Is TSA trustworthy?

[M70375!]

After all the good feedback I got about my homemade locked ammo box, I am thinking it might be best to save time and hassle to use TSA locks on my ammo box and the checked bag. I am wondering, has anyone had trouble with theft or vandalism by TSA when using their locks.

 

[ftrovato]

After all the good feedback I got about my homemade locked ammo box, I am thinking it might be best to save time and hassle to use TSA locks on my ammo box and the checked bag. I am wondering, has anyone had trouble with theft or vandalism by TSA when using their locks.

You must use your own lock on your rifle case.
You must use TSA approved locks on ammo case.
If you use a lock on your suitcase it must be TSA approved.

It doesn't matter if we trust them. These requirements are mandatory.

Personally I suspect baggage handlers are most likely to steal if anyone in the chain of handling is going to do it.

I don't suspect a TSA agent is going to risk their job for a suitcase find.

 

[M70375!]

You must use your own lock on your rifle case.
You must use TSA approved locks on ammo case.
If you use a lock on your suitcase it must be TSA approved.

It doesn't matter if we trust them. These requirements are mandatory.

Personally I suspect baggage handlers are most likely to steal if anyone in the chain of handling is going to do it.

I don't suspect a TSA agent is going to risk their job for a suitcase find.

You are right about the gun case, but T SA locks are not mandatory on anything that I know of. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[towserthemouser]

You are right about the gun case, but T SA locks are not mandatory on anything that I know of. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

In my opinion this is a tough question to answer.

You must realize how many different entities are involved. The US government has rules. Each airline has their own rules. And each country has their own rules. And on top of that, many government and airline employees do not know, do not understand, or misinterpret their own rules. Add in the fairly rampant corruption and general love of bureaucracy and power among the African security employees in the various countries, and the whole thing is a crapshoot.

Yes, you may have researched all the above rules and have a good understanding of them. But you are still at the mercy of a series of bureaucratic drones at every step along the way, any of whom has the absolute power to ruin your hunt, whether through ignorance, corruption, or malice.

It's easy enough to cover your bases, buy a pack of TSA locks on Amazon, and throw them in your carry-on. They're not that expensive, they don't weigh that much, and if you're called upon by some kind soul to lock something, presto! Problem solved, hunt saved, worth every single penny.

 

[ftrovato]

You are right about the gun case, but T SA locks are not mandatory on anything that I know of. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

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

United requires ammo to be locked. When I reached out to United in 2024 they communicated ammo must be locked by a TSA approved lock since it would not be in rifle case.

• Small arms ammunition that’s declared and in checked bags only
• Ammunition packed in the same hard-sided, locked case as the firearm (as long as it meets the ammunition packaging regulations listed here) or separately from the firearm
• Ammunition must be in original packaging from the manufacturer or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition (packaging must be made of fiber, wood or metal)
• Ammunition packed to protect against shock and secured against movement
• Loaded magazines or clips must be removed from firearms and secure in packaging designed to carry small amounts of ammunition
• Packaging must fit over any exposed ends of magazines or clips
• Both loaded or empty firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be boxed or in a hard-sided, locked case

To entier South Africa:
3. Packaging and Transport:

• Ammunition in a Separate, Locked Case: All ammunition must be packed separately from your firearm in a locked, hard metal or plastic container.
• Airlines May Require Separate Checked Baggage: Some airlines, especially for domestic flights within South Africa, may require the ammunition to be checked as a separate piece of luggage.
• Airline Weight Limit: Most airlines have a weight limit of 5kg (11 lbs) for ammunition, which may include the weight of the case.

 

[LWPhunt]

local interpretation at airports has proven out for me. '
Gun case and ammo case, personal keyed locks, not TSA, I force them to make me open them if they want them opened. TSA locks on a checked bag, clothes and etc. I never check anything like bino's or cameras. 5 times to SA the past 6 years, no issues. I did have the baggage handlers try to break my ammo box, and did break it but didn't get inside it. Or it was just some major heavy handling that broke the corner of a pelican box, I foamed and made my ammo box.

 

[gillettehunter]

TSA allows ammunition in the same case as your firearm. Every airline that I know of does NOT allow that. Good example of where you must follow the most restrictive rules.
Bruce

 

[jeff]

TSA locks only good in USA or it's territories as soon as you are out of the country other nations will cut them off if they want to inspect.

 

[Doug3006]

TSA locks on gun and ammo cases is verboten! If TSA wants to open the case, they’ll ask you to unlock it. I’ve seen it handled two ways. The most common is that you or the ticket agent carries the case to TSA where you unlock it for them and they do their inspection. The other way is that the Ticket agent puts the gun on the conveyor. They will ask you to hang around 15 mins or so to see if TSA calls them. The second option is how TSA handled checked guns on my trip to Namibia in April. I hung around for 15 or 20 minutes, the ticket agent gave me the all clear, and I proceeded to the gate. Apparently, TSA wasn’t interested in opening my case. They probably just x-rayed it.

