what case is good enough for the airlines?

[Sandbagger123]

i have flown a couple of times with my handguns. Both time i borrowed a pelican style case. i need to fly again soon, but no longer have access to it.

I have read the rules and it seems anything that is hard cased and lockable will do for the airlines. i know people that have used a cheap plastic case and even the a stock Glock or MP case.

So what is the minimum you have used?? was there any problem with the less expensive cases?

[JFlowers]

One thing I found the last time I flew... they want a lock on each lock point on the case. So for a long gun case with a lock point at each end and one in the center, or one at each clasp... the TSA wanted a lock at each.

[zmanktm]

I have used airline travel for 6 matches and my Pelican storm case has 4 lock points. I only run 2 locks without any problems…..yet

[Graham Smith]

For pistols, some people recommend as small a padded lockable case as possible and after getting your declaration, lock it and put it inside another locked bag so it won't be seen.

[ltdmstr]

For pistols, some people recommend as small a padded lockable case as possible and after getting your declaration, lock it and put it inside another locked bag so it won't be seen.

This is the best way to do it as you're not advertising it as a firearm or anything valuable for that matter. Put it in a single gun case or gun rug then in with your clothes, etc. Then lock that. For rifle or shotgun, best bet is a pelican or comparable.

[mpeltier]

Storm case is what I like.

Edited October 10, 2013 by mpeltier

[lugnut]

Don't forget to use TSA approved locks. They will cut any other lock off if they want to inspect the contents.

Maybe for the luggage itself but you don't want to use TSA locks for a Pelican case inside your luggage. Put your cell number on the case incase they want to open it they can call...

[mpeltier]

Don't forget to use TSA approved locks. They will cut any other lock off if they want to inspect the contents.

Maybe for the luggage itself but you don't want to use TSA locks for a Pelican case inside your luggage. Put your cell number on the case incase they want to open it they can call...

They must have changed things science I last flew with firearms. At some point on one flight my locks were cut on my declared firearms luggage and a note was left. My cell phone number was on the case, but I received no call. Scince then I have always used TSA locks on my storm case. The inspecting TSA agent at check in has never told me it was wrong to use them. But I have not flown for a couple years, maybe its differant now.

[jlamphere]

I have used this several times:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/736762/lockdown-large-handgun-vault-pistol-security-box-10-x-6-1-2-x-2-steel-black

It is good for a single pistol. After reading about it here, I installed a small I-bolt in my big suitcase and ran the cable through that so the pistol case was secured into the suitcase. What the TSA guys at DFW told me was they did not want a case that could be flexed open along any seam. This case is metal and will not flex at all. The lock is pretty simple to pick, but can be replaced with a better one from here: https://securitysnobs.com/Cam-Locks/

My buddy has a Pelican and the Las Vegas TSA guys wanted locks in each hole.

[bigdawgbeav]

^^^^This^^^^^

The last time I flew I used a GunVault. I cut a hole in the lining of my suitcase and wrapped the steel cable around the internal supports. I labeled the top with my contact info and made sure to declare it at the counter. No problems, no questions.

Granted this case is really only good for 1 gun and 1 or 2 mags. Last competition I flew to I had a suitcase specifically for my shooting gear. My range bag was loaded with all my gear, magazines, tools, etc. and the GunVault was in that suitcase. Then I had a 2nd with my clothes. Cost a little bit more with checked bag fees and all, but was very easy.

If you want to use a Pelican case, no problem there either. Just make sure both locking points have locks.

[ltdmstr]

You have to use TSA approved locks. If they can't open them, they will cut them off.

[bigdawgbeav]

You have to use TSA approved locks. If they can't open them, they will cut them off.

Actually it's recommended for the gun case to not use TSA locks. You can buy TSA keys on e-bay so that means anyone can access the gun case. Best bet is to lock with a regular padlock and then wait near the counter. If the TSA needs you, the'll come find you to get the key. If not then they will send you on your way. Simple as that.

[ltdmstr]

That's interesting. Where did you find that? The only regulations I'm aware of say to use TSA approved locks or they will cut. And it doesn't say anything about them trying to track you down to open the bag. From my experience in dealing with TSA, I'd say that's highly unlikely.

[lumpygravy]

The last time I traveled, TSA locks on the outer luggage and personal padlocks on the gun case. Gun case labeled with my contact info. No problems at all between SFO and HNL/Maui though I thought the SFO TSA guy was taking an awful long look at the tighty whiteys in my luggage during his search.... The TSA guy at Maui didn't even bother looking in the luggage.

[thermobollocks]

That's interesting. Where did you find that? The only regulations I'm aware of say to use TSA approved locks or they will cut. And it doesn't say anything about them trying to track you down to open the bag. From my experience in dealing with TSA, I'd say that's highly unlikely.

TSA's site changes often enough that I can't find any wording one way or another. They already say they'll cut the locks if they can't find you, so why even bother using their lock?

The last times I've flown with guns, I've used non-TSA-recognized locks. Both screening agents I worked with weren't allowed to open the case for liability reasons...

