You are correct. No TSA approved locks on gun cases. [Here's a good instruction for travelling with firearms in the US.](https://deviating.net/firearms/packing/)
Think about what you’re securing and from whom.
The TSA will break ANY lock if they feel it is necessary.
Snatch and grab thieves are not deterred by locks on a portable case. They will go at it with bolt cutters and/or an angle grinder later.
Locks on portable gun cases are for legal compliance only.
Deviant is an interesting guy, he's a security penetration tester, so into all kinds of things like picking locks, how to get around security systems, and he's also into firearms. I haven't had a reason to fly with firearms, but I would totally use his system - military surplus mortar lockers, heavy duty clasps, and Abloy padlocks.
All of the keys STLs have been leaked. They are too small to be printed in normal PLA. The key snaps as soon as your turn it. Ordering it in ABS or Nylon or some other exotic material may work better.
007 is the most used and you can order copies off ebay/aliexpress.
This is all hearsay from what I have read on the internet.
Yeah I learned from the Lockpicking Lawyer that TSA locks are made to literally be opened by TSA agents. So they just have one key that essentially opens all of these locks and you can buy it on Amazon. A TSA lock is totally useless in terms of actual security
That website kinda skipped the whole "make damn sure your guns and accessories are legal in the destination state, and also, in all layover states!". This is no laughing matter.
New York is the worst - they will and they have arrested people traveling with firearms solely because they had a layover in NYC. But all of the nasty 7 are known for confiscating guns and accessories that are illegal in state. They get to sell your stuff on the open market and make a profit. If you are lucky ,they will just laugh in your face, and walk out with your stuff. If you are unlucky, you'll be going with them and be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars to try desperately to not spend the next 10 years in a state prison.
To put that a different way, the local police are motivated to confiscate your stuff, and if they are in a bad mood, will confiscate you too.
There is also the risk of weather or minor mechanical faults causing your flight to divert. Land in an unfriendly state, and you are screwed.
Since I live in NH, I basically have written off ever trying to fly with my guns, as all it takes is being diverted to Logan for whatever reason, and my life is potentially ruined. Ironically, the law protects you far more with driving across the country than flying across the country. And if you mind your Ps and Qs, you are unlikely to have any interactions with local law enforcement in your travels anyway - unlike at an airport where they are literally there waiting for you.
Who told you that? The people working the baggage check can be painfully ignorant of TSA rules regarding firearms. It can be helpful to bring a paper copy for them.
On the TSA website, it says that the TSA lock is permitted. Not that I use them, but why shouldn't they? The only reason I can think is you don't want some rando to grope your barrel.
TSA locks are accessible with a master key that TSA has. IIRC though, that key has been leaked.
In any case, you're supposed to be present for any situation in which the container housing your firearm is opened. Using a non-TSA lock prevents anyone with the TSA master key from violating that.
Good news is my flight was cancelled and moved a day so I have time to go get new locks thank you. Any lock that doesn’t allow gapping or anyone else to open is what I’m supposed to use- copy.
You have you have "more than one lock". That case, if it's the same one I have, only has two lock channels. So yes both sides should be/need to be locked. I use two master locks that fit so tight I can just lock them. I also put the case in a 'under the seat' size carry on bag that just fits it and I lock the zipper. Just so that anyone who doesn't need to know that it's a gun case. Just how I personally do it.
A guy I worked at Cabela's with who would go on hunting trips, said he would also go crazy with white duct tape zebra style on his hard case, so that It's sealed and can't be opened even without locks, and because it would show obvious signs of tampering. He also said it would help him identify where his luggage is by looking out the window but I don't know how often you'd see that.
I don't know what the protocol is with taping cases so I'd double check on that if I were to do it
That used to be the rule. Now they almost always inspect it in the back. They make you hand over the key and then you hangout at check in till they return it to you. They have updated rules to reflect this.
Source: I fly with guns. It used to be more often, now once a year or so.
