What Type of locks for Gun Case and International Travel?

Flipper Dude said:
I always use TSA locks. If someone wants in there, they’re getting in there, period. Regardless of what locks you use. I want my rifle and baggage to get through TSA with as little a hassle as possible. Don’t tell me you can’t do it.. I’ve done it a dozen times.
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You absolutely can. But I’m not using something with keys so widely available. In addition, the TSA is not supposed to open your firearm case after initially checked or scanned. They will find you if they want to look inside.
 
Since I adore talking to TSA, as I just started my SCI pilgrimage, getting off my Kenai puddle jumper and checking in with Alaska Air in Anchorage, I decided to just flat out ask the guys at the TSA booth that check in a LOT of firearms everyday.

Their take, TSA does NOT have a policy on what type of lock for firearms. They do for baggage. For firearms the standard a recommended practice is secure (non-TSA) locks. Which is why the new protocol for airports with the new scanners is to have owners stand by or if entering through airport security, to keep an eye on their phones for 10-15 minutes in case TSA needs the owner to open a case. Salt Lake and San Antonio I know for sure follow this protocol from personal experience since September of 2025. Denver Airport has the new scanner, but at least as of early 2025 had a porter accompany the owner to the TSA office for scanning and waited on the other side of a big thick glass while scanning. If they need in, you are there, once you get the thumbs up, you are released to go about your way through security. None of that protocol would have a purpose if they required TSA locks on firearms.

I even politely challenged the two TSA guys a moment ago, that some of my hunting brethren says they are wrong. They chuckled, said something to the effect of being all baggage certified for 10+ years a worked multiple airports, the other guy said he trains folks on their protocols and procedures….no directive on the type of lock between TSA or non-TSA traditional. Just that Delta wants a lock penetrating every hole, no hole unlocked, which isn’t their standard, but no more and a finger or two squeezing in if trying to open with it locked, if they can reach 2 or more inside while locked, then need more locks, shorter shackles, stiffer case or multiples of those.

They both said when traveling with a weapon they use old fashioned keyed master locks. I didn’t ask why MasterLocks.

So there’s the story from the horses mouth, if we can trust it. All I know for sure is I’ve flown with a firearm within the US no less than 3-5 times per year for the last 15-20 years, some well more. Always, every time, plain non-TSA lock. I’ve only been to Africa 4 times now since 2024 and once to Mexico with firearms, again, each and every time a traditional, keyed, non-TSA locks. Never an issue.
 
One last mention, in 2024 when my Rigby took a different route home after my Lufthansa flight out of Frankfurt was cancelled, United rerouted me, and somehow my bags went both differently. Roller made Anchorage airport shortly after I did. My Rigby laid over in Newark for several days.

When I finally got my rifle back, my Abus locks were cut off, and new locks installed…which I had to grind off…and they too were traditional, keyed, non-TSA locks. I am pretty sure that was a move by CBP, not TSA, and think they can do largely whatever they want, so maybe not the best evidence of non-TSA locks as preferred standard, but again, bet those locks are what they have stocked on hand, they didn’t run down to the hardware store to buy them. Which would at least lend to it being the SOP.

End of the day, if really worried about it, ask the TSA folks at your departure airport.
 
absales said:
I just read all of the posts here. I am seeing the back and forth about TSA locks and heavy duty locks. I understand that anyone can get into any lock, so no point of TSA lock, and I understand that it is much easier to just allow them access if need be.

My concern is that I see a number of reports about the TSA locks breaking or falling off. I would think this would be a major concern.

I have read every post here, and still cannot make a decision on which type of lock is best hahaha.
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Yes historically most TSA locks have been very, very lightweight. Snapsafe and Masterlock (others likely) make the heavy duty kind that will work. I've been using them for years with no complaints. All locks wear out. Just keep that in mind.
 
Wildwillalaska said:
Since I adore talking to TSA, as I just started my SCI pilgrimage, getting off my Kenai puddle jumper and checking in with Alaska Air in Anchorage, I decided to just flat out ask the guys at the TSA booth that check in a LOT of firearms everyday.

Their take, TSA does NOT have a policy on what type of lock for firearms. They do for baggage. For firearms the standard a recommended practice is secure (non-TSA) locks. Which is why the new protocol for airports with the new scanners is to have owners stand by or if entering through airport security, to keep an eye on their phones for 10-15 minutes in case TSA needs the owner to open a case. Salt Lake and San Antonio I know for sure follow this protocol from personal experience since September of 2025. Denver Airport has the new scanner, but at least as of early 2025 had a porter accompany the owner to the TSA office for scanning and waited on the other side of a big thick glass while scanning. If they need in, you are there, once you get the thumbs up, you are released to go about your way through security. None of that protocol would have a purpose if they required TSA locks on firearms.

I even politely challenged the two TSA guys a moment ago, that some of my hunting brethren says they are wrong. They chuckled, said something to the effect of being all baggage certified for 10+ years a worked multiple airports, the other guy said he trains folks on their protocols and procedures….no directive on the type of lock between TSA or non-TSA traditional. Just that Delta wants a lock penetrating every hole, no hole unlocked, which isn’t their standard, but no more and a finger or two squeezing in if trying to open with it locked, if they can reach 2 or more inside while locked, then need more locks, shorter shackles, stiffer case or multiples of those.

