Hi, I'm going to be flying (Southwest Airlines, SJC to BUR, round trip) with my handgun for the first time. My buddies back home want to see my new handgun.

I rather not check-in my carry-on (with my handgun in it) because I have a nice Tumi carry-on and I don't want it getting banged up. I was thinking of buying a Pelican 1170, stick it in my North Face backpack, and check that in. I figured that would be discrete as my parents will be picking me up from the airport.

Would checking in a backpack (in any way) be a bad idea? Would a backpack at baggage claim be more prone to theft than a carry-on? Thoughts? Suggestions? Tips? If this works out, I'm planning to fly with this setup regularly. Thanks!