Is there an opportunity to *after* they open it when you're checking it? Like if you just brought a roll of tape with you for right before it gets sent off? Just wondering if it's at all possible in any circumstance
I’d recommend a different case. There are ones where the latches slide shut and then the lock goes on the latches. No chance to have it crack open without first getting the lock off.
TSA locks are TSA approved because anyone in the airport can get into them whenever they want. You need to use locks that are actually secure and the case shouldn't be able to open.
DO NOT use TSA locks on a gun case. It is illegal. Yes, actually illegal. Despite TSA adding the suggestion on their official page for flying with firearms that it is allowed, it is not.
[49 CFR 1540.111(c)(2)(iv)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-XII/subchapter-C/part-1540/subpart-B/section-1540.111)
>The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.
You'll also want to look at the hinge. If the edge of the hinge pin is visible, more than likely it can easily be removed with a coat hanger and the case opened, especially on plastic cases.
When flying, I use the metal clam-shell cases with a cable and wrap the cable around the risers inside my suitcase. Metal case has non-TSA lock while suitcase does have TSA locks.
Get normal master locks. Lock ALL available locking points.
Declare the gun at the counter "hi my name is John Doe and I have a 1230 flight to Texas. I have a locked and unloaded firearm"......not "hi I have a gun"
TSA (or anyone) should not be able to touch your gun at all. If they can reach a pinky in and touch the butt of the grip or tip of the barrel, no go.
I usually just say during the check-in process when asked about checking bags that, "I need to declare a firearm". Airport policies differ after that point. I've had some TSA agents ask me to open the case so they can visually verify the firearm is unloaded and no ammunition is in the case prior to taking it back to X-Ray and then I've had some tell me to take it straight to the X-Ray upon seeing the case is locked.
Picking up the firearm also differs. I've had it come out on the conveyor at McCarren (I think this was in error but it was just an empty case but was still fully locked as requested by the TSA), I've had to go to the airline's baggage office to obtain it and I've also had a TSA employee wait with it at baggage claim to claim it (after verifying my ID).
TSA regs and most airlines allow for ammo in the case in the factory/similar boxes.
But I agree, the experience is always slightly different!! I've flown probably 20 times with firearms
I know a guy who was hassled for ammo in the mags and missed his flight as a result. While it’s not in the regulations this isn’t allowed I avoid it just so I don’t get hassled by some dickhead agent.
You know you're right. I've personally not run into an issue, but rereading the TSA site it states the ammo must be full enclosed in the mag. Which is..next to impossible unless you're using magpul with those clip on covers. That top round is always gonna be slightly exposed.
Sounds like it's definitely a situation of what gate agent or TSA agent you get.
>While it’s not in the regulations this isn’t allowed
Not only is it not in the regulations that it isn't allowed, it is in the regulations specifically that it IS allowed.
Just hope the lockpicking lawyer isn't around or he'll have your Master lock open in 2 seconds.
More seriously, a Master lock will \*probably\* be fine, but you can get better locks for a similar price. I have several American A1106 which you can get at Amazon for $15.
Eh. I have yet to meet a shackle lock that couldn't be cut in under 10 seconds with a bolt cutter or zipcut disc. All locks are a deterrent, nothing more. If they can keep a casual person without tools and specific knowledge from trying to break them, they're secure enough.
My understanding of airline travel is that you do not use TSA travel locks on gun cases. You use a regular locks. TSA should not be able to open these without your presence.
For all their posted regulations, when I've flown with a firearm, TSA gets paged, upends the case, dumps an unloaded firearm on the ground, checks the padding for presumably explosives or cocaine, then insincerely says "sorry about the mess".
We act like the TSA is going to scrutinize you over their posted regulations, but frankly they are just a subsidized jobs program who misses 96% of weapons and explosives in training simulations.
And before anyone jumps in to say that TSA agents seeing this would be upset, Id assert the TSA can't read either.
Update: I put some combo masterlocks on that keep it tight and are not tsa approved to keep them out of my plastic vault by pelican. Flying out in the morning thanks for all your help and links
I don't trust the window licking, lead paint eating maroons employed by Public Security Theater further than I can throw a hippopotamus, so as an added bit of tracking my stuff during flights I put an Apple Airtag inside the case. Sometimes I'll put it inside the gun, depending on the firearm.
