For those who've checked a handgun

[apostate]

Dangit. Where do I get a TSA lock? I have just have a small gold master lock to loop through the zippers. Can I get it at the airport?

Also - should I leave the whole thing unlocked on the way up, and so I can do the whole show and tell thing for TSA?

Target has TSA locks in their travel section. Walmart probably does as well. Since TSA generally eyeballs the pistol before you lock the luggage and then run the bag through their magic machine while you stand by (or at least they have in my recent experience) a TSA lock on the outside luggage is not absolutely required, but it does save the potential hassle if somebody in the bowels of the airport decides they want to triple check your underwear is clean. Your idea to leave everything unlocked until inspection is a good one.

[tomc]

Just make sure that the lock for the pistol case is NOT a TSA lock, while the lock on your suitcase holding the pistol case IS a TSA lock.

I know it is counter-intuitive, but that is how they require it.

I don't know what airline you are using or where you got the above, but I would NEVER use a TSA lock anywhere at anytime. Just about everyone has a TSA key. Unless this has changed and I don't think it has, no one is supposed to have access to any of your locks but yourself. See the many quotes by our resident TSA expert, "jimlongley".

[gigag04]

Just make sure that the lock for the pistol case is NOT a TSA lock, while the lock on your suitcase holding the pistol case IS a TSA lock.

I know it is counter-intuitive, but that is how they require it.

I don't know what airline you are using or where you got the above, but I would NEVER use a TSA lock anywhere at anytime. Just about everyone has a TSA key. Unless this has changed and I don't think it has, no one is supposed to have access to any of your locks but yourself. See the many quotes by our resident TSA expert, "jimlongley".

Copy that. So...use my little gold lock for the zippers then?

Do I seal it with said lock after they wave the magic wand?

[E.Marquez]

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)

[Jumping Frog]

Dangit. Where do I get a TSA lock? I have just have a small gold master lock to loop through the zippers. Can I get it at the airport?

Also - should I leave the whole thing unlocked on the way up, and so I can do the whole show and tell thing for TSA?

I would not lock the suitcase until checking the bag.

Anywhere locks are sold will have TSA locks -- Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc. Just look for the TSA approved logo on the packaging.

[sjfcontrol]

Confirming this conforms to their guidlines.

Just make sure that the lock for the pistol case is NOT a TSA lock, while the lock on your suitcase holding the pistol case IS a TSA lock.

I know it is counter-intuitive, but that is how they require it.

Actually, I used to think this too. However, I was corrected on this board. Seems the lock on the hard-case doesn't HAVE to be non-TSA, but it CAN be. In other words, the hard case lock can be either TSA or NON-TSA, but the soft case lock should be TSA (or they might have to cut it off).

See here... viewtopic.php?f=7&t=46127&p=575744#p575744" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And here... http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/e ... 029.shtm#3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MojoTexas]

The locks are a joke. There are videos on the web (like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5mvvZl6pLI) that demonstrate how to open a zippered piece of luggage without disturbing the lock.

I haven't flown anywhere in years, which is fine with me with our current TSA situation. Airport security is just "security theater" and does little for actual security. If I need to travel, I will do it by car, and I will do it armed.

MojoTexas

[TLE2]

I use a case with two locks. If they can open it a little, they might disqualify it. Use tight locks.

[USA1]

NanoVault. TSA approved.

that is all

[RoyGBiv]

I've flown a bunch of times with a checked gun.
Since this issues is soooo complicated, I'll be helpful and volunteer to go with you to Hawaii if you'll just pick up the airfare.
I'll handle all the weapons through security... Both ways.

Seriously....
Looking at your photo from the OP, if those side clips can be opened and the case cracked without opening the lock, that case is likely to be rejected by the airline and tsa.... You need a case that cannot easily be pried open AT ALL.

Nanovault is $20 at Academy and comes with a cable that I wrap around the metal bits inside my wheeled luggage. Even if they open the cheesy TSA lock on the outside of the bag, they'll need to steal the whole bag to get the gun.

