Why even bother declaring at the airport?

[Shinesintx]

Why even bother declaring at the airport?

Please note that I am asking a question and not making a declarative statement. Last week, I declared my firearm and was given the pleasure of meeting a very pro gun Southwest Airlines check in agent . She asked if I flew a lot, I said yes ma'am...then she asked if I always flew with my gun, I said yes ma'am again. She then asked if she gave me a bunch of the cards to fill out if it would make my life easier...guess what I answered? Anyway, she gave me about 20 of the cards to fill out on my own.

So now that I have the cards, why even bother declaring? I still declared today, did not really see a reason why...I have the cards and know how to fill them out completely. It aint that hard...thoughts?

[C-dub]

Because the TSA still must be summoned and play their part in the circus. I don't they would appreciate it very much if you just approached one of them on your own.

[RoyGBiv]

Did you ask her? What'd she say?

Some airports bring TSA to you so declaring at the counter is the only way to get screened in those cases.

[Shinesintx]

The way it currently works, is that I declare a firearm to a check in agent who does not work for the TSA. I then fill out the form and tape it to my weapon case which is inside my baggage. TSA has NO idea that the gun is in my baggage...until they Xray it. Southwest does not notify them. It seems to me that SWA only part is the form?

[Shinesintx]

Did you ask her? What'd she say?

Some airports bring TSA to you so declaring at the counter is the only way to get screened in those cases.

Every airport that I have flown in and out of (Texas/Oklahoma)...the check in agent has never brought the TSA to inspect anything. They (the check in agent) just assist with the form and throw the baggage on the belt. I am just wondering why bother. I will continue to declare, just wondering.

[rcasady]

the Tampa airport will have security escort you to the x-ray machine and they will scan it right there in which you have to wait for the OK before you leave for your gate . the man told me they are just looking for ammo / gun powder .
no sure what happens behind the curtain in Houston but it much easier to fly out of Texas than out of Florida
come to think of it , ive never checked a small pistol case before ,only a rifle case with multiple weapons im not sure how it would work since my checked luggage is long gone before i get done with the x-ray if i wanted to put my pistol in my check bag ....

also, im always told to put my info card inside my case which is locked by me so i dont even see the point of the card . they cant open the case unless they destroy it or ask me nicely

[hi-power]

Flying American Airlines out of D/FW I have to be escorted from the ticket counter where I filled out the form to a TSA side room where I have to stand by while they x-ray the luggage that contains my locked handgun case. Only once did TSA ask me to open the locked case and let them inspect the gun.

Same thing flying out of Washington National. Once they pass it through the x-ray machine, they tell me I can go.

[E.Marquez]

Out of Killeen, just clerk at counter. Out of Atlanta, escorted to TSA screening room, Denver, TSA brought to counter, Dallas, just counter, no TSA, ..only places I've flown lately with my gun... so all I'll comment on.

[MasterOfNone]

Why even bother declaring at the airport?

Please note that I am asking a question and not making a declarative statement. Last week, I declared my firearm and was given the pleasure of meeting a very pro gun Southwest Airlines check in agent . She asked if I flew a lot, I said yes ma'am...then she asked if I always flew with my gun, I said yes ma'am again. She then asked if she gave me a bunch of the cards to fill out if it would make my life easier...guess what I answered? Anyway, she gave me about 20 of the cards to fill out on my own.

So now that I have the cards, why even bother declaring? I still declared today, did not really see a reason why...I have the cards and know how to fill them out completely. It aint that hard...thoughts?

Very simplistically, because you are required to declare it.

[GeekwithaGun]

The previous post asnswered it perfectly

[bayouhazard]

The theoretical purpose is to confirm it's unloaded. In practice, considering the glaring lack of competence of some checkers, it looks like the real reason is to remind citizens their place in the pecking order.

[nakedbike]

Out of Killeen, just clerk at counter. Out of Atlanta, escorted to TSA screening room, Denver, TSA brought to counter, Dallas, just counter, no TSA, ..only places I've flown lately with my gun... so all I'll comment on.

When I flew out from Denver (August 2011) a TSA agent escorted me and my luggage on his cart to the TSA room where they did the "inspection" then escorted me back to the front of the line. Wish I didn't have to make that walk with them, its so far :P

[Shinesintx]

I find it very interesting that the TSA is more involved in states other than Texas and Oklahoma. I wonder why?

[Dave2]

I find it very interesting that the TSA is more involved in states other than Texas and Oklahoma. I wonder why?

Maybe we've got a spine? Though the way we backed down from them last year makes me wonder...

[jamullinstx]

I've been through this charade of security more times than the average bear due to my job travel. Quite frankly, the level of knowledge among both the airline personnel and the TSA is abysmal. Procedures vary at every airport, and are rarely in agreement with either law or airline policy.

You must declare because if you don't, when (if), the bag is X-rayed and some sleeping someone notices the gun on the image, they will check the log that is supposed to be filed by the counter agent where you declared the weapon. If the weapon is declared, that usually suffices. There is no need to open anything, because the airline agent, not the TSA, is supposed to verify that the weapon is unloaded. If you didn't declare, there is hell to pay, including federal felony charges.

The most common errors in the prescribed procedure are:
1. Airline agent insists that the declaration form goes inside the locked gun case. This is WRONG. If a subsequent screener sees the weapon on an X-ray and decides to open your luggage, they will not see the declaration form because it's inside the locked case, which MUST NOT be locked with a TSA lock. Only the owner of the firearm is to be able to open that case. Guess what? This stupidity results in a call from the TSA to your cell phone to come open the case after you are through security, or worse, retention of your luggage.
2. The airline ticket agent refusing to verify that the gun is unloaded because of fear, discomfort, or whatever. TSA does not verify that the gun is unloaded. At most they will open the external luggage containing the pistol case and swab for explosive residue. TSA is not responsible for verifying that the gun is unloaded.

Know both the law and the particular airline's policies yourself. Have them printed out and on your person when you travel. It's at least a 50% winning bet that you will have to train the airline and the TSA personnel.