Jack Suber

Below is a responsse I received from TSA today concerning my inquiry: Thank you for your email message concerning the checked baggage screening process and how it impacts passengers carrying firearms in checked baggage. The requirements for transporting firearms have not been changed. Passengers must declare the firearm with the airline and adhere to airline policies and regulations. In accordance with 49 CFR Part 1540.111, firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided, locked case, and must be inaccessible to passengers during flight. Only the passenger holds the key to locked case. You may access this regulation on the website at http://www.tsa.dot.gov and click on Law & Policy, then click on Transportation Security Regulations, and scroll to the information in Section C of that page. We hope this information is helpful. In addition, we are sending the following general information about checked baggage screening that may also be useful to you. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and mandated deadlines for enhanced security measures. Incrementally, TSA worked to meet its mandates and at the same time provide an increased level of customer service. As changes and enhancements to aviation security were completed, TSA publicized Traveler Tips to aid travelers with the enhanced screening process. To inform travelers of changes to the checked baggage screening process, TSA introduced suggestions that may assist travelers with the new procedures. TSA recommends that passengers leave checked baggage unlocked. Enhanced security measures require that all checked baggage undergo at least one form of screening. Hand screening of the luggage will be required to clear every alarm and baggage screeners may have to forcibly open locked baggage to complete the screening process. Travelers who lock their checked baggage may do so with the understanding that this may cause delays for themselves and/or their baggage. TSA is not liable for damage to locked baggage that screeners were required to open forcible. In some airports, the checked baggage screening process in integrated into the airline's baggage handling process. In this case, checked baggage screening is completed outside the view of passengers. In other airports, the checked baggage screening is completed in a public area of the terminal and passengers may be nearby when their baggage is screened. Once the screening process is completed, passengers are not permitted to repack or handle their baggage. You can go directly to TSA's travel tips online at http://www.TSATravelTips.us. The website has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations, that may assist in preparing for air travel. We also encourage you to visit our website at <http://www.tsa.dot.gov> for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information. TSA Consumer Response Center -----Original Message----- From: jcsuber@bellsouth.net [mailto:jcsuber@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, December 30, 2002 10:38 AM To: TSA-ConsumerResponse Subject: Question Concerning Travel with Firearms To Whom It May Concern: I would like to know what the policy will be concerning travelling with firearms. I am a competative shooter and have travelled in the past with firearms (handguns) in my checked luggage. In the past, airlines required that handguns be transported in a locked hard case inside my checked luggage. Upon arrival at the ticket counter I was required to declare my firearms and ammunition (ammunition was to be packed outside of firearm case in approved containers); demonstrate that the pistol(s) was unloaded; and, then sign a certification that the firearm was unloaded. The certification was to be locked in the hard-case with the pistol. My luggage was then to be sealed with a lock so that noone could enter it and steal the firearms. I am concerned about the new travel requirements. Specifically, I am concerned about travelling with my firearms in an unlocked suitcase. I have reviewed the TSA's website and have not been able to locate any information concerning travel with firearms. Will travel with firearms be prohibited on commercial airlines? What is the TSA's policy regarding travel with firearms? I would appreciate any feedback and guidance you can provide me. I have already made plans to travel via air to several tournaments this Spring and Summer. Before I purchase airline tickets, I would like to know if I will be restricted from travelling with firearms. Thank you. John Suber, Section Coordinator United States Practical Shooting Association

I just found the following FAQs on TSA's website (www.tsa.dot.gov) for your info: Q - Should I lock my luggage? A - In some cases, the TSA will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. Therefore, TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked. In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your luggage as an alternative to locking your bag. Until that time, you may want to consider purchasing standard cable ties to secure your bags if it has zippers. Q - Can I still transport a firearm in checked baggage? A - Subject to state and local restrictions on transporting firearms, you may still transport a firearm in your checked baggage. However, you should first check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you, the passenger, may have the key or combination. Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm, so long as it is not loaded in the firearm. Small-arms ammunition must also be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container ? securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amount of ammunition. In addition, small-arms ammunition must also be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container: "securely packed in fiber, wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition." Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm, so long as it is not loaded in the firearm. Q - What happens if my belongings are missing from my bag when I arrive at my destination? A - TSA screeners exercise great care during the screening process to ensure that your contents are returned to your bag every time a bag needs to be opened. TSA will assess any claims made to TSA on an individual basis. I don't know if this makes me feel any better. Especially, the last sentence "TSA will assess any claims made to TSA on an individual basis." Take care. Jack

Patrick, I agree, I would definitely document my costs for equipment I am carrying. But what would really tick me off is taking time off of work; scheduling a travel to a match; practicing and getting excited about the match; only to show up without a gun. What could you do? I doubt you could recoup the "other" expenses involved in travelling to a match. I sure would try, though. The whole things does throw a monkey wrench into things. Take care. Jack

Does anyone know how the new TSA screening requirements will effect travel with firearms? In the past, when I travelled to matches, airlines required that I have my pistol(s) in a hard, locked case inside of my locked suitcase. I was required to declare that I had a firearm, demonstrate that it was unloaded, and sign a certification that the guns were unloaded. According to news releases I have seen, new TSA regulations will prohibit travellers from locking checked luggage so that the luggage contents can be inspected at random by TSA inspectors (the news releases I have seen said that the TSa is asking travellers not to lock their luggage so that they will not have to "forcefully" open the luggage). Has anyone seen or heard of any policy pertaining to travelling with firearms under the new TSA regulations? I have contacted the TSA requesting guidance but have not received any response. I guess, within the States, a person could ship their pistols to the match. However, for international travel, this could put a damper on things. I had planned to shoot the Pan Am in Ecuador this in September. I sure will not carry my STIs in an unlocked suitcase (especially on an international flight). Shipping to Ecuador would be out of the question because of import fees and the high likelihood of the guns disappearing from customs. These new policies might also cause problems for the Nationals. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Jack Suber, TY30299

Endurance is improved through exercise and conditioning. A person must condition himself to the environment in which he will compete. Conditioning also includes proper diet. If you are going to compete in a match where it will be hot, you do not need sodas, coffee, greasy foods, etc. You will need foods your body will process properly in certain environments. Ever seen a pro-baseball or football player eat a cheeseburger or drink a Mello-yello during a game? How about drink beer the night before a game? Has anybody ever noticed how many shooters in our sport (who expect to do well) spend an ungodly amount of $$'s on their equipment, travel, matche fees, etc but totally blow it when it comes to being prepared physically for a major match? Just a thought.

Shooter Grrl, Check out a book titled "The Mental Edge" by Kenneth Baum. This book has "exercises" to learn how to relax in a competative environment (sports) and provides a training regime to learn how to incorporate visualization into your training and competition. Match nerves have always been a killer for me (both in local and major matches). I would get so nervous that I could not focus on what I was doing or I would let a certain aspect of the stage dominate my thinking to the point that I would screw everything else up. This book has really helped. I also think that diet and rest are essential. If you are not rested, you can not function or think at your potential. If your body and mind are not fed properly, they will not fuction properly. For mental clarity and focus, look for foods or suppliments with Choline in them. (Choline has been determined to help kids with ADD focus better and longer). Many professional athletes are using choline to increase their focus during games because it is safe and legal in NCAA and professional leagues. Certain types of caffiene help provided they are not combined with other chemicals that will over stimulate the body and result in shaking (i.e coffee and sodas). Choline has really helped me not only in shooting, but after lunch at work, and during my workouts. Just something to think about. Take care.