Good advice here. I was curious about the TSA lock thing, so I emailed them about it. Here is their response:
Thank you for your e-mail regarding travel with firearms using Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - recognized locks.
On flights that originate in the United States, passengers may transport a firearm in accordance with 49 CFR ｧ1540.111 under the following conditions:
the firearm must be unloaded;
it must be in checked, not carry-on, baggage;
it must be in a locked, hard-sided container; and
it must be declared to the airline.
Travelers may use any kind or type of lock for securing firearm cases, including
TSA - recognized locks. However, TSA does not recommend or endorse any specific brand or type of lock to use on firearm containers.
We encourage all travelers to familiarize themselves with TSA Travel Tips prior to their trip. Our Web site,
TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations that may assist with preparing for air travel. Passengers can go directly to these tips at
www.TSATravelTips.us.
Travelers must go through different clearance procedures when crossing international borders, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) strives to provide a high level of security and reduce inconvenience and delay.
Travelers departing a foreign country are required to comply with the customs and immigration exit procedures of that country. Passengers and their baggage are also screened for security according to standards established by the government of that country. As sovereign entities, foreign countries may establish their own security requirements for airports and air carriers that are not necessarily the same as those required in the Unites States.
Upon arriving in the United States from a foreign country, passengers and their baggage are first cleared for entry into the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors. CBP inspectors cover matters of customs, immigration, public health, food inspection, and plant and animal health. After clearing CBP procedures, travelers may exit an airport or connect to a U.S. flight.
The CBP entry process does not include security screening for passengers making connecting flights in the United States. Before boarding a connecting flight, passengers and baggage arriving on international flights are required to pass through TSA's security checkpoint. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act established a strict requirement that Transportation Security Officers screen all passengers and baggage on flights originating in the United States and that checked baggage be screened by explosives detection systems.
International passengers may need a significant amount of time between flights arriving in the United States and the departure of connecting flights in order to accommodate retrieval of checked baggage, clearance through CBP entry procedures, and passing through TSA's security checkpoint. For this reason, we encourage international travelers and schedulers to allow ample time between arriving and connecting flights.
We encourage all travelers to familiarize themselves with TSA Travel Tips prior to their trip. Our website,
TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations that may assist in preparing for air travel. Passengers can go directly to these tips at
www.TSATravelTips.us.
We hope this information is helpful.
TSA Contact Center
