How NOT to Check-In with Firearms at the Airport

I've been telling folk about this for a while, and I promise you'll get a comprehensive guide video about flying with firearms at some point... but for now, if you know nothing else, know this: when airlines say "just wait around a few minutes and if you don't hear from us your bag is good go to" you should NOT accept that.

I encourage everyone to ALWAYS insist on getting a *positive* confirmation from the airline that the TSA has cleared your luggage. This video shows why.

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[merlin_V]

The more i hear about the tsa the more i get the feeling they are just protecting the country against nail clippers and secure gun locks.

[TheSmackfan]

I'll never forget my first time checking a gun.
Houston. Hobby Airport.
Walk up to the counter after getting my stuff ready. Wait for a lul in the foot traffic to the desk. Speak to the agent and tell her that I have a firearm to declare as well as ammo in separate pelicans.
"Oh. Ok. I don't know how to do that. I'm new. Give me one second to call my supervisor."
"Sure thing."
Expecting her to get on the phone...
nope.avi
"HEY BOSS. THIS GUYS GOT A GUN!"
Raised my hands and didn't move until I was sure I was OK.
"Ma'am, are you sure that's the best way to address the issue?"
"What do you mean? I have to get a supervisor."

[HNU]

On a positive note. I folded my spare fitted sheets the way you recommended and it’s so much nicer.

[jamesbromstead]

Remember the 80's and 90's when flying with a firearm was. 1) Throw the case on the check in counter. 2) Open the case in full view. 3) Show the firearm was not loaded and the ammo was separate. 4) Lock it the case with your lock of choice. 5) Head off to your gate and plane. Yeah, seems like a dream now.

[DrPsychlops]

I thought they couldn’t legally open the bags unless we were present! 😖 aren’t we supposed to remain in possession of the key at all times?

[matthewellisor]

I thought that only the passenger could have the key and that's why you have to be there when they open it.
Or do we need an updated Packing in the (not so) Friendly Skies?

[chompythebeast]

When "Theater of Security" is more like a _Circus_ of Security

None of the authorities in this country do half as much to keep people safe as they do to hassle people unnecessarily or after the damage is already done, the bastards

[DonzLockz]

I will never have that issue but always bring spare shackles just in case. Lol.
In 2017, I had 8kg of Aussie locks opened up from La to San Fran, they cut a nice Abus dimple lock so I replaced it with a TSA007 crap lock. Lol. My buddy PickMe1977 finally got all the locks ok and had a good laugh after reading the TSA card they left in the case. :)

[mlindholm]

Flying out of Denver (DIA) with firearms is a great experience. You are escorted with your checked bag around the corner to a dedicated room, that has its own x-ray machine, and you can stand outside the doorway watching, and also available if they need your key to open the container.

[jeepxj]

its not broken. its by design. its a feature as far as they're concerned.

[towguy]

Of all places, Oakland International, CA (OAK) seems to have their procedure together. Las Vegas always goes smoothly as well.

[wallstquant]

Have you considered getting your private pilots license. You’re good with regs so learning the material should be easy for you.

[UncleBuck]

TSA, security theater at it's finest.

As a charter motor coach driver, who's occasionally contracted out to Greyhound and Adirondack Trailways in the northeast, I feel obligated to say, there's no bag checks or TSA pat downs to ride the bus. So protect your rights, privacy, and locks, and ride the bus today.

[rhanthony]

I haven't had cut locks, but they have made miss 2 different flights by saying I was good - only to call me back all the way from the gate at boarding. Once, AFTER boarding, pulling me and my wife off the plane.

[graveworks]

I thought the correct procedure was just to toss it in your carry-on. 90% of the time they won’t catch it, and if they do, just grab it, squeeze off a round to distract everyone, and run out of the terminal. Was I wrong to do that?

[Gunbudder]

ever since a TSA agent attempted to steal my nintendo switch, i'm just done with them. any conversation i have with a TSA agent will start at 100 for me, and life is too short. i just don't check bags ever. i always find another way. if i need to travel with a firearm, i ship it to an FFL or find some other legal way. but the only time grubby little TSA goblins get to touch my stuff is right in front of me when i go through TSA pre check security. literally the only reason my switch wasn't stolen was because i was watching the agent like a hawk and saw him slide my switch out, and stick it further down the line after closing my bag.

[Mrcaffinebean]

I flew out of MSP and they pulled my into a little screening area and had me interface with the TSA directly.

At the time I found it annoying but it sure beats this.

[aritomoshinozaki]

@SFO its easy. Went to counter agent, they worked with me on the forms. We walked together with airline agent to TSA check for firearms. I stood with the TSA agent, who asked me to unlock the case. I did so, they inspected, did a chem test, and had me relock the case and they processed the case. Easy peas. We even talked about ranges in the area.

[elfakyn]

I've made that mistake once with a case full of knives. Exact same thing, "oh you're probably fine! it's not a gun so it's ok."

it was not ok. busted locks.

[oedimgv]

when i fly i add bearings to my locks shackles to help prevent them from being cut... so far they haven't been cut, but i also try to fly Alaska which seems to be a little better at handling firearms.