10-8 Forums

One thing I have learned with TSA is that quote the policy and know where, chapter and verse it is located in their Policy. Their are several different layers of supervision from the immediate to the area supervisor to the FSA. Each airport has different procedures but have to follow the same TSA Policy.

I do something a little different. I don’t use TSA locks. I just use good old master padlocks. After being inspected in Houston I started placing my locks on the pistol case when a TSA agent informs me that my locks are not TSA approved. I told him if TSA needs to get into my gun case they can call me or just cut the locks off. An older TSA agent is nodding his head in agreement and states “that's the way I fly with my guns, if we need to look at them we will find you”. Just a side note, the easiest airport I have flown out of with guns is Dulles in D.C.

That's where the issue is. CFR states that the passenger retains the key and the TSA webpage says "We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container". No place does it say that the passenger is required to hand over the key for inspection. Of course if you don't hand over your key then your bag may not fly. What to do, and what's the "correct" thing per the letter of the law, not based upon the opinion of the TSA screener.

I never let them mark the outside of my case as having a firearm or use tsa locks. That's just asking to have your guns stolen. I do however put a big label with my contact info and cell on the outside so that if they need access they can call me

Just to clarify....

You are NOT required to, nor should you ever, use TSA approved locks on your lockable hard-sided firearm case if you pack it inside of a suitcase or other form of luggage. On the outside of suitcase, YES, you are required to use TSA locks, or they will cut them off

Do not let them put the orange steal me first tag on the outside of your bag. The tag is supposed to be concealed. I've only flown three or four times with hand guns and I've had no problem. I am sure as the numbers go up so to issues. I have to think living in VT helps. The attitude towards guns and gun owner ship here in VT is friendly here in VT.

I've also carried copies of the law and particular air line rules with me because the folks at the counter are usually confused.

The sad thing is, if we wrote to TSA and asked for clarification regarding the rule, they would not give a definitve answer, it would probably be vague.

I asked my wife (a lawyer) to write to TSA and ask for a ruling on what I'm supposed to do. She said she wouldn't have any problems doing so. I just need to find time to sit down and draft up a letter for her to review.

I've always been asked to wait around while the run the bag through the machine, but have found that if I use a plastic case, they usually don't need me to open the case. When they have needed to open the case (I flew for years with a metal case and always had to open it), they asked for the key and opened it in my view and then re-locked and handed me back the keys.

I checked 6 or 7 websites of various major airlines. Of the airlines which specifically mentioned keys & combinations, each uses something like the Southwest Airlines website:

"Only the customer checking the luggage should retain the key or combination to the lock. No exceptions will be made."

or US Airways & Spirit Airlines:

"Baggage containing firearms must be locked at all times and the key or lock combination retained by the customer."