TexasCHLforum.com

Just to add a twist to the opinions posted, and TSA non binding interpitation of the law..
49 C.F.R. § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals.
Title 49 - Transportation

States in part:

(c) In checked baggage. A passenger may not transport or offer for transport in checked baggage or in baggage carried in an inaccessible cargo hold under §1562.23 of this chapter:
(1) Any loaded firearm(s).
(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless—
(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally or in writing, before checking the baggage, that the passenger has a firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded;
(ii) The firearm is unloaded;
(iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and
(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

To use the words found in this thread.. "Pretty clear there"

The Federal regulation states clearly, info that is contradictory to what TSA posted on line.

When I sent a request for information to TSA I was replied with.

The Federal regulation 49 C.F.R. § 1540.111 is the basis for the information on our FAQ page. Information on that FAQ page is provided to assist travelers in understanding of the federal guide lines for transporting a fire arm on a commercial carrier. It is not a replacement for the Federal regulation nor does it supersede. At all times travelers must conform to the specific regulations contained in 49 C.F.R. § 1540.111

of course, that is a non binding opinion from whoever is tasked to answer official and formal requests for information at the TSA... Could be their legal counsel, or someones 13 year old son on a "Take your Son to work day"
Never the less... it is in black and white.. NO TSA type locks allowed.

FAAPOD wrote:I've found that what is allowable is also variable from airport to airport. Declaration card on top of/inside locked case; ticket agent verifies/doesn't verify pistol is not loaded. This sort of thing. Continental (IAH) and SWA (HOU) have both told me that the box of ammo is not to be in the locked case with the firearm. As far as the case itself, you should be GTG. Just be prepared for the possibility that there may be some variation in the way they want it between the airport on this end and the airport on that end.

All of those issues go away if you bring the TSA regs with you and a copy of airline policy.

At least in my experience.. The regs are very clear (how un government like) Ammo in the case is fine, as long boxed or otherwise contained and not exposed. The tag goes INSIDE the container, no outside marking is allowed.

To the OP.
The container has to be securable to the point while locked it cannot be easily opened to gain access. Most plastic containers I’ve had my hands on fail this test./. Pelican case s being the exception. The posters point in general about the lock shackle length is an issue.. even on my pelican cases, if I use to long of a lock, it can be opened.(you still cannot get the gun out.. but it fails the test as specified)