Originally Posted by
ande777emt
That's why you buy a reenforced lock. I got mine in ICN that are TSA capable and designed to withstand the force of a bolt cutter (salesman demonstrated this at COEX center). Although the locks ran ~$18, I know they're a royal pain in the @$$ for TSA if they don't have their keys.
If you buy the reinforced case, you need more than a crowbar to pry that apart; they're a hard case with out zippers and have an elaborate locking system of latches; the down side is they're a bit pricey.
For the OP, if traveling domestically you could always carry an unloaded firearm in its case; the only state IIRC where transporting within the state would be an issue is IL where you need a FOID card. not sure about NJ, MA, and NY as well, but correct me if I'm wrong, IL is the only state where a permit is needed to transport an unloaded firearm in a secure case.
I know one person who does this. When doing this, the TSA need you to be present to open your bag and them to go through it.
There is a lot of really good information about traveling with "firearms" at
http://deviating.net/firearms/packing/
I often fly with plastic flare guns in my checked luggage since they meet the federal requirement for "firearms" but are perfectly legal in all 50 states, including such unenlightened places as NJ and IL. I use hard sided cases with good, strong hinges and locks that can't be cut with normal bolt cutters.