Are TSA locks allowed on gun cases or suitcases that contain ammunition? Some say no others say yes. Which is it or is it which agent you draw? Or would it be prudent to take along some standard luggage locks just in case they object to TSA locks. One thing for certain, no locks on the cases, no cases on the plane.

I just got back from Namibia and used non-TSA locks on my gun case and ammo case. I did not have any problems with this approach. My understanding is that the law says non-TSA locks are to be used when traveling with firearms to insure that only the owner of the firearm can open the case.

Where are you headed for your trip?

quote:

Originally posted by R. Westmoreland:
Are TSA locks allowed on gun cases or suitcases that contain ammunition? Some say no others say yes. Which is it or is it which agent you draw? Or would it be prudent to take along some standard luggage locks just in case they object to TSA locks. One thing for certain, no locks on the cases, no cases on the plane.

No TSA locks on guncases but yes on luggage containing ammunition or luggage without ammunition. I wouldn't put standard locks on the luggage (non-gun case luggage) or they will cut them off when/if they inspect your luggage.

I use an ammunition box INSIDE my luggage that is locked with a standard lock that only I have the key for, NOT TSA locks.

No TSA locks on guncases,and TSA locks on baggage.

I have used TSA locks on my Pelican case for ammo without problem.

My understanding of the law is non-TSA locks on cases that contain firearms, and TSA locks on ammo cases. But when the .gov could easily "declare" ammo to be considered a firearm, who knows. Common sense is not a characteristic of our legal system, nor the TSA.

YMMV, however, as the TSA does what it wants at the whim of the particular agent regardless of what the law is or what their own polices are. And if the agent is wrong, you really have no recourse.

No TSA locks on gun cases. The rules state that only the gun owner is able to open the lock on the gun case (or words to that effect). I always use key locks on mine.
Mangwana

R.Westmoreland,

As others have said the rule allows only a conventional lock on your gun case. Nobody but you is supposed to be able to get into your gun case. TSA locks can be used on your luggage and ammo.

Mark

+1.

Thanks for the input guys. My legs sure are getting tired from jumping through all these hoops. I believe I'll have non-TSA locks on the Pelican and TSA locks on the suitcase and non-TSA locks on the MTM ammo box in the suitcase. Then I'm gonna put both TSA and non-TSA locks on the hasp to my rubber room. I just keep reminding myself,"You've waited all your life and you really want to do this".

Not to further confuse a confused issue.
travelsentry.blogspot.com/2010/07/confusion-about-air-travel-with.html (copy-paste)

I believe that I would have TSA locks on your ammo box. I didn't once and they broke the locks to check my ammo. Just non-TSA locks on the gun case, as that is the only one that just you should have a key to.

On the way to Africa last year, our luggage and the ammo box were opened. If we had not used TSA locks, they no doubt would have cut them.

Hugh

I strongly advise everyone to carry at least two extra TSA locks in their carry-on bag, in the event a lock goes missing or is cut. I once had to send a bellman out to buy new locks for me in Lusaka, Zambia.

Matt U is 100% correct

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
I strongly advise everyone to carry at least two extra TSA locks in their carry-on bag, in the event a lock goes missing or is cut. I once had to send a bellman out to buy new locks for me in Lusaka, Zambia.

I plan on taking a couple extra locks with me. One in the ammo box and one in the gun case with a note telling them if they cut the locks to replace the lock. Hopefully the guns and ammo will get through the trip.

R. Westmoreland,

As UEG said use the TSA locks on your ammo box also.

Mark

I put a TSA lock on my ammo box. My gun case is the standard aluminum case that used to have a long rod; when TSA inspected my gun case once, they apparently forgot to put the rod back on. But that is okay; I know put two non TSA locks on the two outside latches, and two TSA locks on the latches closest to the handle.

If TSA wants to get in our case on a connecting flight (it will happen if you clear customs in Canada and then connect in the US) they will cut your locks and put on TSA locks. If that happens to me, at least I have the keys.