TSA approved gun case questions.

[fwafwow]

Exactly. TSA-recognized locks are acceptable for firearms per the TSA website, but I personally would not use them.

At some airports (San Jose, Philadelphia) the TSA luggage screening is behind closed doors so they will ask you to wait at the check-in counter for ~15 minutes after they send your bag back in case they need to get the keys from you to open it. If that occurs, it would not be in your presence. TSA locks would be more efficient in that situation.

Bows are generally (if not universally) considered sporting equipment and hence do not need locks, but I almost missed a flight once because the woman checking bags required my case to be locked (said it was the same as a firearm). My SKB bow case has built-in TSA locks, and I would probably pack a couple of locks just in case if it didn't.

Well said - and much more succinctly than my most recent post.

Bottom line - at the end of the day we have to deal with people on a variety of issues, which inevitably increases uncertainty.

 

[LongWayAround]

I've only flown once with firearms but between the three airports, none had the same procedure.

In Seattle, the TSA agent brought me to an area and inspected the contents. Then, allowed me to repack.

In Anchorage, the TSA inspected the case in my view but did not allow me to touch the contents afterwards.

In Denver, they did not allow me to observe the inspection.

It seems like they make it up along the way.

They all have some bullshit lines about what the rules supposedly are.

 

[Mt Al]

We may be debating how many angels can dance on the head of a pin here, but fwiw I *think* that the TSA guidelines have changed. I am pretty sure that at one point the TSA website said that you MUST use non-TSA locks and that you were not supposed to give the code or keys to anyone and that you had to be present when the case was opened. (I'm pretty sure because I had an argument with TSA on this point - more below.)

Now the guidelines not only permit TSA locks, they now (that I could see in the link above) no longer recommend against TSA locks, and they seem to give us a heads-up that TSA may want to open the locked case - with no reference to the owner being present. ("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.")

Anyway, I have encountered the "no secure area" issue, including back when the TSA rules were as written before (no TSA locks and no one can open the case without the owner present). It was on my way home from Charleston, SC and I initially refused to hand over my key and I cited the rule. I asked to speak to the supervisor and the woman in front of me calmly explained she was the highest ranking TSA officer at the airport. She said she was aware of the rule, but there was a conflicting rule that prevented me from going to the place where they would open the case. She said I could choose not to fly with the weapon, or let her personally inspect the case and return the key to me. I chose the latter. FWIW, Omaha, NE has the same limitation - the inspection area is in the back behind the check-in counter (at least for Delta flights). Since I fly out of Atlanta, I can say (at least as currently set up) there is no such problem - as the oversize/special baggage place TSA opens and looks at your firearm is separate and accessible by passengers.

I've raised this point in other threads and some people don't like it, but don't shoot the messenger. My point is that when you fly with a firearm (including in a bow case), be prepared for the unexpected. If you have six locking points (like on my SKB), be prepared to have six locks on it - although some TSA agents will say fewer will suffice. I've also had locks that are mysteriously missing after a flight - but the others are unopened and not cut off - so I keep extra (non-TSA) locks with me to replace those. (Someone speculated that the locks can get caught in a conveyor belt and pulled off...?)

Thanks for this information, helps with context. I haven't flow with guns for over 20 years but will be starting to do so in a few months.

Would you mind showing what type of locks you put on your case? There are only a jillion to choose from! Keys or combos? Do you set up all the locks for the same key/combo?

Sorry for nubie questions, it's just been a long time.

Thanks

 

[fwafwow]

Thanks for this information, helps with context. I haven't flow with guns for over 20 years but will be starting to do so in a few months.

Would you mind showing what type of locks you put on your case? There are only a jillion to choose from! Keys or combos? Do you set up all the locks for the same key/combo?

Sorry for nubie questions, it's just been a long time.

Thanks

My pleasure. I would have to dig them out, but I'm not sure it will be helpful to you - as I believe the choices depend on the case you are using (including to see that they are long enough to fit through the holes). When I used a Plano with just two lock sites, I used a pair of basic MasterLocks with a set of keys, but I was fairly paranoid about wearing the keys around my neck for fear of losing them. With the SKB I need to have 6+ locks and I'd prefer they all have the same access, so I ended up going with combination locks and setting them all to the same combos. There are many locks to choose from, but a bunch of them seemed to suck. Sorry I can't be more helpful, at least at the moment.

 

[ODB]

Thanks for this information, helps with context. I haven't flow with guns for over 20 years but will be starting to do so in a few months.

Would you mind showing what type of locks you put on your case? There are only a jillion to choose from! Keys or combos? Do you set up all the locks for the same key/combo?

Sorry for nubie questions, it's just been a long time.