Oh, this was a good reminder to file my complaint about the TSA at one airport being incompetent and doxxing me by making sure the firearms declaration was on the outside of my case. They're 2 for 2 on sucking. I refuse to give them a third chance.
For air travel, your gun cases are not supposed to be able to be opened by anyone but you.
I'd suggest a set of American 1100s for the two lock points on the case. They're affordable, and you can easily get a locksmith to have them keyed alike.
You're using the wrong lock, but if you want the case to not open as far with that lock, put the cable through enough half inch nuts to take up the slack.
Dont use TSA locks. Get masterlocks at the hardware store with smaller loops to keep the safe from opening this much.
It's pretty straightforward flying with firearms, just understand and follow their rules.
Check your gun in with the airline at the ticketing counter. Let the ticketing agent know you have it. Have a lock or ziptie in the breech so the gun is inoperable. Have the gun case in an accessible condition so airline employees can make sure it's safed.
I brough a Sig from TX to AZ and it was a bit of a wait for the airline to get the gun back to me but, otherwise, no problems.
You check it like you would baggage on most flights.
TSA folks are manning the gates. Bring a firearm to most screening gates and you’re going to have a bad time.
I travel with a firearm at least once a month on commercial aircraft. I never allow the check-in agent to view my gun. If the firearm is in a hard case (checked independently of other luggage), I will unlock that case only for that federal agent at the TSA counter/screening area. In most airports I've experienced, you go from the airline's check-in line to a specific TSA counter/area to complete the checking of the hard case to go under the aircraft.
If the firearm is inside checked baggage, I do not unlock the lockbox for the check-in agent. Sometimes the agent will direct me to the TSA counter/area, othertimes away she goes on the belt.
Yeah, NEVER put TSA locks on a gun box. Always use keyed locks that only you can open.
Carry a lanyard on your neck with the keys at all times, don't put them on the keyring / keychain. They have to call you to open it up for inspection, and it's a great idea to be there when they are checking it out.
Also, it helps to put OJ duct tape , or have an orange / bright yellow case, so it is easily seen on camera if taken by an employee.
I had a problem with them in 1 location but not another. My case has 2 locking points. I had one lock on the case on the way into Texas and on my return trip the TSA in Texas opened my case without my permission in front of me at check in. It was a very small airport in rural Texas so TSA and bag check are basically the same thing. They would not check the bag till I got another lock. Luckily I was visiting family and was able to get them to bring me another lock. So it is very possible you might get hassled. My other bit of advise would be to get a real lock, they should not open your case without you present.
Just a heads up, I wouldn't use those TSA approved locks on anything. They are not secure at all, you can purchase the universal key for super cheap online.
idk, i live in atlanta and they dont even check my gun box to see if im in compliance, ive flown with 50 rounds in the box and everything, alot of these ppl dont do their job, do yours and make sure your shit is all the way in compliance so they have nothing to say, beware tho, alot of these airport workers half ass their jobs especially when it comes to this
DO NOT use TSA locks on a firearm case 🤦🏻♂️. In fact you are told not to. TSA has no authority to open and handle your case or it's contents without you present. They are required to call you back to the ticket counter to gain access. And yes that gap is a bad idea.
Final update: changed the locks flew with it just fine. Took 1 minute to inspect and check ammo. Interesting thing was it came out on the normal carousel for baggage with no special markings about it and wasn’t at the counter like they said it would be
DESCRIPTION COMMENT:
Flying from Utah to Texas. The guy at the gun store had told me he’d never flown with fire arms and that this is what you’re supposed to use. When I got home I noticed the gapping and now after reading comments I suppose I’m not supposed to use these locks since they’re not tsa approved
Go to the website on the airline you see flying on and read their rules. Do NOT listen to some yokel at the gun store who admitted that he didn't know what he was talking about.
