TSA Firearms rules which were updated recently:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunitionHow I transport firearms:
1. If flying to the mainland, check the laws of that state and any state you pass through.
2. Lookup the airlines specific firearms policies on their website.
3. Firearms, ammunition, and parts have to be in check in luggage.
4. Verify guns are unloaded and in a locked case. Put locks in all case holes and ensure you cannot pry the case open with your hands to remove the gun. I recommend using regular locks but you can use TSA locks. The case can be stored in luggage or on it's own. The luggage the case is in doesn't have to be locked.
5. Ammunition placed in manufacturers boxes or magazines. You may need to tape the cardboard boxes closed if the boxes are worn. TSA might reject loose rounds in manufacturers boxes or bags. Most airlines allow for up to 11lbs of ammo per passenger. Alaska Airlines allows up to 50lbs per passenger. Ammunition can be stored in the firearms case.
6. I recommend placing a tracker in the case, like an Apple Airtag.
7. Arrive at the airport 20 minutes earlier than usual.
8. Go to the counter to check in and say you have a firearm and/or ammunition. They will have you open the case for inspection and weigh the ammunition. You will sign a firearms declaration card acknowledging the firearm is unloaded.
9. The agent will usually tell you to wait on the side for 15 minutes incase TSA needs you to open the case for inspection.
10. Upon arriving at your destination, your luggage/case either appear on the baggage carousel as usual, or you have to pick it up at the airlines baggage office. I recommended you go to the baggage carousel ASAP to ensure someone else doesn't take your firearm.
Note: Delta Airlines zip ties the luggage/case closed. Have a way to cut the ties off like a nail clipper or TSA approved trauma shears in your carry on, or knife/scissors in the check in luggage.