Last Friday (12/10) I flew from Las Vegas to Columbus, OH with a handgun and some radios in a locked, hard SKB case.

I was paged at the gate to go back to the ticket counter because "TSA was concerned" about something in the case.

About halfway there, Southwest Airlines called on my cell phone and said never mind, it was ok.

When I opened the case in Ohio, it had a "You've been inspected" notice on the INSIDE of the locked case.

I thought the whole idea of non-TSA locks on gun cases was so they couldn't do that very thing????

WTF??????

The guns have to have been presented to the airline ticket agent for verification that they are unloaded. You sign the attestation (orange tag) and place it in the lockable gun case.

Then, depending on the airline/airport, it is either placed on a specific conveyor belt for scanning downstream or walked over to the TSA, who verify that the tag has been signed. You can then lock the gun case (and suitcase, if appropriate) and hand it to TSA for scanning.

Did TSA break your locks?

George

No damage to the locks.

The gun was declared, inspected, form signed, etc. like always.

Apparently they are fully capable of unlocking non-TSA locks, and willing to to so.

Hmmm.

I've been flying with guns for over 30 years, and the one time I had an issue was through no fault of my own.

I was paged off the plane and had to run back to the ticket area; a scowling TSA agent asked me if I had presented my gun for inspection. I assured him that I knew the process, and offered to unlock the gun case, so he could see the signed tag for himself.

His demeanor change immediately and he then admitted that the skycap put my gun case (with the signed tag on the inside) on the 'wrong' conveyor belt. He thanked me for my cooperation and held the plane until I get back to the gate (after passing through security again).

As for picking the locks, considering some of the people TSA hires, it does not surprise me that they would have that skill in their repertoire.

Was this at McCarran?

George

TSA has keys to SKB cases and probably master keys for just about every other kind of lock made. I too have had TSA enter my SKB case and leave their card when they removed some gun oil from my case.

About three or four years ago when arriving in Denver for a mule deer hunt I overheard a passenger talking to his buddy about having to break off his SKB locks because he didn't have a key. It seems after TSA inspected his case at departure and instructed him to lock it he realized he didn't have his key. They gladly produced a key and locked it for him. Luckily I had an extra SKB key which fit his lock and was able to unlock it for him.

George: It had to be McCarran. I fly out of there all of the time and I never fly with my firearms that TSA doesn't request me to return and to provide them with my key to open and inspect my TuffPak gun case. Apparently the TSA thieves have yet to get a master key to TuffPaks which uses a vending machine type of key. Just another reason to use the TuffPak! But considering what federal law mandates, it appears that those TSA folks are intentionally violating federal law by opening a firearms case without first trying to contact the firearms case owner and obtain the key from the owner. As I understand the law, the only time that they can do so, is if they have first made an effort to call you back to check-in and you fail to return within a reasonable time. However, they are not to possess a key to your gun case, even if it is a master key. They can choose to not allow the firearms case to travel and hold it.

I didn't know that you could travel with a handgun if you weren't law enforcement, I learn something new every day. I had considered after getting my CA gun permit getting one of those that is good multi-state, but figured I'd have to drive on vacations, as much as I hate flying, this shaves days off of trips.

Red

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
I didn't know that you could travel with a handgun if you weren't law enforcement, I learn something new every day. I had considered after getting my CA gun permit getting one of those that is good multi-state, but figured I'd have to drive on vacations, as much as I hate flying, this shaves days off of trips.

Red

Red,

Of course you can travel with a hand gun in your checked baggage just the same as a long gun with the same rules applying.

Don't try to carry one on though.

I brought a Hi-Power back from DC and I took it on for inspection. I opened the case and the lady looked as though I had a severed head. Said she "Din wan tuch at thang.' and asked me to close it up. Second most frightful thing that ever happened to me at an airport...

There is no lock that cannot be opened.

We get all sorts of locks the owners have lost the keys for, and generally takes Walter a few minutes to open them. Without any damage.

Combination locks are the way to go on your gun case.

I had the same thing happen to me a few years ago with a guncase that had built it key locks. There was a note inside as well. jorge

I was paged by Delta in Nov while in Panama City. It bugged the hell out of me, because at most airports you can wait while TSA screens your guns.

The gate agent met me at security and asked for my keys; she said she would watch TSA lock my gun case and then she would bring the keys to the gate. Without thinking, I gave her my keys - including the house keys. Then it dawned on me if she didn't show up, I wasn't going to get in the house. However, she was there, gave me my keys, and everything was great.

One lesson I have learned: don't put anything in your case except guns. Gun oil is an invitation to a TSA inspection. But who knows? That last trip broke that rule: I had nothing but a gun.

Having Columbus, Ohio as my ;home; airport. I can tell you that at that airport it is normal procedure for TSA to open the case and inspect all firearms going out or comming in. I do not know if it is proper procedure-- they probably do not know either-- but that is what they do there. By the way-- they will call you back form the gate if the tag is not inside the case.

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
I didn't know that you could travel with a handgun if you weren't law enforcement, I learn something new every day. I had considered after getting my CA gun permit getting one of those that is good multi-state, but figured I'd have to drive on vacations, as much as I hate flying, this shaves days off of trips.


Red

I've always hunted exclusively with handguns and routinely travel with handguns all over the world -- modern Europe the exception -- with absolutely no issues. I have had a ticket agent raise her eyebrows from time-to-time, but I've never had a problem beyond that occasional initial look of surprise.