Traveled for the first time to the mainland Honolulu to Orlando and back on American with firearms. 2 rifles in pelican 1750, 2 handguns in a pelican 1200 inside of a larger luggage. No real problems going opened cases at the ticket counter placed signed firearm(s) unloaded card inside and then was asked to wait 10-15 min incase TSA wanted me to open the cases. Waited was not called to open so I went to the gate. Arrived to Orlando and waited for firearms to come out in the oversized/special handing area. 1750 and luggage came out and ID and baggage claim check was checked prior to the items being released to me. Looked 1750 over and noticed this I asked to make a claim and I was told that the damage was fair wear and tear I was like WTF, so I opened the case to check the operation of the hinge and to ensure that the pin wasn't bent it worked. This was a brand new case on its first trip. I then left and went about my vacation.

I shot with my brothers and family twice at Okeechobee Shooting Sports, http://okshooting.com It is a nice place I didn't explore it all I shoot on their rifle gallery and pistol gallery there were other ranges it cost $30 for 3 galleries (rifle, pistol and rimfire).

Return trip from Orlando to HI, items were packed the same with the addition of 11 pounds of ammo for my wife and I.
A local guy was at the ticket counter and he was super nice and helpful opened cases put in unloaded firearm(s) card and then the gentleman walked us across to the TSA and they scanned and swabbed the items there and said that I was good to go once again without having to open either case. We went from Orlando to Dallas on the way we went through and around a large storm, it caused us to nearly miss our connection. We made it on out flight to Honolulu we were unsure if our bags would make it. Arrived in HNL and the AA baggage counter and asked to retrieve my items and the girl said its around the corner by the door and I once again think WTF. I looked around the corner and it wasn't my 1750 it was a bow case. I figured I'd go check the carousel and I saw our other luggage I pulled it and then guess what I see my small luggage with the 1200 and two handguns inside coming around with the red special handling tag still affixed and intact another WTF moment. I proceed back to the counter to tell them my bag with 2 guns inside was going around the carousel and I ask if they could locate my 1750. The girl looked and said that it was on a later flight it didn't make it on ours and that it would be in a little later then about an hour or so, I left my info and went for some food. I got a call from AA saying that my 1750 arrived I went back and got it and then filed a claim for the damage. All in all not a bad experience I got to the airport 3 hours early because I wasn't sure how it all would go down it was a good amount of time to check in and get through security.

Flew to Oahu on Alaska air.  870 tactical, three pistols, 8 ar bare receivers and 100 rds 40 cal hp in cheap "tactical" pelican clone case on Alaska air from San Diego.  Not one issue. AK air was awesome!  In Hnl the agents were personally watching my case and verified my luggage tag.  Love AK air!

I think my Pelican case sustained the same damage to the hinge/fins, but I don't recall that it was as bad as yours.  I've have to take a look at it when I get home.  I never thought to file a claim for the damage, so will be interesting to see what AA gives/says. 

Most of my trips with guns were on United.  The agents on the Honolulu end ranged from clueless to familiar.  One clueless agent tried to tell me that I needed TSA locks on the case.   

In two trips to Alaska, the agents at the Anchorage airport were super efficient, but I attributed that to them encountering travelers with guns more frequently.  On my first trip with my guns, like the OP, I found my guns on the main carousel at HNL.  I don't recall if they were tagged with anything special.  At all other airports, I had to claim them at a customer service desk. 

Anyone know why ammunition can't be in plastic reloading cases then cardboard boxed?

I've had people tell me to use TSA locks on the pelican cases.  This is not necessary. 

In fact, I think it's a good idea to use non-TSA locks because the firearm should not be in other people's possession.

If using non-TSA locks, ADD at least 30 minutes to your check-in time as the check-in lady will ask you to wait at the counter while your bag goes through TSA. This way, if TSA wants you to open case, they won't have to call you back to open up your luggage. 

After 30 mins, the check-in lady will call TSA and ask if your bag has cleared. If all is good, then you can proceed to the security check.

Anyone know why ammunition can't be in plastic reloading cases then cardboard boxed?

Idk why the reloading case is not acceptable, but ammo in the store bought box was acceptable.  it was in the plastic separated case and in the cardboard box.  like how it is when you buy it.

I've had people tell me to use TSA locks on the pelican cases.  This is not necessary. 

In fact, I don't think it's a good idea to use non-TSA locks because the firearm should not be in other people's possession.

If using non-TSA locks, ADD at least 30 minutes to your check-in time as the check-in lady will ask you to wait at the counter while your bag goes through TSA. This way, if TSA wants you to open case, they won't have to call you back to open up your luggage. 

After 30 mins, the check-in lady will call TSA and ask if your bag has cleared. If all is good, then you can proceed to the security check.

From TSA website:

Firearms
•When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
•Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
•Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock.
•Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
•Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
•Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

Confirmed with United's policy that was told to NOT use TSA locks.  As for waiting, that was advised each time I travelled.  Some airports have you take your firearms case to a separate area from typical baggage and they screen it in front of you.  Since most of the screening TSA screening areas are downstairs, the gate agents recommend you wait.  Something about they will not call you to return to the baggage area if TSA needs to open the case.  I think Hawaiian now has the TSA screening in the baggage area, but I haven't flown with them with my guns. 

Anyone know why ammunition can't be in plastic reloading cases then cardboard boxed?

Ammunition
•Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
•Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(.
•Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm.

