Flying from MSY to LAS on Spirit went mostly smooth. I had one handgun, a KelTec PR57, in a Pelican V100 lockbox inside another piece of luggage.
The airline agent asked if the locks were TSA-approved. I thought it might turn into an issue, but it didn’t. I told her they were not TSA locks and explained that they don’t have to be. She said TSA would call if they needed anything, I agreed, and that was the end of it.
When I landed, my bag came out on the carousel like normal. Everything was secure, and I was on my way.
I keep seeing this, and I keep pointing out – the gun case “MUST NOT” be TSA locks! (not ‘doesn’t need to be) Per FAA regulations…. TSA is to have NO ACCESS to firearms without the owner present – You are NOT to hand off your keys or codes to anyone either.
That’s not correct. Here is the exact verbiage from the TSA guidelines: 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.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition