I'm flying Delta to Atlanta, then SAA to Joburg. I'll have a two-rifle gun case and a suitcase with ammo inside. What kind of locks may/must I put on the luggage? TSA-approved, non-TSA-approved, no locks???

I'm working my way through the Delta and SAA web sites but thought I try those who really know. Thanks for your help.

On my most recent flight I pulled an official TSA guy aside and asked him that very question. He said YES! On the TSA approved locks. They aren't expensive so just in case take along a second set. I believe they come in packs of two for about $7.

Unapproved locks will be removed!

I've been using the TSA approved locks for the past year. No problems so far.

quote:

Originally posted by Conewago:
I'm flying Delta to Atlanta, then SAA to Joburg. I'll have a two-rifle gun case and a suitcase with ammo inside. What kind of locks may/must I put on the luggage? TSA-approved, non-TSA-approved, no locks???

I'm working my way through the Delta and SAA web sites but thought I try those who really know. Thanks for your help.

Conewago,

There are lots of good posts about this from previously here. If you go to the "find" icon & click that, then select "advanced search" and put in "padlocks" "TSA" or similar you will bring up lots of helpful stuff...

What do you intend carrying your ammo in? Most airlines want a locking box of some sort, it seems some want metal, some don't care...I am going to use a small metal cash box as that has been recommended here before and seems to meet all the regulations..

Regards,

Pete

Try TamperSeal.com.They have the standard 1/8 stock and a heavier 1/4 diameter for those with cases that need more "beef". I bought enough to replcae all of ours-4-1/4 and 6- 1/8. It was under $100.

Last fall when I went to Africa via London and left the states at Dulles the TSA people inspected the contents of my duffle that contained my hard cased with rifles enclosed and also my other duffel with the ammo in and marked both as inspected. They said it would not be rechecked or opened, and they weren't.

Peter E - you make a good point. I tried the search before posting and got mostly hits about Tuff paks and changing their locks. Nothing as definitive as the responses above. Searching on "Luggage locks" got better information but since the posted date doesn't show year I can't tell how current some of the hits are.

I'll carry the ammo inside my suitcase in a small plastic tackle box with one of those TSA locks on it. There is room for several boxes of shells, gun care tools, and socks or something to keep it from rattling around.

Thanks to all for the responses.

Here is the info from the TSA web-page. It is important to note that firearms have different regs about locking than regular luggage. If you read it carefully you will see that you should not use TSA-approved locks as it says only the passengetr shall have the key to a locked firearm...and if it's a TSA-approved lock anyone with the master key can open it.


Travelers & Consumers Printable Version
Transporting Special Items

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts may only be transported in checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.

There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers (LEOs) who are authorized to fly armed by meeting the requirements of 49 CFR § 1544.219.

Following is a summary of key regulatory requirements to transport firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage:

All firearms must be declared to the air carrier during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked.
The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.
Any ammunition transported must be securely packed in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
Firearm magazines/clips do not satisfy the packaging requirement unless they provide a complete and secure enclosure of 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).
The ammunition may also be located in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it is properly packed as described above.
Black powder and percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

The regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and the imposition of civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Air carriers may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition an individual may place in checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the air carrier regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies.







Transportation Security Administration Internet Privacy Policy : Terms of Use : Accessibility : FOIA : FirstGov

I bought my TSA approved combination locks on the internet at a site provided by ( who else!) Terry. Anyhow it shows you via a red flag that TSA's opened them. Wal-Mart carries them now also, but you DO need to lock your rifle cases and whereever you carry your ammo. jorge

I bought and used some of the smaller diameter "TSA" locks my last trip to Africa. when my luggage arrived, two of the locks were broken and could not be re-used (no theft had occurred). I would suggest you purchase a more sturdy version of "TSA" lock.