Originally Posted by SuperG1955

There's nothing external on a bag containing firearms which identifies it as such. The only external indication are non-TSA locks on a hard sided case. While I've never traveled with more than 1 case containing firearms., all I would expect is that I declare the case contains unloaded firearms to the CSR who fills out the Declaration form which I sign. The CSR then places a copy of the form in the case and instructs me to lock it. Depending on the physical layout for transfer of the checked baggage to TSA, the CSR either gives it to TSA who puts it through the scanner while I wait or has a CSR escort me and my baggage to the TSA central screening room where I either wait outside while it goes through the scanner or they invite me inside while it's scanned. After that, it travels like any other piece of checked baggage. I do try to get to baggage claim quickly after deplaning to make sure I retrieve it as soon as it hits the carousel.

On a rare occasion I'll have ammunition and it's then in a locked container in a separate checked bag which I've never had to pay extra for.