Originally Posted by
Eurodriver
No, its actually alot easier than most people realize.
You need:
A lockable hard case.
Big, beefy locks (dont get cheesy TSA locks. You want locks that are gonna cost at least $10 each)
Ive flown out of Honolulu and Tampa airports and it varies between the two.
You get to the counter, say you have weapons to declare. They will give you a red tag that you just sign saying you certify the weapons are unloaded. Then you put the red tag INSIDE the case and close it.
From there one of two things will happen.
A.) You will physically take the unlocked case to a TSA rep who will ask you to open it and search for explosives. Once he's done you'll put your locks on it and they'll put it with the other baggage.
or
B.) You will physically take the unlocked case to the electronic screening machine, the TSA rep will send it through the machine and give you the thumbs up that its safe. Then you will put your locks on it and the TSA rep will put it with the other baggage.
Remember, they are not allowed to unlock your case nor are they allowed to touch your firearms (except slightly if they physically inspect). Do not give them your keys, do not give them your locks. Don't let them put anything on the outside of the case that says there is a firearm inside. The only exception is after they inspect it, they MAY put a little red dot sticker or something of that sort. THat is only to show its already been inspected not that there is a firearm inside. Any violations of these are not airline violations they are federal law violations and you need to immediately ask for a supervisor.
Remember.
1. They don't handle the case until it's been screened and you've locked it. Period.
2. They don't lock the case. Period.
3. You don't give them the keys.
4. They aren't allowed to put anything on the outside indentifying it as a firearm.
Hopefully you'll get an experienced airline employee who isn't a moron and your experience will be pretty smooth. If not, just ask for a supervisor.
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