Episode 40 covers another smooth Southwest flight from Las Vegas to New Orleans with declared firearms. This trip went exactly how you want the process to go.
Check-In at LAS
I walked up to the Southwest counter and said my usual line that I was declaring firearms, then handed over my ID. The agent handed me the firearm declaration slip to fill out and sign, gave my ID back, and I placed the slip into the FedEx sleeve attached to my Condition 1 hard-sided case. That case was locked and packed inside another piece of luggage.
She actually commented that the FedEx sleeve setup was a good idea since it meant she didn’t have to find tape or stickers to attach the form. Once everything was done, she took the bag and asked me to wait the standard 15 minutes by the flagpole in case TSA needed to inspect the case.
I waited the full 15 minutes, no TSA call, and then headed through security.
Arrival in New Orleans
After landing at MSY, I went to baggage claim where my luggage came out on the regular carousel with the rest of the bags. Since the hard-sided case was packed inside normal luggage, that’s usually how it gets returned. Locks were intact, everything was as I packed it, and I was on my way.
Final Thoughts
This one went perfectly. Clear declaration, quick paperwork, a short standby window in case TSA needed me, and a normal baggage pickup on the other end. When everyone understands the policies, flying with checked firearms continues to be a simple and predictable process.
