counter for "her" to inspection and then stated the form needed to be inside the case and to wait the 15 min's incase TSA wanted to check it out. (there wasn't a scene but I could feel some tension behind me because people usually don't see someone brandish a big SS revolver at the check in counter)


Sooo, on my way back flying out of Anchorage. I tell the attendant I have the revolver and he says "did you shoot it" I said "no" and he said "ahh don't worry about it but we need to bomb swab your duffle, here's your boarding pass, just take your duffle to the end of the counter". I did and even told the swab guy that I did have a revolver in there and he said we are just checking for explosives. He swabbed the bag, said "you're good" and to have a safe trip.

San Diego CA vs Anchorage AK are truly 2 different worlds. To add to the story, in SD I had to weigh and pay an oversized bag fee. On my way back I put the bag up on the scale first and the guy said "take it off". I told him it was heavy and he said "that's fine" and did not weigh or charge for the bag.

Safe travels to all and hope everyone has as good of experiences flying with a firearm.

Matt

 

[Malibu]

If you have a non-tsa lock on the outer AND inner case, how do they see your form?

They most often (although I’ve never had to do this) recall you to the area that they designate, and ask for the key or combination. In the event that they ever cut your locks, I ALWAYS carry a spare set attached to my carry-on bag.

 

[ikeo1]

They most often (although I’ve never had to do this) recall you to the area that they designate, and ask for the key or combination. In the event that they ever cut your locks, I ALWAYS carry a spare set attached to my carry-on bag.

They should never ask for the combination. If that's how you roll with locks on both inner and outer, that's a different method and it works for you. Just saying its a standard process too have locks. If you want the deep dive, all good. I don't need to win.

Just saying this is what I've seen and get in and out without any issues. The main issue is my bag not shipping with me.

“Passengers may use any brand or type of
lock to secure the case, including TSA-recognized locks.”
“MAY use” does not mean SHALL use. Where do you see that you SHALL use a TSA lock anywhere? Please help me to see this.

The documentation is for the locked container with the firearm. The terminology is case = firearm/ inner case and baggage/checked luggage is the outer case

Regardless, just have a lock on both.

 

[ikeo1]

What if there is no form or notification at all?


Here's my Alaska trip experience. We were doing a 18 day motorcycle adventure so all my gear was packed in a huge heave duty hockey duffle bag.

It was with Alaskan Airlines and I was leaving San Diego and had the same exact experience the OP did. (had my own locks on the duffle and revolver case) The attendant was very unpleasant and had me completely remove the huge 44 mag SS revolver right at the counter for "her" to inspection and then stated the form needed to be inside the case and to wait the 15 min's incase TSA wanted to check it out. (there wasn't a scene but I could feel some tension behind me because people usually don't see someone brandish a big SS revolver at the check in counter)


Sooo, on my way back flying out of Anchorage. I tell the attendant I have the revolver and he says "did you shoot it" I said "no" and he said "ahh don't worry about it but we need to bomb swab your duffle, here's your boarding pass, just take your duffle to the end of the counter". I did and even told the swab guy that I did have a revolver in there and he said we are just checking for explosives. He swabbed the bag, said "you're good" and to have a safe trip.

San Diego CA vs Anchorage AK are truly 2 different worlds. To add to the story, in SD I had to weigh and pay an oversized bag fee. On my way back I put the bag up on the scale first and the guy said "take it off". I told him it was heavy and he said "that's fine" and did not weigh or charge for the bag.

Safe travels to all and hope everyone has as good of experiences flying with a firearm.

Matt

Helluva story... You never know what you're going to get when it comes to TSA and Airline staff.

 

[Malibu]

Helluva story... You never know what you're going to get when it comes to TSA and Airline staff.

Exactly…and points to why I’m cynical and of the belief of universal incompetence. It is what it is.