The TSA rules aren't exactly a model of clarity. Using "should" isn't as strong as what I seem to remember (danger!) before, and then to end with the final sentence of bullet point #4 - "You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."Your TSA agents were morons.. even the TSA themselves on their website state that only you, the firearm owner/passenger should have the key to the locks on your case and if they need to get in the case they will come and find you. Basically too many people have the TSA key to get in to TSA locks so firearms should not use TSA locks..
Read here direct from the TSA: (Bullet point #4 to be exact)
The TSA rules aren't exactly a model of clarity. Using "should" isn't as strong as what I seem to remember (danger!) before, and then to end with the final sentence of bullet point #4 - "You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."
The way Government regulatory statements work is that the first sentance holds the most weight and following sentances hold lesser weight. In the case of the TSA position on this they basically are saying "only the passenger should have the key for the locks, but if you use TSA locks we aren't going to prevent you from flying". The reality is that many people have access to TSA keys, to prevent theft use your own locks with your own keys.The TSA rules aren't exactly a model of clarity. Using "should" isn't as strong as what I seem to remember (danger!) before, and then to end with the final sentence of bullet point #4 - "You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."