As for the case itself, I have a Boyt hard case that's very Pelican-like.

[lugnut]

My 1470 has built in locks.. if they break them off I'll make a huge stink when I get home. Again I've used my 1500 with std padlocks and they have never been cut off.

[Carmoney]

I always recommend buying one of these hard-sided Samsonite suitcases, they're always available cheap on ebay. They made 10 million of these, and most people don't use them in these days of carrying everything on.

They're lockable, hard-sided, and quite durable. With one of these, you do not need another hard gun case on the inside--you can simply pack the handguns in gun rugs (or wrap them in clothing, whatever). You can pack up to 11 pounds of ammo in there also, along with your clothes and other stuff. Use a small range bag as your carry-on, and you're good to go.

If anybody questions you, tell 'em you checked with legal counsel and confirmed that it's 100% kosher.

Edited October 11, 2013 by Carmoney

[ltdmstr]

The problem with all this is probably better than half of the TSA folks don't know what the regulations require, and a good portion of the other half don't care. They will do whatever they want, because they can. And that's why you get different policies and different levels of enforcement at different locations, or even different times at the same location. Regarding locks, TSA is not obligated to try to track you down to open a lock, and chances of them making any effort to do so, unless you happen to be standing right there, are pretty slim. They can and will cut any lock they can't open if they want to see what's inside.

[lugnut]

The problem with all this is probably better than half of the TSA folks don't know what the regulations require, and a good portion of the other half don't care. They will do whatever they want, because they can. And that's why you get different policies and different levels of enforcement at different locations, or even different times at the same location. Regarding locks, TSA is not obligated to try to track you down to open a lock, and chances of them making any effort to do so, unless you happen to be standing right there, are pretty slim. They can and will cut any lock they can't open if they want to see what's inside.

I am not a frequent traveller with my firearms but on a couple occasions when checking in they escorted me to the TSA area to check our bags... I assume they were x-raying the stuff. Most of my travel has been with Jet Blue fwiw. I'm using AA coming up... I hope they are similar.

[Graham Smith]

The main problem lies here:

If a locked container alarms during screening and is not marked as containing a declared firearm, TSA will cut the lock in order to resolve the alarm.

Here is what I was told by someone who flies with guns a lot:

With a rifle case, the declaration you sign goes INSIDE the locked gun case and you should lock that with your own locks. That shouldn't really be a big problem because TSA knows that the agent has checked it because it's a gun case, with a gun inside.

If there is a pistol in a locked case inside another bag, the pistol case should be locked with your locks and the declaration put ON It and the bag locked with TSA locks. That way they can open your bag and see the declaration and should have no reason to open the gun case.

In either case, there will not be a tag or declaration outside the bag.

IF POSSIBLE, your bags should be taken to the TSA checkpoint separately from other bags and inspected and you should go along.

[sperman]

I have flown with the cheap plastic cases that come with an M&P and with a CZ. No one has ever said anything, they hardly even look at the case.

[pkm]

I have been turned away by TSA in Denver when using a stock M&P case because it can be pried open fairly easy (As was demonstrated by the TSA guy). Since then I bought a Starlight pistol and 3-gun case and haven’t had to worry about it. I have never had them cut my lock but it has always been properly declared at the ticket counter like the rules say. After listening to one of the Noveske guys at the Area 2 Multi gun last year I also bring TSA locks in addition to my expensive ones just in case the TSA agent tells me that I need to use TSA locks (which has happened). Is that wrong of the TSA guy... probably but ultimately they control whether or not I can fly with my guns or not.

[goldfieldshooter]

In transit from New Zealand to St Louis for the Bianchi Cup and was called back from LA Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal by TSA.They could see something else inside my gun case and would not open it.TSA locks on suitcase but built in locks on gun case.Gave them the keys they inspected it, apologised for the hold up and good to go.Worst part was haveing to go back through all the security checks in the domestic terminal for the second time.

That Bass Pro gun case has done 8 trips to and from the US but on average a suitcase lasts 2 trips.

Coatesy

[quicky06]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition

That is a link to the fire arms specific TSA rules. I always have a copy in my gun case along with a copy of my airline rules although flying Southwest I have never needed them. also have contact info including flight info on both sides of the case.

TSA does not want TSA locks on it. I have always flown with a pelican that carries my 3gun stuff, fits all 3 guns, 3 140mm mags and cleaning rods. I have a padded custom made case that it goes inside of just so it doesn't scream steel me and the locks and tag is all out of sight, this case has tsa locks on the zipper.

now all my ammo( I usually ship most of my ammo and buy birdshot near the match when I can) and gear goes into a my range bag which fits into a large suitcase with all my clothes and other dead weight.

"TSA must resolve all alarms in checked baggage. If a locked container containing a firearm alarms, TSA will contact the airline, who will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner and advise the passenger to go to the screening location. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft."

[jeremy kemlo]

what if you used a tsa lock and your own lock in the same lock point? Granted it fit. If tsa agent wants to cut your lock then there will still be a tsa lock to use.