Checking firearms
Today I flew from OMA to STL on SWA with a firearm in my checked luggage. I have found many different airport procedures when it comes to checking firearms. When I left PHX earlier this week, I declared the firearm to the SWA ticket agent. We filled out their form, put the form in the lockable firearm case, inside my softsided locked rolling bag, and then I was escorted to the TSA inspection area who swabbed the bag for explosives but never looked at the declaration or gun. I had to wait for the sniffing to be completed. In OMA the SWA agent insisted that the declaration go outside the locked firearm case but inside the suitcase. SWA tossed it on the luggage belt as the TSA inspections happened elsewhere. (I use TSA locks inside and out) In DEN you are escorted to the TSA inspection station and they always open the case and look at the firearm. ATL opens the suitcase and looks at the firearm at a separate inspection station. IND and LAS inspections are handled behind the scenes after bags are tossed on the belt by the ticket agent. What variations do you folks find during your travels?