TexasCHLforum.com

Wow I would never lock my firearm with a cheap TSA lock. I've always used a traditional padlock with my pelican case. I've been asked a handful of times to open cases so TSA could check it. I've also been asked once or twice by the ticketing agent to prove it was unloaded while I was at the ticket counter. I would have to remove the gun while at the counter and demonstrate it was unloaded, that's a sure fire way to get weird looks.

If your entire luggage is a hard side container. Like a metal case, that can count as the hard sided container. There were a few youtube videos online and websites about packing for the friendly sky, I need to find them again. Some airlines are not gun friendly, others don't mind, and some count them as an additional checked bag.