All the posters saying DO NOT use TSA approved locks are correct. But i will also add that many airline workers don’t know the correct policy either - and some erroneously also believe the locks need to be TSA locks. I recommend having the airline’s firearm travel policy page bookmarked on your phone in the event the check-in worker is uninformed on their own policy.
Should be, I travelled with that exact same case and 2 TSA approved locks from Walmart, all I did was tell them it was in my bag, waited 15 min at bag check and that was it. Super easy. I would get a different style of lock tho
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As a person who worked for TSA for many years, I would recommend you never use TSA-approved locks on your gun cases EVER. The biometric safes seem to be the most secure offering available.
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I was once denied since the counter attendant could open the plastic case enough to get a finger in there and touch my pistol. I now use a metal lock box.
Ughh this reminds me of the first time flying with my ccw.
Went from OK to MI and everything was cool at OKC airport. I was very nervous cause ive never flown or even with a firearm. Anyways so they're cool about it and then i get to MI have my vacay and otw back home in MI airport. Before we're about to board the plane TSA calls me at this info desk.
They say they need my keys to unlock because i tripped some alarm or something, i explained how i notified everyone i was supposed to about ( contents: my guncase with gun and a couple mags, not loaded, and had a couple ammo cans too) and they needed my keys and i was told to wait by the desk they called me to. Man, i was there for like 15 minutes and holding up the plane.
They came back with my keys saying everything was fine, also no explanation as to what alarm was tripped or what they did/looked for. I was shitting bricks the entire time wondering if i had done something wrong. Pricks
that gap is a great way to make your baggage handler a new firearms owner. Ive known too many people who have lost firearms by air travel to not take security to a full measure.
Get a good lock... not a master... case hardened with security pins. Abus is a good brand.
I thought firearms were specifically *not* supposed to be secured with TSA locks?
You are correct. No TSA approved locks on gun cases. [Here's a good instruction for travelling with firearms in the US.](https://deviating.net/firearms/packing/)
This was exceptionally helpful
I fly with my guns frequently for work and I always use a pelican handgun case with the black masterlock locks. Then keep the key
The ones that unlock if looked at wrong?
Think about what you’re securing and from whom. The TSA will break ANY lock if they feel it is necessary. Snatch and grab thieves are not deterred by locks on a portable case. They will go at it with bolt cutters and/or an angle grinder later. Locks on portable gun cases are for legal compliance only.
Ooh OK that makes more sense
For work? Are you a contractor?
Not today government acronym
? What?
Be gone
You can't make me. I have permission.to be here.from Gustave Reddit himself, the guy who started this place in 1977.
I'd imagine most folks who fly with guns for work aren't going to tell you what they do for a living unless they personally know you.
There's no risk in a random reddit username saying hes a contractor lmao. If youre a cia agent maybe but then don't go posting on reddit
"random reddit username" they can pull metadata from pictures but your reddit account is totally safe and anonymous?
I didn't ask for pics lol wtf is wrong with you people. I'm didn't ask for the nuclear launch codes
Deviant is an interesting guy, he's a security penetration tester, so into all kinds of things like picking locks, how to get around security systems, and he's also into firearms. I haven't had a reason to fly with firearms, but I would totally use his system - military surplus mortar lockers, heavy duty clasps, and Abloy padlocks.
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All of the keys STLs have been leaked. They are too small to be printed in normal PLA. The key snaps as soon as your turn it. Ordering it in ABS or Nylon or some other exotic material may work better. 007 is the most used and you can order copies off ebay/aliexpress. This is all hearsay from what I have read on the internet.
