For those who've checked a handgun

[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".

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?

I fly American at least once a year between DFW and Richmond, Va or Dulles in No.Va. and use my little gold lock on by fabric suitcase. At DFW, I check in at the counter, declare an unloaded firearm, get the card and fill it out, show the ticket agent my unloaded firearm, put the card inside or on top of the guncase, lock everything up, and take the suitcase around the corner where there is a TSA luggage screener. I give them the suitcase and tell them that it contains a checked firearm. He asks me to wait while he takes the suitcase and screens it. He then tells me I'm clear to go through security for boarding. (Only once, last year, he had me unlock the outer suitcase lock whereupon he ruffled through my contents and swabbed for explosives, then locked the outer lock.)

On the return from Va. I check in the same way except they don't have a co-located TSA luggage screener available. I lock up the suitcase and they send it on its way. The ticket clerk tells me that if any problem is encountered in screening, I will be paged to go and handle it. I've never had to! They say that they will never break into a suitcase that is suspect; they will call for the passenger to come and address any problem.

That has been my experience. Should be the same or similar for you. By the way, American allows ammo to be enclosed in the gun container with the gun as you have shown.

[srothstein]

Congratulations on the wedding and I hope you enjoy the trip. I also hope you see this in time IF I am right.

I think you probably took the picture with your weapon as you normally carry it and not actually ready for the trip. Or, maybe I am seeing things that are not there. But it looks like you still have one magazine in the weapon. I strongly recommend against this if the magazine is unloaded. Even more strongly if it is loaded since that is illegal.

I am confident you will pack it right, but in light of another thread by ShinesinTX, I thought I would remind you just to be sure.

[E.Marquez]

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.

[gigag04]

In Chilis in terminal A (IAH) now. Sroth - I did not see it in time but...

Nobody checked anything. The ticket agent said oh cool, sign here. Then wait down here for 5 minutes. If no one comes out for you, you're good to go.

I put a smaller shackled lock on the case, left a mag in (oops), and locked the outter pocket zippers with the small lock that came with the bag (TSA approved...I think).

I'll post a follow up on the return flight.