[tcpip95]

I travel frequently with my shotguns from Florida to California. casonet's email is absolutely correct.

1. Get a good case. It must be lockable. I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056B ... UTF8&psc=1. It has taken a beating by the baggage handlers and has endured it all. It is a great case. I can't say enough good things about it.

2. I also ordered the TSA locks for the case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00621 ... UTF8&psc=1 It makes dealing with TSA much easier. They have ALWAYS opened up and inspected my guns, so having a TSA-approved lock makes it easier.

3. You will have to open the case at the check-in counter to show them that the weapons are unloaded, and you will need to sign an orange form that will go inside the case stating that the weapons are unloaded.

4. If you take a cleaning kit with you, make sure you do NOT take any solvents (i.e. Hoppes) as they will confiscate them. They are not allowed in either checked baggage or carry-on.

5. When you arrive at your destination, the weapons will NOT come off on the luggage carousol. They should remain under positive control by the airlines. I fly United and I retrieve them at the United baggage claim office.

 

[tcpip95]

The whole purpose of the TSA-approved locks is so that TSA can open it without having to cut them off or chase you down.

I travel monthly with my shotguns on United, and each and every time TSA has opened my case, put their inspection card in the case saying that they opened and inspected my case, and locked the case up again - all without me being present.

 

[tcpip95]

Yeah, OK. I'll make sure I go back there and tell those TSA guys how to do their job.

Whatever.

 

[tcpip95]

If you do not have a TSA-approved lock - and they need to get into your case - they will usually contact the airlines, who will page you to come to the gate (if you're already past security). Before I started using TSA-approved locks, they had done that twice before (once in San Jose, once in Houston). If they can't find you, they will cut off the lock or not allow the case to board.

Usually the airlines will have you wait at the counter until TSA has checked the case to avoid the hassle of chasing you down if they need to get into it. TSA staff were the ones that suggested I get the TSA-approved locks so that I didn't have to wait for them.

I've been using this case with the TSA locks for about a year now. Very happy with the case, and am glad I put those locks on it.