Using TSA approved locks on Gun case or Ammunation case

[JimP]

I'll say I'm completely surprised at my ignorance. We flew to SA (2023) via DFW through Atlanta to JOB with rifles and ammo box. I thought you HAD to use TSA locks! I bought like 6 (4 on rifle, 2 on ammo).
So you can use ANY lock you want on your gun / ammo boxes?

On your rifle case, yes, any lock but I prefer to use key master NON TSA locks on my rifle case. I will only use TSA locks on my ammo case.

Remember the only case that is inspected with you around is your rifle case. If you are there you can either open it yourself or hand the agent the key or combo to open it. The ammo case in your checked bad will be not be near you when it goes through the inspection and if there is a question on what is inside they either need to open it themselves or page you to get you to open it. Depending on the time frame this may cause you to miss your flight.

 

[Russ16]

On domestic flights I never lock my ammo and have never been asked to. It is just in a box inside another unlocked checked bag.

International you’re dealing with different airlines and the requirements of different countries.

 

[Tex .416]

From TSA’s webpage:

“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.”

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

Learn how to properly prepare, pack and declare firearms and ammunition in checked baggage when flying. Review TSA rules, airline policies, and legal requirements.

www.tsa.gov

 

[Scott CWO]

I'll say I'm completely surprised at my ignorance. We flew to SA (2023) via DFW through Atlanta to JOB with rifles and ammo box. I thought you HAD to use TSA locks! I bought like 6 (4 on rifle, 2 on ammo).
So you can use ANY lock you want on your gun / ammo boxes?

Regular locks on gun. TSA locks on ammo case unless you want to be paged or chased down for the key.

 

[uplander01]

The type of lock won't matter, they just ripped the locks completely off and destroyed the lock wholes on two of our Pelican Air Travel cases a few weeks ago and stole a 2k camera. I'm never flying through Johannesburg again, I don't care how much it cost to go an alternative route with a different airline.

 

[pattesonfamily]

That’s wrong. At all large USA airports, after firearm cases are tagged by the check-in agent, you follow a porter who takes your firearm case to the TSA scanner room where you wait and watch a TSA Officer scan and/or open your firearm case with your key. The firearm case tag number is then logged into the TSA database so that nobody else with TSA or the airline needs to open your firearm case again. The porter then takes your firearm case to the baggage handlers and you go to your gate.

I flew out of Boston two weeks ago with a firearm. At the checkin counter the agent tagged my bag and then called a supervisor over to inspect the weapon. TSA was never involved. On the other end in South Dakota, TSA had an inspection table about 25 yards from the check in counter. I had to take it there for a visual inspection after checking it in , then took it back to the counter