it depends on the airport. Probably flown with rifles out of 6 or 7 different ones.Most you open the case at the gate when checking you bags, sign the form saying it's unloaded and put it in the case and be on your way. Some gate agents will have you wait 5/10 mins in case they need you to open it. They should inspect in front of you if they do. I got into it with TSA once bc they wanted combo to inspect in the back, I said no open it right here like every other airport I've flown out of. they said no we do it in the back, I said ok I'll come to the back with you. They said no you can't it's toobusy. Ultimately I relented bc they hold all the cards after taking down TSA agent and his managers names and telling them how stupid the polcy (in a calm and composed manner) is bc the whole point of TSA site teling you to use none TSA locks is so that you are the only one opening it . But yea thats what I get for flying out of Oakland although I've flown out of there maybe 7 or 8 years ago without the same issue. That just reminded me to file a complaint although I doubt it matters.
I started to do just that, even then there were always many firearms and bows there I could you if I wanted.
How will TSA open it? You are the ONLY one who should have access to the key or combo. You are NOT required to use TSA locks. "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."
They have had me unlock it in front of them, then they open and inspect it then have me place my lock on it with declaration tag inside case.How will TSA open it? You are the ONLY one who should have access to the key or combo. You are NOT required to use TSA locks. "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."
Each time I've flown w/firearms they were either opened and inspected in my presence or scanned in a secure room while I watched, if passed they give a thumbs up.
As for locks in each hole, the case just has to be secured and not able to be pried open. My son and I few SouthWest in March with 3 locks on our Pelican rifle cases - one on each end and one in the center - despite there being 4 holes. However, I do carry a few extra locks just in case any TSA agents don't know their rules - I know some have had locks cut off, then told they can't fly b/c no lock. Sad to say that the rules are pretty easy and clear - the variable that you can't control is the agent you get.
They cannot open your firearm without you there, EVER. If you used TSA locks, then bags will get “random inspections”.
When I say take it aside, I mean over to their inspection table, but still in my line of sight, no more than five feet away, I had unlock it, they simply opened and inspected it, then had me lock it. That was out of LAX, coming back from Wis. it was slightly different. It's just the way each airport does their inspections.
A number of airports have TSA screening in non-public/secure areas and will not allow travelers to be present while inspecting bags. They will ask for your keys, take them in back into the secure area, open/inspect bag, lock it back up, and return keys. This process is referenced in TSA's regulations in the second to last sentence below.
| AIRLINE | SIZE IN INCHES | WEIGHT/LBS |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | 80 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| Alaska Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| American Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| Delta Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| Frontier Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 40 Pounds |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| JetBlue Airways | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| Southwest Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| Spirit Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 40 Pounds |
| Sun Country Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
| United Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 Pounds |
I called United about that because my case is like 68LI in total and they said they consider it sporting equipment and not subject to the same oversized baggage fee. Atleast the customer service rep on the phone said that and it would only be $50.
Funny, the minute I read your reply, I was thinking "What was their name and tel #, in case I ever get dinged?".
Haha yea I should probably give them another call or book the flight through them so if I have any problems at the gate I have their info.Funny, the minute I read your reply, I was thinking "What was their name and tel #, in case I ever get dinged?".
Feels like there's an opportunity for a list of Rokslide-approved airlines, airports, and specific customer service people where if any of us got in a jam, we could reference them.
I found that also depends on the particular location. One terminal says, lock on all lockable location, another terminal says one lock is fine. I put a lock on every location on the case.
Do you have any recommendations for non-tsa locks
I went to Ace hardware and buy a pack of four.