49 CFR 175.10 (a)(

( Small arms ammunition for personal use carried by a crewmember or passenger in checked baggage only, if securely packed in boxes or other packagings specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition clips and magazines must also be securely boxed. This paragraph does not apply to persons traveling under the provisions of 49 CFR 1544.219.

I've only travelled with ammo boxed in commercial packaging, but I thought it was ok to have the ammo in ammo boxes that you describe as it being "specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition".  However, each airlines have their own policies.  One that varies is the amount of ammunition allowed.  I wouldn't doubt it there were variations in container requirements.

Recommending printing out both the TSA and specific airline requirements.  Sometimes the gate agents don't even know their own policies.  One United gate agent said that my rifle case needed TSA locks and I was able to show then the TSA and United policy that said the exact opposite. 

From TSA website:

Confirmed with United's policy that was told to NOT use TSA locks.  As for waiting, that was advised each time I travelled.  Some airports have you take your firearms case to a separate area from typical baggage and they screen it in front of you.  Since most of the screening TSA screening areas are downstairs, the gate agents recommend you wait.  Something about they will not call you to return to the baggage area if TSA needs to open the case.  I think Hawaiian now has the TSA screening in the baggage area, but I haven't flown with them with my guns. 

I've only travelled with ammo boxed in commercial packaging, but I thought it was ok to have the ammo in ammo boxes that you describe as it being "specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition".  However, each airlines have their own policies.  One that varies is the amount of ammunition allowed.  I wouldn't doubt it there were variations in container requirements.

Recommending printing out both the TSA and specific airline requirements.  Sometimes the gate agents don't even know their own policies.  One United gate agent said that my rifle case needed TSA locks and I was able to show then the TSA and United policy that said the exact opposite.

I was at Venutra Munitions in Vegas and they sell reloaded ammo that comes loose in a bag that is inside a card board box.  The owner said I might have a problem with that if I didn't bring a lockable ammo can.  It all depends on the attitude of the person at the counter and TSA.  But boxed ammo (20rds, 50rds, etc...) no issues.

I was at Venutra Munitions in Vegas and they sell reloaded ammo that comes loose in a bag that is inside a card board box.  The owner said I might have a problem with that if I didn't bring a lockable ammo can.  It all depends on the attitude of the person at the counter and TSA.  But boxed ammo (20rds, 50rds, etc...) no issues.

Yeah, can depend on the personnel that you deal with.  I've had a HNL United gate agent pretty much just hand me the declaration tag, tell me to put it in the case and sent my case on it's way without even looking.  I've had another HNL United agent almost gasp when I mentioned my firearms and had me take the case to the side and she had a coworker help me from that point on. 

I was told that loose ammunition can be a problem, but I have never tried.  I pushed the weight limit a few times and I guess I got lucky as no one has checked.  I was wondering what I would do with the extra ammo if it was over.  As in I wasn't sure if I could have a TSA agent dispose.  I have friends that work with CPB and I was joking with them that I would "donate" it to them or their buddies on duty at the time.   

On a related note, I used to see foreigners completely saranwrap their luggage to avoid the bullet scam. I hear that this has been stopped by the airport administration saying they will prosecute the scammers if caught.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/04/aviation/philippines-airport-bullet-bag-scam-tanim-bala/

Yeah, can depend on the personnel that you deal with.  I've had a HNL United gate agent pretty much just hand me the declaration tag, tell me to put it in the case and sent my case on it's way without even looking.  I've had another HNL United agent almost gasp when I mentioned my firearms and had me take the case to the side and she had a coworker help me from that point on. 

I was told that loose ammunition can be a problem, but I have never tried.  I pushed the weight limit a few times and I guess I got lucky as no one has checked.  I was wondering what I would do with the extra ammo if it was over.  As in I wasn't sure if I could have a TSA agent dispose.  I have friends that work with CPB and I was joking with them that I would "donate" it to them or their buddies on duty at the time.   

11lbs includes any carrying devise (ammo can, box,etc...) So Ventura Munitions weighted it for me.  223 ammo in 20rd boxes.  I had 22 boxes. 10.8lbs.

11lbs includes any carrying devise (ammo can, box,etc...) So Ventura Munitions weighted it for me.  223 ammo in 20rd boxes.  I had 22 boxes. 10.8lbs.

There's a previous thread where I posted some general guidelines on amount of ammo and weight.  I think I weighed my ammo prior to my first time flying, but not since then.

There's a previous thread where I posted some general guidelines on amount of ammo and weight.  I think I weighed my ammo prior to my first time flying, but not since then.

I travel to Fairbank, AK every year for moose season in September on Alaska Air. No probs either way. In Fairbanks you have to go to a special counter close to the baggage claim with ID and baggage claim ticket to get your guns. Every time when I come back to HNL, my gun case with Rifle & Pistol come rolling down the carousel for all to see. If I had been 10 minutes late in getting to the baggage claim, who knows what could have happened! Each time I complained to TSA, Airport security and Alaska Air. TSA and Airport security give me a "deer in the headlights" look. this last time I threatened them with going their agencies (TSA woke up then, bozo with airport security still was in lala land. TSA gave me some paperwork to fill out and said they will take care of the problem. Guess it aint fixed yet since last June I made a trip to Kali to do some trap shooting and guess where my pelican shogun case came out of? Yup, general baggage on the carousel!