Originally Posted by bbc1969
Make sure they follow exact procedure. Many times airlines will (or have in the past), try and put large (bright colored) tags, sticker's, ect on bags with "firearms" inside type markings. In other words "steal me now". There should be no "special" markings on the outside of the bag. They should discreetly inspect your packaging ect at check in. I believe you will then accompany the bag to the TSA screening. Once the bag was screened I would enquire about using one of the supposedly legal "tsa approved" locks that they have the key to open, just as another safety measure.
Not to put so fine a point on it, but screw the notion of a TSA-approved lock. Put your own lock on. Checked bags with declared firearms
cannot be open without the owner present, therefore obviating the need for TSA-sanctioned hardware.