I love how people who have obviously never flown with firearms are giving advice. Asmo has it pretty good and has obviously been through it.

I fly with guns frequently, even though I do not like to. Here is some good initial advice...I like a case with no foam, put my guns in rugs and soft cases inside a hardside case and then use foam sheets, clothes, shoes, etc. to pack that sucker tight. Tan or orange is good, and then get some stickers to put on them that are NOT gun related: I have used "Survey Equipment, Handle with Care", "Medical Equipment, Handle With Care", "This Equipment Out of Service, Calibration Required". Don't get too cute and put something stupid like "Bio Hazard" on it.

The locks must be TSA approved, and most are. Get good ones, with a key! Combo locks too easy to pick. I carry 2 sets of locks. I arrive at the check in counter with one set in the case and one set in my pocket. The keys are obviously in my pocket. "I need to declare a Firearm" is all I ever say. Fill out the tag and drop it in the case, then lock the case. In Denver, an airline porter will come and take the case and you accompany the porter to the TSA screening area. They will X-Ray the case and you keep the key. You have to stand behind a banister, but you can see inside. If they decide to open your case (usually they do), they will ask for the key, and yes, you have to give it to them. They will open and look inside, close back up and return the key. The porter then takes the case to special services and it goes on the plane. I have had the extra time range from 5 minutes to over an hour (as opposed to not checking any bags), so plan accordingly.

I have flown into airports all over the US and they are slight differences here and there and from Airline to Airline, but most are pretty much the same. Sometimes you have to use the claim check to get your guns case from special services, other times they hit the conveyor with everything else. Ammo can not be loose, but it can be in magazines if they are in a secured pouch. I use the plastic ammo boxes and a some packing tape.

I flew into Dulles on the morning of the Navy Yard Shooting, with 5 guns. Got picked up by Tes from FNH. She had her guns, camo netting, a full sized dummy and military rucks in the car, which she dragged out so I could put my gear in. I almost had heart failure as I tried to stuff everything in as fast as I could.