contradictory flying with guns info

[wgoforth]

Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

I have always used the actual plastic cases that the guns came in.

I thought TSA required that it not be a case that could easily be pried open. I could easily use a screwdriver or knife to get into any of the OEM pistol cases that came with my pistols. That's why I asked for other suggestions. But Pelican cases are OK with TSA?

The cases my SIGS come in appear as sturdy as any aftermarket. Now the ones my Taurus came in, yeah.

[Jumping Frog]

+1 on the Nanovault. $30.

[E.Marquez]

Well, I guess my thought is that most cases that have a lock on them or a lock hole are pretty solid. Even the Doskocil and Plano cases are fairly solid. I personally wouldn't put my gun in a cheapo case anyway, but guess some might.

absolutely... I was thinking along the lines of the poster who mentioned above you using the manufactures plastic case as a transportation case....

Something I would not personally do, nor do i think it meets the TSA reg.. not that that matters much,, the rules very in execution place by place, as these threads show each time they come.

[wgoforth]

Well, I guess my thought is that most cases that have a lock on them or a lock hole are pretty solid. Even the Doskocil and Plano cases are fairly solid. I personally wouldn't put my gun in a cheapo case anyway, but guess some might.

absolutely... I was thinking along the lines of the poster who mentioned above you using the manufactures plastic case as a transportation case....

Something I would not personally do, nor do i think it meets the TSA reg.. not that that matters much,, the rules very in execution place by place, as these threads show each time they come.

I don't see how this doesn't meet all regs. Solid construction, two lock holes, lips of covers overlap. Actual piano hinge.

[Crossfire]

I used to carry my Glocks in the original case. That is, until I had a rather unpleasant encounter with a very anti-firearms TSA agent in Atlanta. Which, ironically , is where Glocks come from...

But anyways, after that experience, I got an aluminum case from Cabela's. Has 2 combination locks, and is DEFINITELY a HARD SIDED case, so as not to have anymore arguments with TSA over the definition of the word "hard". And, I have not had a problem since.

[troglodyte]

I have flown a couple of times with just the OEM case (with a small padlock). No problems. Not the best but what I had at the time.

I upgraded to the Pelican. Much better and again, no problems.

DO NOT use TSA approved locks. Use your own locks. I have a couple of small Master key locks. They fit in the lock holes perfectly and don't flop around.

Hang around. They may need you to open the case. I flew out of SA a couple of months ago and they didn't even open my luggage. Ran it through an x-ray machine, said I was good to go, and I did.

I too keep a copy of the airlines regulations and the TSAs. One in the case and one with me. I always keep the pistol case in my checked luggage (which is locked with a TSA lock). I have never travelled with a separate case.

[Bashful]

This is what I use...

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/store ... =329211197

[jmorris]

Can someone please give me information of specific examples of TSA approved cases for pistols? I'm flying to Orlando on the 28th and I'd rather travel with my gun, but will leave it at home if it is too big of a hassle. We'll be staying in Cocoa Beach, and a large part of the time for the subsequent 5 days we'll be at Cape Canaveral where the gun is definitely not permitted. However, we'll be in and around Orlando, both coming and going, and I have no idea what Cocoa Beach is like, and I'd rather be armed if it isn't too big of a hassle.

Nothing to add that others haven't said, just wanted to say hope you have a good time in Cocoa Beach. I lived in the area '83-'95 and worked at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for eight years.

[wgoforth]

I did not realize until today that you don't have to use the TSA approved locks for this. I talked to the TSA and he said that that as long as I am there with it so they don't have to cut a lock, it shouldn't be a problem.

[E.Marquez]

Well, I guess my thought is that most cases that have a lock on them or a lock hole are pretty solid. Even the Doskocil and Plano cases are fairly solid. I personally wouldn't put my gun in a cheapo case anyway, but guess some might.

absolutely... I was thinking along the lines of the poster who mentioned above you using the manufactures plastic case as a transportation case....

Something I would not personally do, nor do i think it meets the TSA reg.. not that that matters much,, the rules very in execution place by place, as these threads show each time they come.

I don't see how this doesn't meet all regs. Solid construction, two lock holes, lips of covers overlap. Actual piano hinge.

That case looks more robust then the plastic OEM cases I've had in my hands, both my SIG's were bought used, no case, so that's the first I've seen one of those.

If it works, great

[The Annoyed Man]

I did not realize until today that you don't have to use the TSA approved locks for this. I talked to the TSA and he said that that as long as I am there with it so they don't have to cut a lock, it shouldn't be a problem.

So what constitutes a TSA approved lock? I'm going to go buy the case today.

[speedsix]

...this http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; doesn't specify...any lock that they could cut off would seem to do...


...nope, TAM...here it is...straight from the horse's...well, straight from the horse, anyways... scroll on down and they get specific

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/e ... _1029.shtm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jumping Frog]

I did not realize until today that you don't have to use the TSA approved locks for this. I talked to the TSA and he said that that as long as I am there with it so they don't have to cut a lock, it shouldn't be a problem.

So what constitutes a TSA approved lock? I'm going to go buy the case today.

TAM, when you go to buy a lock, it with have a TSA approved logo on the package. It will be easy to find. Got mine at Home Depot.

To expand on the "TSA lock on the case" issue, they actually prefer you DO NOT use a TSA lock on the case. The time for them to inspect the gun -- if they want to -- is when you check-in. After that initial check-in, they do not want anyone with a TSA-lock key to be able to easily swipe your gun.

However, they do want a TSA lock on the luggage itself. If they want to inspect the luggage, that will prevent the need to cut the lock off.

Once you see how flimsy and cheap the TSA locks are, you wouldn't want one on your firearm anyway.

[The Annoyed Man]

I did not realize until today that you don't have to use the TSA approved locks for this. I talked to the TSA and he said that that as long as I am there with it so they don't have to cut a lock, it shouldn't be a problem.

So what constitutes a TSA approved lock? I'm going to go buy the case today.

TAM, when you go to buy a lock, it with have a TSA approved logo on the package. It will be easy to find. Got mine at Home Depot.

To expand on the "TSA lock on the case" issue, they actually prefer you DO NOT use a TSA lock on the case. The time for them to inspect the gun -- if they want to -- is when you check-in. After that initial check-in, they do not want anyone with a TSA-lock key to be able to easily swipe your gun.

However, they do want a TSA lock on the luggage itself. If they want to inspect the luggage, that will prevent the need to cut the lock off.

Once you see how flimsy and cheap the TSA locks are, you wouldn't want one on your firearm anyway.

Thanks for the info. Now I get it.

[jimlongley]

I did not realize until today that you don't have to use the TSA approved locks for this. I talked to the TSA and he said that that as long as I am there with it so they don't have to cut a lock, it shouldn't be a problem.

So what constitutes a TSA approved lock? I'm going to go buy the case today.

TAM, when you go to buy a lock, it with have a TSA approved logo on the package. It will be easy to find. Got mine at Home Depot.

To expand on the "TSA lock on the case" issue, they actually prefer you DO NOT use a TSA lock on the case. The time for them to inspect the gun -- if they want to -- is when you check-in. After that initial check-in, they do not want anyone with a TSA-lock key to be able to easily swipe your gun.

However, they do want a TSA lock on the luggage itself. If they want to inspect the luggage, that will prevent the need to cut the lock off.

Once you see how flimsy and cheap the TSA locks are, you wouldn't want one on your firearm anyway.

Thanks for the info. Now I get it.

Besides the flimsyness, the requirement states that you are to be the only one with a key or combo, and every TSA location has a key to a TSA lock, and some of them have been stolen.