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I was forced to travel with firearms this past week due to some clients wanting to go quail hunting (Ok, I'm done bragging)...

I had two shotguns and my XDM 9mm in my case when I checked in. I have to admit, I was sprung loaded for a bad experience based on past issues with United Airlines and firearms at IAH.

When I opened my case to show the agent, she asked me if everything was unloaded but didn't check anything. Shen then admitted she wouldn't know how to check. She asked me what the little one was. I told her it was a pistol. She laughed and said she knew it was a pistol but wanted to know what brand and if it was easy to "cock" as she had trouble "cocking" hers. Based on her description, sounded like she had a full sized 1911 (or similar). I told her my wife struggled with racking any of my semi automatics and she may want to look into a revolver. She thought that was a good idea.

When I got to the TSA section where they xray the case, the TSA agent asked for my keys as he needed to inspect inside the case. I told him I was very picky about the way my weapons were packed and asked if I could watch him inspect or check the packing before he locked it up. He said of course and had me stand near where he was doing the check. He asked what my pistol was and then asked if it was better than a Glock. I told him I didn't know about better but I liked the XDM and it went bang every time I pulled the trigger and the bullet generally went to the place I was aiming (you guys fill in your own answer here). He packed everything back like I had it and asked if I needed to adjust anything. I told him no, I was good to go so he locked it up and sent it on it's way.

It was definitely one of the best experiences I've had at IAH in terms of checking weapons.

Just thought I'd pass it along. (By the way, we had a great quail hunt and I will be enjoying some of them shortly!!!)

You left out the most important thing. Where was the quail hunt and how were the dogs? I love hunting birds with dogs and we always had them when I was growing up.
Quail around here has been declining steadily and the coveys are about half the size they used to be when I see them. Not enough to merit a bird dog anyway.

Good story on getting your firearms through the airport.

Glad your experience went well. I always fly out of IAH on United, and have never had any issue or problem. I think they do a good job with firearms.

Now, returning to Houston, other airports are necessarily as smooth. Bugs me when a get a gate agent wants me to lock the firearms declaration form inside the pistol case instead of next to the pistol case inside the suitcase.

Thanks...

I've always had them tell me to put it inside the case...

I can't figure it out either...

rbwhatever1 wrote:You left out the most important thing. Where was the quail hunt and how were the dogs? I love hunting birds with dogs and we always had them when I was growing up.
Quail around here has been declining steadily and the coveys are about half the size they used to be when I see them. Not enough to merit a bird dog anyway.

Good story on getting your firearms through the airport.

Theodore AL...

Taylor Creek Preserve. They were pen raised birds. The guides and dogs were awesome.

Not many wild quail left in Texas that I know of...