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

[Shinesintx]

Oops, I may get a $500 fine from the TSA. I am posting my stupidity in the hopes that others do not make the same mistake that I did.

Earlier, I declared my firearm at the SWA counter. A few minutes previous to that, I stored my lil LCP in its lockable container and put it in my bag to be checked. As I was turning in my rental car, I had to be a bit discreet in putting the weapon into my baggage. This was done discreetly, but hurriedly...which ends up being a HUGE mistake.

Went through security, bought a Starbucks coffee, and was wandering around as I had a few hours to kill before my flight. While meandering the terminal, my name comes over the airports speaker system (Not once, but twice). I immediately get a sick and sinking feeling in my stomach. I forgot to take the magazine out of my .380.

As soon as I exit the secure area and turn the corner to the SWA counter...there are EIGHT officers and 3 TSA guys. Thank God they were smiling and did not look menacing.

They took pics of my LCP, wrote down my info, and asked a million questions. We also talked about Glocks, the new LC9, why I chose the Solo over the LC9, reloading, and why they thought I should carry with one in the chamber. The head TSA guy was an instructor. Of what, I have no clue...but he was very friendly and cool about the whole ordeal.

The head TSA guy assured me (along with local LEO) that what I had done was less criminal than running a stop sign. There will be no charges, only a fine. The TSA guy said I should receive something in the mail in about three weeks. Overall, everyone was really professional and they never made me feel like a criminal. They all got a good chuckle when I informed them that I would give them a glowing review on Glocktalk and TexasCHL. I think one of the LEO's was a member. Not positive, just a hunch.

Just thought I would share with all you guys so that you do not make the same mistake as I. Its gonna cost me a few hundred bucks, but thankfully, no charges or loss of my CCW permit.

[C-dub]

Sorry.

Lesson learned.

[RoyGBiv]

Thanks for sharing.... Small Oops, big fine.

[AEA]

Yea.......but....

They seem to have a problem detecting stun guns WITH BATTERIES in them!

[alvins]

how can you be fined if your not convicted of somthing?

[Shinesintx]

how can you be fined if your not convicted of somthing?

Should I appeal it at the Federal level?

[74novaman]

Wow! That's really a 500 dollar fine? Ouch!

Thanks for sharing though. Not many people are willing to admit to a mistake to teach others. One of the things I love about this forum, people aren't afraid of sharing.

[McKnife]

I'm confused by your encounter with TSA. Everytime I've flown with a checked firearm, I had it locked in a pelican case with a non-TSA rotary lock so NO ONE could get in without my one and only key.

When you check your luggage, you are supposed to verify its unloaded and fill out a declaration card. Once you locked the case, how did TSA get access to your firearm?

I was under the impression that TSA is not allowed to open the case or handle your firearm whatsoever.

What am I missing?

Another thing, I think that's a civil fine, not criminal. No way would I ever give TSA anything.

[johnson0317]

?

Could they have run it through x-ray? I would think that is equally intrusive as breaking the lock. What cause would they have had?

RJ

[Shinesintx]

I'm confused by your encounter with TSA. Everytime I've flown with a checked firearm, I had it locked in a pelican case with a non-TSA rotary lock so NO ONE could get in without my one and only key.

When you check your luggage, you are supposed to verify its unloaded and fill out a declaration card. Once you locked the case, how did TSA get access to your firearm?

I was under the impression that TSA is not allowed to open the case or handle your firearm whatsoever.

What am I missing?

Another thing, I think that's a civil fine, not criminal. No way would I ever give TSA anything.

Yes, I verified that it was unloaded. The problem, is with the word "unloaded". What does it mean? To me, loaded means that the weapon is unchambered....and so therefore, I assumed my gun was unloaded. TSA does not see it this way.

I have flown MANY times with loaded mags that are locked up. I was informed today that this was illegal also.

My thoughts on my mishap: TSA is not fluent in their own rules. It depends on who you talk to.

[Shinesintx]

Wow! That's really a 500 dollar fine? Ouch!

Thanks for sharing though. Not many people are willing to admit to a mistake to teach others. One of the things I love about this forum, people aren't afraid of sharing.

I only posted it because I figure that the mistake was something that most anyone could make. Its not like I smoked a fatty and threw back a few 40's and then tried to go thru security with a loaded High Point.


The absolute biggest surprise with the whole ordeal??? I did not get cuffed and receive a complementary prostate exam.

[SpikeTX]

The TSA is messed up! They are the only organization that can create their own rules and regulations and not abide by any state or federal law. Congress gave them to much power and no real regulatory board.

I thought I read on one airline that allows mag loaded but you need to use tape across the top. Which isn't a good thing pending the tape used and the residue left behind (extra cleaning).

[McKnife]

Once you locked the case, how did TSA get access to your firearm?

Im still confused how and why TSA opened your case.

One you declare and lock your case at the ticket counter, it cant be opened (or inspected) by anyone but you.

Did you lock the case?

Not trying to be critical of you, im just confused.

[Crossfire]

I had a hard time understanding this, at first, too. But, from the story, I believe the OP checked his bag, but failed to declare the firearm.

[McKnife]

I had a hard time understanding this, at first, too. But, from the story, I believe the OP checked his bag, but failed to declare the firearm.

I don't think that's right either because he specifically stated:

Earlier, I declared my firearm at the SWA counter. A few minutes previous to that, I stored my lil LCP in its lockable container and put it in my bag to be checked. As I was turning in my rental car, I had to be a bit discreet in putting the weapon into my baggage. This was done discreetly, but hurriedly...which ends up being a HUGE mistake.