As for TSA locks on your checked bag, I’m of the opinion that you might as well just use zip ties. The TSA lock presents no challenge for somebody with a set of small bolt cutters. So the locks really just serve to keep your zippers from coming unzipped. That function can be done just as easily with zip ties. Of course if your ammo box is inside your checked bag, the ammo box needs to be locked.

One more point. AirTags make the whole transit process so much more comforting. You can tell if TSA is sitting on your bag or if it’s moved in the system and loaded on the airplane. They are worth the money.

 

[SETH RINGER]

YOUR MAKIN THIS WAY TO HARD ON YOURSELF. "HAKUNA MATATA"!

 

[M70375!]

In my opinion this is a tough question to answer.

You must realize how many different entities are involved. The US government has rules. Each airline has their own rules. And each country has their own rules. And on top of that, many government and airline employees do not know, do not understand, or misinterpret their own rules. Add in the fairly rampant corruption and general love of bureaucracy and power among the African security employees in the various countries, and the whole thing is a crapshoot.

Yes, you may have researched all the above rules and have a good understanding of them. But you are still at the mercy of a series of bureaucratic drones at every step along the way, any of whom has the absolute power to ruin your hunt, whether through ignorance, corruption, or malice.

It's easy enough to cover your bases, buy a pack of TSA locks on Amazon, and throw them in your carry-on. They're not that expensive, they don't weigh that much, and if you're called upon by some kind soul to lock something, presto! Problem solved, hunt saved, worth every single penny.

Thanks, I think you hit the nail on the head

 

[JimP]

I personally wouldn't worry about TSA but the other dozen or so that will handle your bags.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

Worst thing about TSA is most often you cant see them inspect your rifle? My issue is they are mostly ignorant or uninformed and dont put thing back "Exactly" like there packed for a reason!!!
They have zero accountability and to much authority. When you case is opened they simply put that BS card inside that says it was inspected with no name or badge number of the person.

 

[375Fox]

TSA locks on gun and ammo cases is verboten! If TSA wants to open the case, they’ll ask you to unlock it. I’ve seen it handled two ways. The most common is that you or the ticket agent carries the case to TSA where you unlock it for them and they do their inspection. The other way is that the Ticket agent puts the gun on the conveyor. They will ask you to hang around 15 mins or so to see if TSA calls them. The second option is how TSA handled checked guns on my trip to Namibia in April. I hung around for 15 or 20 minutes, the ticket agent gave me the all clear, and I proceeded to the gate. Apparently, TSA wasn’t interested in opening my case. They probably just x-rayed it.

As for TSA locks on your checked bag, I’m of the opinion that you might as well just use zip ties. The TSA lock presents no challenge for somebody with a set of small bolt cutters. So the locks really just serve to keep your zippers from coming unzipped. That function can be done just as easily with zip ties. Of course if your ammo box is inside your checked bag, the ammo box needs to be locked.

One more point. AirTags make the whole transit process so much more comforting. You can tell if TSA is sitting on your bag or if it’s moved in the system and loaded on the airplane. They are worth the money.

There is nothing that says you can’t use TSA locks on ammo. You don’t need to be present for TSA to inspect ammo only the firearm. Per TSA ammo doesn’t even need to be locked for domestic travel. I looked up the United airlines regulation. That is new to me.
I previously used zip ties on my bags because TSA cut the standard lock. Then I had the zippers cut twice because bolt cutters were apparently more handy than wire cutters or similar pliers for the zip tie. The TSA inspection form was in bag each time identifying who did it. I’ve never had my zippers or lock cut since using TSA locks on checked bag. I fly at least once a month for work for last 10 years.

 

[HankBuck]

After all the good feedback I got about my homemade locked ammo box, I am thinking it might be best to save time and hassle to use TSA locks on my ammo box and the checked bag. I am wondering, has anyone had trouble with theft or vandalism by TSA when using their locks.

@M70375! - no issues with theft, only stupidity - TSA Agent took my rifle out of case to “check and see it was unloaded” (I had already removed Bolt and strapped it in next to rifle) then he could Not get rifle back into case and close it…..almost missed my flight. Another time needed to call Supervisor as the Agent told me “No ammo allowed in case with Rifle” - even showing him a print out off FAA website didn’t help….his Supervisor arrived and cleared things up. I don’t think TSA Agents have enough “ambition” to steal !

 

[coreydb]

I never had an issue with TSA, but then we have no choice in the matter.