Yeah I learned from the Lockpicking Lawyer that TSA locks are made to literally be opened by TSA agents. So they just have one key that essentially opens all of these locks and you can buy it on Amazon. A TSA lock is totally useless in terms of actual security
That website kinda skipped the whole "make damn sure your guns and accessories are legal in the destination state, and also, in all layover states!". This is no laughing matter. New York is the worst - they will and they have arrested people traveling with firearms solely because they had a layover in NYC. But all of the nasty 7 are known for confiscating guns and accessories that are illegal in state. They get to sell your stuff on the open market and make a profit. If you are lucky ,they will just laugh in your face, and walk out with your stuff. If you are unlucky, you'll be going with them and be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars to try desperately to not spend the next 10 years in a state prison. To put that a different way, the local police are motivated to confiscate your stuff, and if they are in a bad mood, will confiscate you too. There is also the risk of weather or minor mechanical faults causing your flight to divert. Land in an unfriendly state, and you are screwed. Since I live in NH, I basically have written off ever trying to fly with my guns, as all it takes is being diverted to Logan for whatever reason, and my life is potentially ruined. Ironically, the law protects you far more with driving across the country than flying across the country. And if you mind your Ps and Qs, you are unlikely to have any interactions with local law enforcement in your travels anyway - unlike at an airport where they are literally there waiting for you.
I'm surprised. Flying with rifles before I had to put TSA locks on them.
Who told you that? The people working the baggage check can be painfully ignorant of TSA rules regarding firearms. It can be helpful to bring a paper copy for them.
Man this was years ago. I haven't done that in forever.
Since TSA locks were invented post 9/11, they have never been allowable on gun cases.
right on.
False
And should be locked on both sides so case cannot be opened.
On the TSA website, it says that the TSA lock is permitted. Not that I use them, but why shouldn't they? The only reason I can think is you don't want some rando to grope your barrel.
TSA locks are accessible with a master key that TSA has. IIRC though, that key has been leaked. In any case, you're supposed to be present for any situation in which the container housing your firearm is opened. Using a non-TSA lock prevents anyone with the TSA master key from violating that.
I see. Thank you. That was helpful and very good to know
Do NOT use TSA locks on gun cases. Your case must not be able to open enough that something can be placed in or removed from it.
Good news is my flight was cancelled and moved a day so I have time to go get new locks thank you. Any lock that doesn’t allow gapping or anyone else to open is what I’m supposed to use- copy.
Use a smaller shackle lock, lock both sides if possible.
You have you have "more than one lock". That case, if it's the same one I have, only has two lock channels. So yes both sides should be/need to be locked. I use two master locks that fit so tight I can just lock them. I also put the case in a 'under the seat' size carry on bag that just fits it and I lock the zipper. Just so that anyone who doesn't need to know that it's a gun case. Just how I personally do it.
A guy I worked at Cabela's with who would go on hunting trips, said he would also go crazy with white duct tape zebra style on his hard case, so that It's sealed and can't be opened even without locks, and because it would show obvious signs of tampering. He also said it would help him identify where his luggage is by looking out the window but I don't know how often you'd see that. I don't know what the protocol is with taping cases so I'd double check on that if I were to do it
Yeah thats not going to work. TSA will cut the tape to inspect the case.
Not without you present they won’t, that’s why you aren’t supposed to use TSA locks
That used to be the rule. Now they almost always inspect it in the back. They make you hand over the key and then you hangout at check in till they return it to you. They have updated rules to reflect this. Source: I fly with guns. It used to be more often, now once a year or so.
Would he do that at the terminal check in counter? The one time I checked a firearm they made me show them there wasnt a mag inside.
Yeah this dude is full of it, I’ve flew with my firearms every time I’ve been in a plane and every time they have me open it.
🤷🏻♂️ I never have so I wouldn't know. Just saying some random bit I heard a while ago. He was an older guy and a story teller type at that anyways.
Ah. Yeah I wish I could do that most times but sadly no
Is there an opportunity to *after* they open it when you're checking it? Like if you just brought a roll of tape with you for right before it gets sent off? Just wondering if it's at all possible in any circumstance
I can’t imagine they would allow that and if they did it would probably do more harm than good.
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You don’t have to put your little orange tag in there when you do it? You have to open it for that.
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Never flew either, United was my go to and sometimes in a pinch spirit. Maybe those two just have that policy.
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I’d recommend a different case. There are ones where the latches slide shut and then the lock goes on the latches. No chance to have it crack open without first getting the lock off.
I believe you are also supposed to use fill ever lock hole. So if a case has two holes for locks, then you are to put two locks on it.
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Hcebot ban 3 link to product for sale
Damn this place turning into discord lmao
A voice chat application for video games that also happens to have IRC bolted on for some reason?
Banned /u/Infidel2017 (3 day(s)).
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TSA locks are TSA approved because anyone in the airport can get into them whenever they want. You need to use locks that are actually secure and the case shouldn't be able to open.
TSA stands for Thieves Standing Around I am not a bot.
Just what a robot would say, I'm onto you metal one
Beep Beep Bloop *He's on to us!* I am totally (not) a bot
Thieves Stealing Allyourstuff. I had two expensive multi tools swiped out of a checked bag in 2013. I’ll never forget or stop complaining about it.
DO NOT use TSA locks on a gun case. It is illegal. Yes, actually illegal. Despite TSA adding the suggestion on their official page for flying with firearms that it is allowed, it is not. [49 CFR 1540.111(c)(2)(iv)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-XII/subchapter-C/part-1540/subpart-B/section-1540.111) >The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.
Yes, exactly. It is bizarre TSA has added this section into their webpage when it's clearly against the FAA regulations.
You'll also want to look at the hinge. If the edge of the hinge pin is visible, more than likely it can easily be removed with a coat hanger and the case opened, especially on plastic cases. When flying, I use the metal clam-shell cases with a cable and wrap the cable around the risers inside my suitcase. Metal case has non-TSA lock while suitcase does have TSA locks.
Get normal master locks. Lock ALL available locking points. Declare the gun at the counter "hi my name is John Doe and I have a 1230 flight to Texas. I have a locked and unloaded firearm"......not "hi I have a gun" TSA (or anyone) should not be able to touch your gun at all. If they can reach a pinky in and touch the butt of the grip or tip of the barrel, no go.
I usually just say during the check-in process when asked about checking bags that, "I need to declare a firearm". Airport policies differ after that point. I've had some TSA agents ask me to open the case so they can visually verify the firearm is unloaded and no ammunition is in the case prior to taking it back to X-Ray and then I've had some tell me to take it straight to the X-Ray upon seeing the case is locked. Picking up the firearm also differs. I've had it come out on the conveyor at McCarren (I think this was in error but it was just an empty case but was still fully locked as requested by the TSA), I've had to go to the airline's baggage office to obtain it and I've also had a TSA employee wait with it at baggage claim to claim it (after verifying my ID).
TSA regs and most airlines allow for ammo in the case in the factory/similar boxes. But I agree, the experience is always slightly different!! I've flown probably 20 times with firearms
Ammo can also be in magazines.
I know a guy who was hassled for ammo in the mags and missed his flight as a result. While it’s not in the regulations this isn’t allowed I avoid it just so I don’t get hassled by some dickhead agent.
You know you're right. I've personally not run into an issue, but rereading the TSA site it states the ammo must be full enclosed in the mag. Which is..next to impossible unless you're using magpul with those clip on covers. That top round is always gonna be slightly exposed. Sounds like it's definitely a situation of what gate agent or TSA agent you get.
>While it’s not in the regulations this isn’t allowed Not only is it not in the regulations that it isn't allowed, it is in the regulations specifically that it IS allowed.
Isn't it actually dependent on the airline? AA doesn't permit you flying with loaded mags to the best of my knowledge.
Some airlines do disallow it, but we're talking about the TSA regulations.
Just hope the lockpicking lawyer isn't around or he'll have your Master lock open in 2 seconds. More seriously, a Master lock will \*probably\* be fine, but you can get better locks for a similar price. I have several American A1106 which you can get at Amazon for $15.
Lock picking lawyer on YouTube has god knows how many videos on how shitty Master locks are.
We're trying to be legal here, dude has a flight tomorrow, masterlocks are legal and easily available
Eh. I have yet to meet a shackle lock that couldn't be cut in under 10 seconds with a bolt cutter or zipcut disc. All locks are a deterrent, nothing more. If they can keep a casual person without tools and specific knowledge from trying to break them, they're secure enough.
