eye95
Well-known member
I fly with my pistol pretty regularly.
If you omit the TSA lock or otherwise try to keep them out of your bag, they are going to either cut the lock off or call you back to the luggage check...
The actual hard-sided bag containing your firearm does NOT need a TSA lock! From TSA's website, with the relevant wording bolded:
The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage are:
* You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container. [This does not say by itself. You can pack other stuff that you don't want the TSA to have routine access to packed in there.]
* The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from access by anyone other than you. [A TSA lock does not meet this definition.] Cases that can be pulled open with little effort do not meet this criterion. The pictures provided here illustrate the difference between a properly packaged and an improperly packaged firearm.
* We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can't contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft. [They will NOT break the lock. If the TSA wants inside that bag, you open the bag and are present during inspection, or the bag does not fly!]
* You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
* You can't bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.
If the TSA agents do not follow these procedures, they are breaking federal law and are subject to criminal sanctions!
Conclusion: Your container MUST be locked with a NON-TSA lock. You may pack anything in that container that can lawfully be placed in checked luggage. The TSA agents get essentially one crack at looking at that luggage--while you are present and can open and resecure your container with that non-TSA lock.
Cite to authority. Personal experience is great--until you deal with someone who knows what the laws and regulations actually say. If a TSA screener gives you flak about a non-TSA lock, point them to their own web page and advise them that cutting off that lock will violate federal law.
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