TSA Question

[SMMAssociates]

This may be in the TSA thread someplace, but....

As I read it, the TSA requires that a checked firearm be in a hard case with a lock, and ammuntion be stored separately, in factory containers if possible, but the same outer case is acceptable.

However, does the outer "suitcase" need to be a hardside, or is one of those "bag" style softsiders acceptable? (Mine can be locked - zippers like a range bag.)

TIA

 

[BlkHawk73]

Only guidelines I'm read are those regarding the actual condition of the firearm itself and the requirement for it being placed in a locked hard case. the bag the hard case is placed in can't be locked anyways. well, at least it's not worth it since it'll be cut if there's any suspicion. Go to any of the airline sites and they'll list the firearms regulations online.

 

[Hypnogator]

From personal experience, I know that softsided bags are OK, as long as the gun itself is in a hard sided case. All you need is one of those miniature padlocks to lock the zippers together.

 

[Kharn]

Are you required to have an outer case?
I'd hate to be forced to find a piece of luggage to contain a double-rifle Starlight monstrosity.

Kharn

 

[carebear]

Kharn,

If you aren't kidding....

Nope, weapons can be checked just in rifle cases and the like as well. The "case-in-a-bag" is specifically for handguns, I think we tend to default to the "pistol" rules in conversation because we are usually talking about taking our protection pieces with us.

 

[SMMAssociates]

Thanks, gang!

Thanks for all the information.

I'd somehow decided that a hard-sided suitcase would be needed in addition to the hard case for a handgun, which seemed silly, but then I thought about who we're dealing with and....

TSA locks are "around" - gotta order a couple. I have a pistol case that'll work fine - it's one of those larger S&W blue cases.

The TSA lock is kind of funny, given that the average airline probably has keys to 99% of the locks that people would use anyway, but when you consider that the best most people can get out of a lock on a suitcase is some protection against the case just popping open by itself, I guess it doesn't matter.

My softside has some non-TSA locks, but I don't have the keys.... Long story.... My daughter somehow managed to steal it from my mom, and then the two of them decided that I wanted it.... I did, but I would like the keys....

 

[Kharn]

You're not supposed to use a TSA lock on firearm cases, federal law requires the passenger be the only one with the key or combination.

Kharn

 

[SMMAssociates]

Kharn: Right!

You're not supposed to use a TSA lock on firearm cases, federal law requires the passenger be the only one with the key or combination.

I hope I was just unclear .

You're correct.... The TSA lock is for the suitcase only - they want to be able to open those.

The gun case lock should be keyed so you can hand them the key and then get it back again, rather than a combination, because you have to "advertise" the combination, which isn't good. The idea being that only you and the specific screener who checks the weapon can access it.

Not the best security in the world if your gun case is plastic, but the spirit of the law seems to be to restrict rather than eliminate access. Theft doesn't bother them, apparently, viz the old "Steal Me" firearms sign that was once supposed to be on the outside of the case.

I don't plan on flying again until I get a FL license or reciprocity with TX, but I have to take mom to the airport in a couple weeks, and she's going to qualify for a "caregiver" - me - to take her to the gate. No firearm, of course, but possibly an empty holster . She's old enough and infirm enough that I may have to go get her in TX, and who knows what Santa will send our AG by then.

Meantime, I wanted to get a line on those TSA locks 'cause with or without the weapon, I may need that suitcase....

(My other suitcases are big old Samsonites with built-in locks. Best kept locked 'cause they tend to pop open. Everybody's got keys to those except probably the TSA.... )

(As I understand the problem with TX, they could issue non-resident licenses with one phone call to someplace or other that OH doesn't bother to ask when qualifying CHL's here. $50 and a photocopy of our OH license ought to do it. But that's way too simple.... I have the FL paperwork, but haven't been able to deal with it....)

Thanks!

 

[Logistar]

FWIW - Last time I flew they asked me to lock the outer case as well. I did. I was asked to open it at one point for an "inspection" but otherwise had no trouble.

JUST TO BE SAFE... I usually put my gun(s) in their original case and lock it with a padlock. THAT goes into my actual medium-sized gun case and it is locked. Worst thing about this is that I am limited to only one other checked bag! Otherwise it works well and I can't see them whining about anything that way.