Oops, I may get a $500 fine from the TSA.

[Excaliber]

from the TSA website:

Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.
Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.
TSA must resolve all alarms on checked luggage. If a locked container carrying a firearm alarms, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
Travelers 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.
Travelers may not use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
Ammunition may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows packing guidelines described above.
TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.

These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Gotta read the airline's rules, too. American Airlines, for example, states the ammo needs to be stored in the original packaging (with some leeway). So, when traveling you have to know TSA rules AND your airline's rules.

Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition or clips will not be accepted.

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... rearms.jsp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/ ... p#shooting" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's why I always use original retail box ammo packaging. It complies with everyone's rules so I don't have to change packaging when I change airlines, which is something that is sometimes done on an unplanned basis that would make things difficult if repackaging was needed.

[mamabearCali]

This is why I don't fly anymore the TSA seems to like to redefine everything according to whatever they want it to be at the time and heaven help you if you run afoul of whatever ad hoc demand they are placing on you at a certain time. Moral of the story--don't fly if you can possibly avoid it.

[E.Marquez]

This is why I don't fly anymore the TSA seems to like to redefine everything according to whatever they want it to be at the time and heaven help you if you run afoul of whatever ad hoc demand they are placing on you at a certain time. Moral of the story--don't fly if you can possibly avoid it.

By chance did you read this thread? If not, may I suggest you do, I think you’ll find your response may not be addressing the situation or other users postings..

This actually, is not a TSA bashing thread....well, not until you posted

[KingofChaos]

So I flew to boston 2 days ago, because I start school in September. Upon getting settled in and going through my carry on bag, I discovered that I had a zip-lock back of .40cal ammo in the front compartment of my backpack, maybe around 30 rounds. Then this morning when pulling books out of the same backpack, I discovered that I had about 10 rounds of .45 in the bottom of my backpack. I'm shocked that it wasn't discovered, and feel like I should inform someone. I fly out of Bush in Houston.

[Scott in Houston]

This may be a tangent but since it's page 3, I'm not as worried about it.

If I could get a waiver saying I wouldn't get arrested, I would bet anyone $10K that I could get a handgun through TSA's "security".

I travel a LOT (~100k miles/yr), and have seen enough where I'm convinced on this.
I also learned a lot when I managed to travel from Houston to Chicago to Columbus and back home with what I call my "OJ Simpson knife." It's a 7" blade with a hilt.
I spotted this in one of my bags while in flight home. I was terrified at first, then felt safe knowing I had it.

TSA is a joke. How long ago did a Houston man accidentally get through with his Glock?
I think they screen what you check more than what you carry.