Hey everyone,I travel almost every week for work, lately to NJ. I normally breeze through security using TSA Precheck + Clear as I don't have non-residential permits for these commie North Eastern states. I applied for a Utah permit awhile ago planning for a trip to Washington state where I expected to be driving all across the state while meeting my girlfriend's family over vacation.The other recent flying post has me thinking I'd share my experience.Packing the FirearmI watched a lot of youtube videos in preparation for the flight. Colion's, TSA's, some other channels all leading up to the flight. The the day I'm taking off, I start rewatching a couple to double/triple check everything.And then I come across this one by The Patriot Nurse She basically describes how her gun case was stolen from her soft shell checked bag (WHAT?!) and a suggested remedy using a larger hard case as your firearm container which you can just throw clothes in.Cool... Now I'm maybe 7 hours from take off and I'm searching for a new hard case to act as my firearm container as well as luggage for our trip. I didn't really have the time to go look for Pelican's, so I got this bad boy from my local Home Depot for about $60Locking bars, sealed, and very tough case, perfect. I go home, move the clothes into the toolbox with my CCW in it's own Pelican & my 'back pack' full sized M&P+mags/ammo just laying on top of the clothes.ATL to SEA (Delta)Now that my carry on luggage is it's own firearm container, I bring it, locked, to the special services desk. Quick paper sign, get the ticket for my luggage, and I take it to the special security desk. They check it out with the swab, we chit chat about my equipment & they give me kudos for the preparation. I get through security quick, without issue.Landing in Seattle, the only delay came from taking the special luggage off the plane and getting it to the pick up desk. Show them my ID, pick up my luggage, on our way. No issues or sass from any staff up till this point, and no zip ties from the staff.Traveling with this box might not have been as convenient as a pelican, but it did the trick.Sidetrack on the further left leaning family cultureI didn't blast I was currently carrying or anything, but my girlfriend was half worried I'd be yelling SHALL NOT INFRINGE if I had any excuse to talk guns.I did my best to just observe until I was asked my opinion on topics. I was polite, said I like guns, mentioned I carry pretty often, and spoke in casual opposition regarding some topics. Really, just trying to be nice & civil while showing there are others with different opinions.Some debated, some just asked questions, and only one person was upset with my political orientation. That smoothed over after an apology, but overall it was not nearly as bad as I expected being 'behind enemy lines'.Carrying in WAI spent most of my time riding with family to go on hikes, or walking around Bellingham. The driving plans (concerns) changed when the Spokane family met us in Bellingham, which we took a train to without issue.The only posted notices I saw in business windows mentinoedRCW 9.41.270 Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm—Unlawful carrying or handling—Penalty—Exceptions. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.Seemed irrelevant, and I just CCd anyway.SEA to ATL (Delta)I'm glad I got to the airport early as the special services line was pretty long. While my girlfriend and I were at the counter, she decided to check her massive back pack as well instead of carrying it on. This is important later. I give the rep my name & info, girlfriend gives hers, and we get our ticket receipts and directions to the firearm luggage check.We get over to the inspection area, and the guy just looks at my luggage and gets sassy."This is JUST FOR YOUR GUN?!"-No, I have clothes in there as well."WELL, IMMA HAVE TO OPEN AND CHECK IT ALL"For whatever reason, he's real pissy about it and just takes forever taking everything out, making a mess, and watches me with his arms crossed as I repack everything and lock the sides before placing it on the belt.We get through security, fly, land, and I head over to the over sized luggage area in the ATL airport while my girlfriend waits her for her bag by the regular claim.I give the woman my ticket, but I can't pick up my luggage. Even though my luggage receipt had my name on it, somehow the rep at the special services desk in SEA put my girlfriend's name on the firearm luggage. Now I have to wait for my girlfriend to come over with her back to retrieve it for me.After she shows up, they whip out the zip ties. They're having a hard time getting them around the box, and I ask if I can just be on my way. Of course not, and I ask what would happen if I just clipped the zip ties after reclaiming my property."You would be arrested and taken to jail""Hoooooooold up. What? After taking back my property and removing YOUR zip ties? I don't think that's how things would go" My girlfriend is giving me death glares as it's a quarter till midnight, so I chill out and we head home.AftermathI was pretty frustrated with two issues 1) The "you'd go to jail comment" and 2) the rep in SEA mixing up our names preventing me from picking up my luggage.I called Delta to complain, got a case #, but was told I wouldn't have any follow up information on how things were handled. It seems zip ties can be considered a tag against18 U.S. Code § 922No common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container that such package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm.The ATL airport police said they can't and wouldn't make an arrest for clipping zip ties, but I better not retrieve my firearm after doing so, even if I had a carry permit and can carry outside of security, because of "this day and age".Anyway, that was my first experience flying with firearms and carrying anywhere besides GA. I've purchased these medical scissors from amazon for future zip tie fiascoes. via /r/CCW https://ift.tt/2NVGYsf
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