Thanks

Keys. Buy more locks than places you have to lock. Keep extras in the case, unlocked with a note :extra locks.

I use flat Master like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Master-Lock-1-78-in-Aluminum-Keyed-Padlock/3036365

 

[fwafwow]

Keys. Buy more locks than places you have to lock. Keep extras in the case, unlocked with a note :extra locks.

I use flat Master like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Master-Lock-1-78-in-Aluminum-Keyed-Padlock/3036365

Are you able to get them all to have the same set of keys?

 

[MattB]

The lock itself is not that important as long as it has a shackle that is short enough such that the case cannot be pried open enough to access the firearm with the locks closed. This can be an issue with some case designs.

Many people are told by airlines that they need to have a lock in every spot that your case will accept them even if fewer locks is fully secure. Home Depot sells lock sets in 2, 3, 4 (and maybe more) that all use the same key which is handy. Extra locks are handy in the even one is damaged.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Locks for every lock hole available on the case are required. We use combination locks.

 

[Southern Heritage]

You can fly with any case you want as long as it is able to be locked. You have to use your own locks, you can't use TSA locks.

I’m glad you said that. TSA lit my fanny up about not using TSA locks. I got a massive lecture on they can’t access it etc.
my polite response was I have a key let’s access it together.
they just took my key then came back 20 min later.
I was pissed and for 48 hrs new that dingaling had twisted my turrets.

 

[ODB]

Are you able to get them all to have the same set of keys?

The ones I have came in a set of 4 - all keyed the same. I buy a second set to keep in the case and just carry the extra keys. One set of keys is in my luggage, the other set never leaves my carry-on bag, which is never more than 1 foot from me...

 

[Lelder]

I also zip tie the case shut where the external locks are so if someone tries to pry something out it won’t open

 

[Lelder]

I had the same thing happen as Southern Heritage ^^ did. The dumb asses read me the riot act about not being able to get into my gun case and I needed TSA locks etc.. I simply pulled up the tsa website my phone and showed them that it says not to use TSA locks. Then I got to talk down to them, very satisfying. I was on my way home from a trip, probably wouldn’t of laid into them if on my way out lol

 

[positivepete!]

I use SKB for my bow ( its a double rifle case) packed with a bunch of clothes. Works well for me

 

[Mt Al]

My pleasure. I would have to dig them out, but I'm not sure it will be helpful to you - as I believe the choices depend on the case you are using (including to see that they are long enough to fit through the holes). When I used a Plano with just two lock sites, I used a pair of basic MasterLocks with a set of keys, but I was fairly paranoid about wearing the keys around my neck for fear of losing them. With the SKB I need to have 6+ locks and I'd prefer they all have the same access, so I ended up going with combination locks and setting them all to the same combos. There are many locks to choose from, but a bunch of them seemed to suck. Sorry I can't be more helpful, at least at the moment.

Thanks much! This helps, as do the rest of the replies in this thread. Feeling ready to fly with guns again.

 

[Mt Al]

Keys. Buy more locks than places you have to lock. Keep extras in the case, unlocked with a note :extra locks.

I use flat Master like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Master-Lock-1-78-in-Aluminum-Keyed-Padlock/3036365

Thanks for this info! Going to get a made in USA Pelican and get started.

 

[ODB]

@Mt Al

Here’s how I cut my foam. Lay down some painters tape and outline carefully. Use a havalon to make perfect cuts. Save the cutout section so you can use the case with other guns by swapping the foam sections.

 

[Snowcrest6]

Boyt cases are good quality, tsa approved

 

[Mcnasty]

I have Boyt and SKB cases for Rifle and Bow, both are great and a small bass pro case for in luggage handguns. Consider investing in a large Fender or Gibson sticker for the case. I have done this and cant prove it makes a difference but in my mind, I think most folks respect a fine instrument and will likely handle it with more care. Also just in general outside the airport folks don't assume it's a firearm.

 

[Mt Al]

View attachment 374880View attachment 374881View attachment 374882View attachment 374883@Mt Al

Here’s how I cut my foam. Lay down some painters tape and outline carefully. Use a havalon to make perfect cuts. Save the cutout section so you can use the case with other guns by swapping the foam sections.

Nice! I wondered how the cutouts look like they were done on a CNC machine. Thanks for the tip.

 

[def90]

I’m glad you said that. TSA lit my fanny up about not using TSA locks. I got a massive lecture on they can’t access it etc.
my polite response was I have a key let’s access it together.
they just took my key then came back 20 min later.
I was pissed and for 48 hrs new that dingaling had twisted my turrets.

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)

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

Learn how to properly prepare, pack and declare firearms and ammunition in checked baggage when flying. Review TSA rules, airline policies, and legal requirements.

www.tsa.gov