They both said when traveling with a weapon they use old fashioned keyed master locks. I didn’t ask why MasterLocks.

So there’s the story from the horses mouth, if we can trust it. All I know for sure is I’ve flown with a firearm within the US no less than 3-5 times per year for the last 15-20 years, some well more. Always, every time, plain non-TSA lock. I’ve only been to Africa 4 times now since 2024 and once to Mexico with firearms, again, each and every time a traditional, keyed, non-TSA locks. Never an issue.
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Other horses have a different story. Same role different airport different opinion.see you soon
 
Denvir Tire said:
For what it's worth, a few years ago I asked at check in if I needed to hang around with the key, for the padlocks, on the Pelican.
Airline agent said, "the TSA has a ring of keys to open any padlock"
Not sure if that's possible or true....
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Every brand of padlock has a master key for each key type and size they make. But that that would make for one really big heavy key ring, lol. It is why padlocks are easy to pick.

Like others here, I prefer combination locks; no key to lose. But I have no delusion they are any harder to pick/break than a keyed padlock. But a non-TSA lock does seem to give me better piece of mind, even knowing they just keep honest people honest.
Just to add to the confusion, I used 4 Master Lock combination locks on a domestic flight just a couple weeks ago. Ticket agents at either end didn't seem to care, as long as there were locks on the case.
 
So when I returned from SCI, my small roller bag had about 380 pieces of freshly annealed 450NE and 500NE brass inside. TSA had opened it I was sure since one lock was unlatched but still locked. The other fully latched and locked. Here’s the rub, I can’t unlock either one of them. I also cannot recall ever setting the locks, and pretty certain they were set to 000 when I dropped the bag, bc I asked for it back to spin the combos so they weren’t bumped open and lose my brass.

So now I’m back in Alaska with an expensive locked aluminum roller, it an oversized carry on Rimowa. Nice enough I’m not going to take a hammer to it.

My fix…easy…Amazon. Ordered up a TSA key set for $4.99, free delivery two days later. Still I’ve to figure out how to reset my locks, maybe also understand how my combos were reset in the first place…don’t think my aging brain was playing tricks on myself…but not beyond possible. But the TSA locks…well, they are as good as zip ties, which is likely the scenario for most padlock options.

Point being, any one can get TSA master keys from Amazon, they aren’t just for TSA but anyone with $5.
 
NEVER USE TSA LOCKS ON YOUR GUN CASE!!!! Just getting back from South Africa and Bruce from Gracy Travel informed us that a Hunter had his Swarovski binoculars stolen out of his gun case because he used TSA locks!
 
358 Norma said:
NEVER USE TSA LOCKS ON YOUR GUN CASE!!!! Just getting back from South Africa and Bruce from Gracy Travel informed us that a Hunter had his Swarovski binoculars stolen out of his gun case because he used TSA locks!
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Agreed, but I still know hunters that swear by it. It’s their decision and they have to live with the possible consequences of their actions.

Relying on the general honesty of others I don’t know hasn’t worked out well for me in the past.
 
BeeMaa said:
Agreed, but I still know hunters that swear by it. It’s their decision and they have to live with the possible consequences of their actions.

Relying on the general honesty of others I don’t know hasn’t worked out well for me in the past.
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Right now the Delta agents in Johannesburg are telling people not leave anything of value in your checked luggage, because of theft.
 
We use TSA locks on our checked bags regardless of destination. Non-TSA locks on rifle and ammo cases. Plus all of our luggage is Pelican Protector series so it’s a little better than just a zipper on a duffel bag…but not much with those garbage TSA locks.

Just trying to make it more difficult to get into our luggage than someone else’s. Be a hard target.
 
Scott CWO said:
You absolutely can. But I’m not using something with keys so widely available. In addition, the TSA is not supposed to open your firearm case after initially checked or scanned. They will find you if they want to look inside.
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Tsa got into my rifle case in Atlanta with out telling me. I found the tag in it when I got home.
 
358 Norma said:
NEVER USE TSA LOCKS ON YOUR GUN CASE!!!! Just getting back from South Africa and Bruce from Gracy Travel informed us that a Hunter had his Swarovski binoculars stolen out of his gun case because he used TSA locks!
Click to expand...
One step further, never travel with your binoculars in checked baggage. Thats what carry on is for.
 
Hyde Hunter said:
Tsa got into my rifle case in Atlanta with out telling me. I found the tag in it when I got home.
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What type of padlock? Domestic trip or international?
 
New one for me yesterday in Houston Delta check in. Everything checked at counter.
They wanted NON TSA locks on guncase. Which I always use a TuffPac with its internal lock plus I put a hasp and big combo master lock on it. Ammo case was different story. Alway have used TSA locks on it inside checked bag. Delta wanted NON TSA locks on ammo case also. I just happened to have some spare with me. Also. Delta carried guns to TSA and told me go on they security
No need stay. Case will be xrayed and not opened. I hung around just incase. Delta agent came back and said good to go. Seems always changing what they want.

FYI still on DL200. Had decent WiFi the entire trip. Maybe down 2 hours middle way across. 2 1/2 hours more to go
 
When I flew Delta to SA, they send me a text (through their app) every time the gun moved so I knew when the gun was in the cargo hold. It was an added level of comfort. Per Delta's requirements, I used non-TSA locks on the gun and ammo case.
 
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