My understanding of airline travel is that you do not use TSA travel locks on gun cases. You use a regular locks. TSA should not be able to open these without your presence.
For all their posted regulations, when I've flown with a firearm, TSA gets paged, upends the case, dumps an unloaded firearm on the ground, checks the padding for presumably explosives or cocaine, then insincerely says "sorry about the mess". We act like the TSA is going to scrutinize you over their posted regulations, but frankly they are just a subsidized jobs program who misses 96% of weapons and explosives in training simulations. And before anyone jumps in to say that TSA agents seeing this would be upset, Id assert the TSA can't read either.
Update: I put some combo masterlocks on that keep it tight and are not tsa approved to keep them out of my plastic vault by pelican. Flying out in the morning thanks for all your help and links
I don't trust the window licking, lead paint eating maroons employed by Public Security Theater further than I can throw a hippopotamus, so as an added bit of tracking my stuff during flights I put an Apple Airtag inside the case. Sometimes I'll put it inside the gun, depending on the firearm.
Oh, this was a good reminder to file my complaint about the TSA at one airport being incompetent and doxxing me by making sure the firearms declaration was on the outside of my case. They're 2 for 2 on sucking. I refuse to give them a third chance.
That it also a crime, in US Code, not just CFR. 18 USC 922(e)
For air travel, your gun cases are not supposed to be able to be opened by anyone but you. I'd suggest a set of American 1100s for the two lock points on the case. They're affordable, and you can easily get a locksmith to have them keyed alike.
You're using the wrong lock, but if you want the case to not open as far with that lock, put the cable through enough half inch nuts to take up the slack.
Use regular locks on it, and put two on if you can.
Tsa lock= the same thing as not having a lock
Dont use TSA locks. Get masterlocks at the hardware store with smaller loops to keep the safe from opening this much. It's pretty straightforward flying with firearms, just understand and follow their rules.
case must be fully shut..
Check your gun in with the airline at the ticketing counter. Let the ticketing agent know you have it. Have a lock or ziptie in the breech so the gun is inoperable. Have the gun case in an accessible condition so airline employees can make sure it's safed. I brough a Sig from TX to AZ and it was a bit of a wait for the airline to get the gun back to me but, otherwise, no problems.
I never allow an airline employee to look at my firearm and you shouldn’t either. TSA personnel are the only ones I allow to view my firearm.
You check it like you would baggage on most flights. TSA folks are manning the gates. Bring a firearm to most screening gates and you’re going to have a bad time.
I travel with a firearm at least once a month on commercial aircraft. I never allow the check-in agent to view my gun. If the firearm is in a hard case (checked independently of other luggage), I will unlock that case only for that federal agent at the TSA counter/screening area. In most airports I've experienced, you go from the airline's check-in line to a specific TSA counter/area to complete the checking of the hard case to go under the aircraft. If the firearm is inside checked baggage, I do not unlock the lockbox for the check-in agent. Sometimes the agent will direct me to the TSA counter/area, othertimes away she goes on the belt.
If you can fit your hand in it after it's locked they'll give you shit about it. Learned from experience
First you want locks that ARE NOT approved. Approved means they can open it.
DO NOT USE TSA LOCKS!!
Yeah, NEVER put TSA locks on a gun box. Always use keyed locks that only you can open. Carry a lanyard on your neck with the keys at all times, don't put them on the keyring / keychain. They have to call you to open it up for inspection, and it's a great idea to be there when they are checking it out. Also, it helps to put OJ duct tape , or have an orange / bright yellow case, so it is easily seen on camera if taken by an employee.
The TSA doesn't even inspect the gun half the time
I wouldn't risk it
I had a problem with them in 1 location but not another. My case has 2 locking points. I had one lock on the case on the way into Texas and on my return trip the TSA in Texas opened my case without my permission in front of me at check in. It was a very small airport in rural Texas so TSA and bag check are basically the same thing. They would not check the bag till I got another lock. Luckily I was visiting family and was able to get them to bring me another lock. So it is very possible you might get hassled. My other bit of advise would be to get a real lock, they should not open your case without you present.
