dcludwig wrote:I read the TSA website and am still not quite clear. It seemed to indicate the case is checked seperately. Are you saying that you can put it into your suitcase after declaring it and then check the suitcase in? And, if it is checked as a seperate item, isn't the case hand-carried aboard and then off again when you land? I think that would make it less prone to theft.
I fly all the time with my gun. I used to use a fairly large handgun case and put it inside an empty duffel bag. But, when airlines started charging for checking a second bag I started using a small gun vault type case and then put it in my suitcase.
The way it works is that you declare the unloaded firearm at the ticket counter. The agents aren't required to inspect the firearm but many of them do anyway. 99% of the time they will then walk you over to TSA. Some let you carry the case, some carry it themselves. I once had them just tell me to take it myself when I flew out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
At TSA, they will inspect the gun, the case, and your suitcase/bag if you put it inside of one. The case is then locked and sent along the conveyor belt to the back.
Word of advice, I did see someone get rejected once for having a plastic case that the TSA agent said wasn't sturdy enough. The agent pushed on its side and it cause the edges to separate slightly. So, make sure you have a good, sturdy case.
Also, clean your gun! I've set off the bomb detector several times due to having a dirty gun. The TSA supervisor told me that's common. It isn't cause for alarm, but does slow you down.