Flying with my carry handgun.

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Originally Posted by ldmaster

It's not a matter of allowing TSA access to the your bag - they will gain access to it by any means they see fit. I've seen a lot of cut locks and broken suitcase locks - you have no choice in the matter of whether you are there or not - failing to use the TSA type locks mean they cut off the lock if they have any question, and they don't have to "ask your permission". You'll see a bright sealing tape they use to reseal it, but you have no say in the matter if you don't use the TSA locks, or aren't available at the time of the check to unlock something.

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TSA inspects any baggage with a firearm in your presence. Use zip ties to secure it after that. Put your own lock on you pistol case so no one except you has access to it.

Yeah, I'd suggest that you hang around the ticket counter and TSA screening area for a while. If the TSA wants to see what's in it, they're going to do it. If you're there, you can unlock it for them and re-lock it afterward. If you're not there, they'll cut the locks. Best way is to be there so you can unlock the case, and re-secure it afterward.

I've been told (and have read) that if the TSA has to cut the locks, the case is no longer secure and cannot be shipped. We have no experience with this happening because our guns have just passed through the process without any question by the TSA. Again, we have limited experience with this. Sounds like others here have a whole lot more dealings in this than we do.

From the TSA website:

• You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from access by anyone other than you. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort do not meet this criterion. The pictures provided here illustrate the difference between a properly packaged and an improperly packaged firearm.
• We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can't contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
• You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
• You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
• You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
• You can't bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

As they always say, YMMV.