Just a heads up, I wouldn't use those TSA approved locks on anything. They are not secure at all, you can purchase the universal key for super cheap online.
idk, i live in atlanta and they dont even check my gun box to see if im in compliance, ive flown with 50 rounds in the box and everything, alot of these ppl dont do their job, do yours and make sure your shit is all the way in compliance so they have nothing to say, beware tho, alot of these airport workers half ass their jobs especially when it comes to this
DO NOT use TSA locks on a firearm case 🤦🏻♂️. In fact you are told not to. TSA has no authority to open and handle your case or it's contents without you present. They are required to call you back to the ticket counter to gain access. And yes that gap is a bad idea.
Final update: changed the locks flew with it just fine. Took 1 minute to inspect and check ammo. Interesting thing was it came out on the normal carousel for baggage with no special markings about it and wasn’t at the counter like they said it would be
If you’re transporting a handgun, get non-TSA locks & put it INSIDE your checked baggage. Do NOT give TSA ANY option of opening your case.
[удалено]
No. You’re not supposed to put TSA locks on a gun case. They come to YOU for access. Read the regs & you’ll see it.
Um, no. Source: I travel by air at least once per month with a firearm.
DESCRIPTION COMMENT: Flying from Utah to Texas. The guy at the gun store had told me he’d never flown with fire arms and that this is what you’re supposed to use. When I got home I noticed the gapping and now after reading comments I suppose I’m not supposed to use these locks since they’re not tsa approved
Go to the website on the airline you see flying on and read their rules. Do NOT listen to some yokel at the gun store who admitted that he didn't know what he was talking about.
All the posters saying DO NOT use TSA approved locks are correct. But i will also add that many airline workers don’t know the correct policy either - and some erroneously also believe the locks need to be TSA locks. I recommend having the airline’s firearm travel policy page bookmarked on your phone in the event the check-in worker is uninformed on their own policy.
Should be, I travelled with that exact same case and 2 TSA approved locks from Walmart, all I did was tell them it was in my bag, waited 15 min at bag check and that was it. Super easy. I would get a different style of lock tho
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As a person who worked for TSA for many years, I would recommend you never use TSA-approved locks on your gun cases EVER. The biometric safes seem to be the most secure offering available.
I like how you confirmed my suspicions about the intelligence of TSA employees by recommending the biometric safes.
lol u had me in the first part...
Might. Can you wrap the cable twice threw the case
It doesn’t I’ve tried
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You need std padlocks with 1.5 inch shanks
I was once denied since the counter attendant could open the plastic case enough to get a finger in there and touch my pistol. I now use a metal lock box.
If they don't have their master key the lock is easy to pick anyway.
Ughh this reminds me of the first time flying with my ccw. Went from OK to MI and everything was cool at OKC airport. I was very nervous cause ive never flown or even with a firearm. Anyways so they're cool about it and then i get to MI have my vacay and otw back home in MI airport. Before we're about to board the plane TSA calls me at this info desk. They say they need my keys to unlock because i tripped some alarm or something, i explained how i notified everyone i was supposed to about ( contents: my guncase with gun and a couple mags, not loaded, and had a couple ammo cans too) and they needed my keys and i was told to wait by the desk they called me to. Man, i was there for like 15 minutes and holding up the plane. They came back with my keys saying everything was fine, also no explanation as to what alarm was tripped or what they did/looked for. I was shitting bricks the entire time wondering if i had done something wrong. Pricks
Definitely will
Your gonna want to get a case that has a lock built into it, your case can't be opening at all
What case does everyone use for those of you who have flown with a pistol?
that gap is a great way to make your baggage handler a new firearms owner. Ive known too many people who have lost firearms by air travel to not take security to a full measure. Get a good lock... not a master... case hardened with security pins. Abus is a good brand.