Airline Approved Cases

[runway1]

Which do you recommend? I know SKB, Pelican, Cebelas, etc. are all tough and worthy but my question is really in regard to the locks.

Do you like integral locks or separate padlocks? Who makes a TSA approved case with integral locks? Seems easier/cleaner than buying separate padlocks. Thanks all!

[barrage]

A hard sided plastic suitcase is a TSA approved case if you decide to put a gun in it, so your number of choices is pretty abundant as long as somebody would have to use a reasonable amount of force to break it open.

Have you read the TSA guidelines and your airline's policy on transporting firearms yet?

[runway1]

Yes, not my question.

...Do you like integral locks or separate padlocks? Who makes a TSA approved case with integral locks? Seems easier/cleaner than buying separate padlocks.

[titan2]

TSA approved cases with non-TSA locks.....they're not to have the ability to open without your presence....you're the only one with the keys!!!!

I'd probably opt for padlocks....I want my guns protected and I just don't trust built in locks!!!

[zinfull]

There are not any tsa approved cases. Just go by what is required. Pistol and rifle Ina hard case without a tsa lock. Use your own padlock for best securing of the case. Most hard cases with lock are weak.

[runway1]

TSA approved cases with non-TSA locks.....they're not to have the ability to open without your presence....you're the only one with the keys!!!!

I'd probably opt for padlocks....I want my guns protected and I just don't trust built in locks!!!

There are not any tsa approved cases. Just go by what is required. Pistol and rifle Ina hard case without a tsa lock. Use your own padlock for best securing of the case. Most hard cases with lock are weak.

Excellent info. Thanks for the help. I was inclined to go with the integral locks for convenience but you're probably right, they're not as positive and robust as a padlock.

[barrage]

Yes, not my question.

...Do you like integral locks or separate padlocks? Who makes a TSA approved case with integral locks? Seems easier/cleaner than buying separate padlocks.

I like (and use) two padlocks that use the same key on a pelican case for rifles and the same two padlocks on a generic pistol case I got from Turners. I don't like integral locks because they're typically not well made, while two Master Locks give a nice beefy impression.

They also cause my rifle cases to stand out more (two locks say "This isn't a guitar in here"), generating more attention from airport employees and making them less inclined to just let someone walk off with it without checking to make sure the case belongs to them.

Ultimately though, I just don't want the TSA stealing any of my guns.

[six seven tango]

When looking for a good case, I always make sure that the holes that the padlocks go thru have an integral metal wrap. It's just too easy to break or cut the plastic on most cases, and while the metal isn't a cure all, it should help deter an opportunity thief.

[dwtt]

They also cause my rifle cases to stand out more (two locks say "This isn't a guitar in here"), generating more attention from airport employees and making them less inclined to just let someone walk off with it without checking to make sure the case belongs to them.

Ultimately though, I just don't want the TSA stealing any of my guns.

It's not the TSA who steals guns, it's the airline and airport employees who do the stealing. They're union members so it's impossible to fire them unless they are caught in the act of stealing luggage.

[barrage]

It's not the TSA who steals guns, it's the airline and airport employees who do the stealing. They're union members so it's impossible to fire them unless they are caught in the act of stealing luggage.

Yeah, you're probably right about that actually. Still, **** TSA.

[kenl]

I like external padlocks. Going through customs last year, two parties had simulator (plano?) Cases. Guy grabs a case that he thought was his, opens it with his keys, and finds someone else's rifles. His rifles and case were in the hands of the other party. Everything was quickly made right, but i wonder how many other cases use the same key.

[kenl]

Simulator=similar. Pita spell check

[runway1]

Well now, that's scary. Looks like an overwhelming choice. Two beefy padlocks it is.

[six seven tango]

I like external padlocks. Going through customs last year, two parties had simulator (plano?) Cases. Guy grabs a case that he thought was his, opens it with his keys, and finds someone else's rifles. His rifles and case were in the hands of the other party. Everything was quickly made right, but i wonder how many other cases use the same key.

I've got some no-name hard pistol cases that I use for the range. 1 key fits all of them. Needless to say, when I want real security, not just something to transport to the range, I use something that will accept a padlock.

[L84CABO]

Pelicans are pretty hard to beat albeit there are some pretty good and cheaper cases. I also think one of the best setups is a soft case packed inside a pelican...as opposed to using straight foam. Pelican cases are heavy and bulky. It's nice to be able to leave them behind once you get there and just use the soft case for back and forth to the range. YMMV