-
I've never understood why a checked bag requires special circumstances if it contains a firearm.
A bomb in a bag is a cause for concern for the aircraft and the passengers. A firearm in a checked bag is... just a firearm in a checked bag.
Maybe I'm missing something. Or perhaps I need to watch some more Hollywood films where a bad guy somehow makes his way from the cabin to the cargo area. Yeah, that's what I need. More movies to shape my understanding of reality. Maybe I can run for office after I've seen enough of them.
A checked bag with a firearm in it is just a checked bag.
Now, I can see a possible threat from bag handlers who know of or discover a firearm in a checked bag. But that should require increased scrutiny on airport and airline personnel. Not on my inanimate bag and its inanimate contents.
-
In the past, there have been loaded firearms in checked bags that have discharged. It is a rare occurrence, but has happened.
Long before TSA all the way till today, airlines have transported unloaded, properly packed, and declared firearms and ammunition in checked bags. I don't understand why someone would pack a loaded firearm in their checked bag. PMAGS are an acceptable ammunition container on most of the airlines I've flown on, they just shouldn't be inserted into the magazine well.
Unloaded, inside an unmarked, locked hardsided container. Declare at the ticket counter, fill out a declaration form and a copy will be placed inside the container. If the container is small enough, it can go inside your checked bag. At DEN the bag or container goes to the room described above to be run through a machine similar to the larger machines downstairs. If the machine does not alarm, the bag is NOT opened and no one asks for your keys. If the machine alarms, someone from TSA will step out and ask you for your key. You can stand outside the room and watch as they open the container. When they finish, they will lock up the container and return your key. If you see a problem while TSA is searching your bag, that is the time to ask for a supervisor. After your bag or container clear that room, the bag is taken by the airline to the aircraft. It doesn't go via the same route as all of the other bags which are scanned downstairs. If TSA finds a firearm in a checked bag downstairs it is assumed that the gun was not declared and the airlines and Denver PD are notified.
TSA employees are not permitted to handle firearms while searching bags. They are required to call the airlines, who normally notify the passenger and the local police.
If anyone has any specific questions related to firearms at an airport, drop me a PM.
Be safe.
-
I do not recall the last time that my checked bags were not opened by TSA, along with the note saying they'd been in there. I just assume it will be opened while en route now.
-
Never had my bag opened by TSA at DIA, always been hand inspected at other airports on the return flight however. As long as you declare the process is surprisingly easy. (Though I was a little nervous the first time I did it.) The first return was fun with three firearms packed into my bag. The inspector in Atlanta was quite shocked when she saw them all packed in there. Plus ammo.
sent via electronic leash
-
A guy I work with used to be in charge of security at DIA. I want to ask him what the thought process is. Typically when I talk to him though he says something along the lines of "I'm not at liberty to discuss that".