[Draskuul]

I checked my XDM45 going out of San Antonio International recently.

Get a lock with a much smaller hasp on it. Something the airline sometimes check is opening the latches then trying to touch the gun inside without removing the lock. If they can then it's a no-go. With a long hasp like that you might even be able to get the gun out with the lock on.

And just to share my experience going out SAT (Southwest)...

I had my XDM in its factory case--very nice, I might add--with two cheap Wal-mart non-TSA locks with very small hasps. I heard the horror stories about the DFW passenger who had his XDM stolen, case and all, from his luggage, so I took an extra step. I used the cable lock included with the XDM, ran it through both padlock hasps, then through a very large reinforced portion of the duffel bag. If they wanted to steal it, they'd have to take their time cutting stuff up (leaving obvious evidence in the bag) or take the whole bag (leaving me with a tracking number for a lost bag with a firearm in it, which reports say are magically found far faster than ordinary luggage).

I told the baggage counter clerk that I had a declared item. She gave me a card to fill out with my personal info and signing basically an affidavit on the back declaring the weapon safe, unloaded, etc. She then had me open up the gun and display that it was empty. I was nervous as hell opening this thing up in the airport given all the horror stories, so I kept the case in my duffel bag, opened it up facing her and showed her the empty magwell and pulled the slide back to show an empty chamber without lifting the gun into view of anyone else. Satisfied, she put the card inside the case and told me to lock it up again. She then directed me to follow a baggage handler to continue checking the gun in.

The handler took me back through a locked security door in the next terminal over. It was a large room, maybe 10x20, with a small steel table and two locked cabinets with TSA marked all over them. He said to just leave it locked and wait for a TSA agent.

After 3-4 minutes an agent came in, opened the cabinets (which contained gloves and their explosives sniffer gear, etc), and put on his nitrile gloves. He opened up my duffel bag, glanced around in it (nothing much else in that bag other than the gun case), then asked me to come over and open the case then back away again. I did so, and this time he took out his testing wand and proceeded to swab down everything in the gun case and ran it all around the duffel bag. It tested clean apparently, because he threw one of the 'inspected by the TSA' flyers inside and had me lock it up. He told me to leave it with the baggage handler and I could proceed to the gate. The TSA agent did make a comment about my cable lock being a good idea.

It arrived at my destination in good shape on the normal baggage carousel.

[Jumping Frog]

Actually, I used to think this too. However, I was corrected on this board. Seems the lock on the hard-case doesn't HAVE to be non-TSA, but it CAN be.

I agree, you are accurately stating the regs. I awkwardly worded my point, in that the non-TSA lock on the case is not required by regs but anyone with common sense would do so. No-one one should desire to put a TSA lock on their gun case.

Regarding a TSA lock on the suitcase, people are right, you are not required to use a TSA lock, but I don't want to risk having my luggage cut open.

[TexasTransplant]

Actually, I used to think this too. However, I was corrected on this board. Seems the lock on the hard-case doesn't HAVE to be non-TSA, but it CAN be.

I hate to disagree, but the fourth bullet point on this page (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) states : "The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed."

I respectfully submit that using a TSA-approved lock on your firearm case fulfills neither the spirit nor the intent of the stated rule. I believe one needs to specifically use a non-TSA lock on the gun case so the traveler is the only one that has the key.

[sjfcontrol]

Actually, I used to think this too. However, I was corrected on this board. Seems the lock on the hard-case doesn't HAVE to be non-TSA, but it CAN be.

I hate to disagree, but the fourth bullet point on this page (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) states : "The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed."

I respectfully submit that using a TSA-approved lock on your firearm case fulfills neither the spirit nor the intent of the stated rule. I believe one needs to specifically use a non-TSA lock on the gun case so the traveler is the only one that has the key.

Did you read the second link in my post? TSA Q & A?
Pretty clear there. Even says it twice.

[TexasTransplant]

Did you read the second link in my post? TSA Q & A?
Pretty clear there. Even says it twice.

Yes, I did...Just now...and I apologize. You are correct.