Originally Posted by
copwriter
I occasionally fly with an unloaded, declared firearm in my checked baggage. TSA rules require that the firearm be unloaded, that it be declared at check-in, that a tag verifying the declaration be placed in the bag with the firearm, and that the firearm be contained in a locked, hardshell case. I usually keep the hardshell gun case inside my checked bag. How can I secure the gun case inside the checked bag without using a TSA lock, and yet allow TSA access to the inside of the checked bag for searching?
I know there are other travelers here who fly with their firearms. I am curious as to their experiences, if any, with this type of bag, and what suggestions they may have.
You can only do this at airports that haven't integrated the screening system with the conveyor belts, but get there early and tell the screener that you will wait for the bags to clear in case they want to inspect it. They'll ask why, tell them that you're there to give them the key to the bag if they need to open it.
So far, no problems. The people at LAX ask if you have film, the luggage has a TSA lock, and if there are firearms inside (against the rules, but this runaway agency doesn't give a crap about the rules). I discreetly tell them yes and that I will be standing off to the side with the keys to the locks if they want to inspect it further.