I got a response from TSA saying DO NOT USE TSA approved locks.  And that if your handgun case is inside your hard sided suit case, that suit case now becomes the "container" and needs to be locked.  So the gun case inside the hard sided suit case no longer needs to be locked per TSA rules,  HA has the same rules.  Their email specifically stated gun case inside needs not be locked.

But if you travel other airlines that do not require a hard sided suit case, then that handgun case needs to be locked and hard.  I'm gonna lock all my stuff anyways so that isn't an issue.

Still same run around with Hawaiian.  I should be ok, but since this is my 1st time traveling with a handgun, I'm going to drive to HA soon and bring the handgun case, hard sided suite case and rifle case to show them and record (video) them saying its a go or no go.  Also will show TSA since I'm there.  Probably ask for a supervisor.

I always plan for the worst.

The reason why I'm so anal about this is that I've read of other people having issues and don't want any surprises.

I've never had any problems with my guns when traveling.

Something not mentioned here is go to the airport about 20 minutes earlier than normal.  After checking in your bags, they may have you wait around the check in area for about 15 mins in case your bag is selected for inspection by the tsa.  Then they will ask you to unlock your bag and inspect it with you there.

As mentioned in other threads, I always do and recommend printing and bringing with you a copy of TSA's policy and the particular airline's policy. 

I've had gate agents spew all sorts of things that wasn't on either policy.  Handing them the copy of the policy helped refresh their memory of THEIR OWN policy.  One gate agent was insistent that the locks on my rifle case needed to be TSA locks and was going to reject my rifle case.  I would do that even if I confirmed via email, call, etc to the airline.

I usually get to the airport early anyways, but the 20 minute extra is a good tip, particularly for HNL.  Some airports have you take your rifle/gun case to a TSA screening area where they swab, scan, etc the case and then either accept the case or ask you to open it up for inspection. 

Also be wary of the gun laws in states where you have a stop over.  This could be important if you miss your connection and the airline may ask you to claim your luggage. 

As mentioned in other threads, I always do and recommend printing and bringing with you a copy of TSA's policy and the particular airline's policy. 

I've had gate agents spew all sorts of things that wasn't on either policy.  Handing them the copy of the policy helped refresh their memory of THEIR OWN policy.  One gate agent was insistent that the locks on my rifle case needed to be TSA locks and was going to reject my rifle case.  I would do that even if I confirmed via email, call, etc to the airline.

I usually get to the airport early anyways, but the 20 minute extra is a good tip, particularly for HNL.  Some airports have you take your rifle/gun case to a TSA screening area where they swab, scan, etc the case and then either accept the case or ask you to open it up for inspection. 

Also be wary of the gun laws in states where you have a stop over.  This could be important if you miss your connection and the airline may ask you to claim your luggage.

all good points, man

another one is don't be hesitant to ask for a supervisor (even though you may have to show them the printed out policies too)

I've never had any problems with my guns when traveling.

Something not mentioned here is go to the airport about 20 minutes earlier than normal.  After checking in your bags, they may have you wait around the check in area for about 15 mins in case your bag is selected for inspection by the tsa.  Then they will ask you to unlock your bag and inspect it with you there.

We're gonna go 3 hours before the flight.  That way if something does happen, I have time.  Also my wife gets to use the lounge for HA and can bring in 1 guest.  FREE POG juice and espresso!!! last time I had 8 containers of POG and 4 shots espresso.

We're gonna go 3 hours before the flight.  That way if something does happen, I have time.  Also my wife gets to use the lounge for HA and can bring in 1 guest.  FREE POG juice and espresso!!! last time I had 8 containers of POG and 4 shots espresso.

and spent the whole flight peeing...

and spent the whole flight peeing...

More like cracked out on the red eye.  Can't sleep so I stay up usually 30-42hrs the 1st day in Vegas.

No worry.  I never had a problem with HA.  It will be ok.

If you're flying Hawaiian, no worries. I do it all the time.
You can also pack 11 pounds of ammo
if you're thinking of bringing some back.
If you go to the Clark County Shooting Range, keep this on mind. When they call "cease fire" that means stop shooting IMMEDIATELY, not finish up what's loaded like at Kokohead.
I got yelled at that the first time I ever went there. They're all cool though.


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Just ordered a Pelican 1200.  My current pelican is flimsy.  It locks at both sides, but you can open from the front and stick your fingers inside and touch the gun.  About a 1 inch gap.

Where the 1200 is a harder plastic so you can't pry it open with your hands.

Thus is new from Delta.

Thus is new from Delta.

Could be worst, could be duct tape.

Thus is new from Delta.

Are they do that for all luggage carrying firearms ?

Are they do that for all luggage carrying firearms ?

that's not right if they do that- it specifically indicates "gun!"

what does the tag on the left say?
CAGPT?

that's not right if they do that- it specifically indicates "gun!"

what does the tag on the left say?
CAGPT?

I think Suka mentioned in a previous thread that the airlines can do this, as long as the tag doesn't specifically say "firearm".  If it did, then that's illegal.  So  some use a "handle with care" type of tag, but it really means "firearm inside".

that's not right if they do that- it specifically indicates "gun!"

what does the tag on the left say?
CAGPT?

Carries A Gun Please Take   

this is what American put on both pelican case and my luggage with pistols inside.


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Carries A Gun Please Take   

Perfect

Thus is new from Delta.

Did they require the lock on the suitcase?

Funny as hell; zip ties and 100 MPH fix everything!

I normally put a lock on my suitcase, not sure if it's required but I'd recommend doing it.  Only thing is the loops are really small for a lock.  The only thing I can find that fits it is a TSA lock.

I wish they included a pair of scissors to cut the zip ties.  They may have zip tied it because of the baggage area shooting a couple months ago, I dunno.  It was very inconvenient because I had to go to the NRA convention so I changed my clothes in the restroom.  I had to unzip one of the corners of the bag and yank half of my clothes out to find my knife so I could cut it off.