PSA: Flying with a firearm

As someone who flies around the country multiple times a week, I feel it's my duty to help inform everyone on here about flying with a firearm. Lots of confusion and unintentional misinformation seems too pervasive in this sub.1st: It's very easy to travel with a firearm. Ensure that the weapon is unloaded, the mags are empty, and the rounds you carry are in their original box or in something other than the gun or magazines. They also must be locked in their own separate hard-sided container or in with the gun itself. I place mine inside the gun case.2: Notify the gate agent that you have a firearm to declare. Open up your suitcase but YOU ARE NOT TO OPEN YOUR GUN CASE THAT CONTAINS YOUR FIREARM FOR THE GATE AGENT. Be firm with them if you have to but remain calm. I've corrected countless ticket agents in the past and most are receptive to the correction. No matter what they tell you, they are not TSA. They are the only ones who can ask you to open the case, and I've only had to do that 1 time in the last 3 years. Sign the form and place it ON TOP OF the gun case INSIDE the suitcase you have it in. Long guns in their own cases are a different matter.3: Put whatever kind of keyed locks on the case you so choose. You retain the key to those as you are the only authorized person who can open it up, even if the TSA wants it open. They must reach out to the airline to get you to go back and open it if they need to see in it. Most likely reason they would is if you had not unloaded the mags or firearm itself. The gate agents usually ask you to wait an additional 10-15 minutes near the ticket counter in case TSA needs you to open it up.4: Enjoy your flight.5: Pick up your case from baggage claim and be on your merry way. Unless you fly Delta and you have to wait for them to put those stupid industrial zip ties all around you bag in the baggage claim office. via /r/CCW http://ift.tt/2FHXhVi