TSA Rule Change - Bush Intercontinental

[Aggie_engr]

Forum members,

I don’t post much but I’m a constant lurker so thanks for all of the valuable information this site contributes to the general Texas LTC crowd. Now on to the purpose of this thread.

I recently travelled to Fort Lauderdale via Bush on Jan 31st. I approached the United check in counter to declare my handgun as usual and was asked to show my hard sided case. Upon inspection by the United employee, I was informed that as of Jan 28th, TSA would only accept handguns in a hard sided case with TSA compatible locks. My metal, hard sided case utilizes a personal keyed lock of which I am the only one in possession of the key (typical vehicle gunbox). This is how I have flown with a handgun since I obtained a CHL back in 2008, however I was forced to fly to another state without my handgun or buy an $85 pelican case and two TSA locks before I would be permitted to check my handgun. Reasoning according to the United employee was terminal B was closed due to the partial gov shut down and personnel were not present to man the scanners.

I hope that with this message I can save someone the hassle of transferring clothes to another checked bag to make room for the giant pelican case I was forced to buy, along with the added stress of trying to check in with my wife and 6mo old girl. Happy trails folks!

[C-dub]

Unless I misunderstand their website (it's possible) it doesn't sound like they require TSA compatible locks.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting ... ammunition

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

emphasis mine

[Vol Texan]

This is interesting, because the TSA site says something different.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting ... ammunition

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

Probably a new United rule. But then, when you read their site all it does is suggest that TSA lock is a good idea.:

• Firearms must be packed in a hard-sided container with a lock. The container must be locked at the time of acceptance by United Airlines and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can easily be opened will not be accepted for travel. Using a TSA-approved lock can help speed up the security screening process for firearms.

Going further, they clearly state that it can be a hard case inside another suitcase:

• Handguns must be packed in a hard-sided container with a lock. The container must be locked at the time of acceptance by United Airlines and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. The locked hard-sized container holding the handgun may be placed inside an unlocked soft-side piece of luggage. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can easily be opened will not be accepted for travel.

So they say it's OK to use a real lock (which I suggest - TSA has no business having access your firearms after you lock it up), and they say it's OK to store in another suitcase. Sounds like you had a rogue check-in agent.

I miss Continental. I have over 1.7 million miles on United alone (because they are, unfortunately the main airline here in town now) but it was a sad day when the merger took place.

[J.R.@A&M]

Interesting. I checked in at Terminal C on United on January 28 (see my post https://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=94771 ).

I was using a metal lockbox in my suitcase (a car type of lockbox, that uses a key). When the United rep was inspecting it, she asked, "Is this a TSA approved box?". I just answered affirmative, and she left United's orange postcard inside, like normal, and the process concluded. Didn't have any issues flying home, out of AMA.

[OneGun]

On 2/1/19, I flew round trip between IAH and ORD. I did what I always do. I showed them my NanoVault with the combination lock, signed the declaration and turned my bag over to the agent.

No one asked that have a case with TSA locks on the gun case. This sounds like an uninformed United Agent.

[Aggie_engr]

It’s possible I got a rogue agent but she also talked to another United employee about the rule change who went to fetch the hard sided case and TSA locks. I’ve always traveled with my small metal, nanovault without issue. Next time I’ll just reply that the lockbox is TSA approved like J.R. did and move on.

[jordanmills]

Sounds like they wanted to steal your firearm.

[CoffeeNut]

Sounds like they wanted to steal your firearm.

I agree. Why would United stock Pelican cases and TSA approved locks for passengers that allegedly aren't in compliance with rules that aren't even United's?

This is why I print TSA rules and the airlines rules the day that I'm traveling. I get there early enough to ask for a supervisor if I need one.