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I made a trip to Texas, flying out of Sacramento via Southwest Airlines.
The only other time I have flown with a firearm was with a hunting rifle up in Alaska (Intrastate).
So, I pulled copies off the web of the TSA and Southwest documents on flying with firearms.
Then I assembled my gear;
Glock 30
1 factory box of defensive .45 ammo
2 magazines
assorted holsters
cleaning kit
ear plugs (custom molded incase I had to shoot a terrorist inside the plane... first by descending into the cargo hold, finding my checked bag, unlocking/unzipping the bag, unlocking the guncase, loading the mags, loading the firearm, ascending back to the passenger compartment and FINALLY... oops, gotta get those earplugs out of my carry-on and into my ears first mr. terrorist! OKAY, NOW YOU'RE DEAD!)
Gun case - http://www.missouricarry.com/Merchan...tegory_Code=WP
Then I rehearsed how I would approach the ticket counter/agent, how I would go about opening everything up and showing the agent my firearm, etc.
When we got to the airport economy parking, the first thing I did was remove my firearm from it's holster, unload it, and secure it in the case with a cable lock through the barrel and empty magwell.
Then I made sure all my gunstuff was put into the internal pockets of our check-on suitcase where it would be easy to display upon request.
Then I locked the case with it's cable, to the internal supports for the collapsible handle on the suitcase.
I then verified that all sharp and banned objects were not on my person, my daughter's person or in any of our carry-on bags.
Since I printed out our passes at home, I went to the express line.
The ticket agent there told me I was in the wrong line (because of the gun), but would help me anyway... Nice lady!
I opened up the bag, showed her the ammo, mags and unlocked the guncase.
She was satisfied and mentioned that she would have to have the TSA check the bag also (scanning I presume). I signed a card that was locked in the case with the firearm, locked the case and suitcase (TSA Lock on the bag), and she took it into the back.
She returned and told me everything was okay and we went on through the gate.
I even passed through the metal detector with my Utilikilt on (it has lots of metal snaps)! Which was a surprise to me and the TSA folks as well as a relief for them. Seems like none of them were interested in what I was wearing under my kilt! 
Coming back from Texas, it was a similar thing except that the ticket agent requested my keys when she took the suitcase back to the TSA examiners.
I told her that I thought I was supposed to keep the keys in my possession.
She repeated that she needed them incase the TSA wanted to inspect the firearm.
I relented.
She was very nice about the whole thing also.
It was a great trip except for missing the DOJ meeting
I didn't get to go shooting with my buddy back home, but I definitely felt safer while I was there.
Sorry for the long story.
The only other time I have flown with a firearm was with a hunting rifle up in Alaska (Intrastate).
So, I pulled copies off the web of the TSA and Southwest documents on flying with firearms.
Then I assembled my gear;
Glock 30
1 factory box of defensive .45 ammo
2 magazines
assorted holsters
cleaning kit
ear plugs (custom molded incase I had to shoot a terrorist inside the plane... first by descending into the cargo hold, finding my checked bag, unlocking/unzipping the bag, unlocking the guncase, loading the mags, loading the firearm, ascending back to the passenger compartment and FINALLY... oops, gotta get those earplugs out of my carry-on and into my ears first mr. terrorist! OKAY, NOW YOU'RE DEAD!)
Gun case - http://www.missouricarry.com/Merchan...tegory_Code=WP
Then I rehearsed how I would approach the ticket counter/agent, how I would go about opening everything up and showing the agent my firearm, etc.
When we got to the airport economy parking, the first thing I did was remove my firearm from it's holster, unload it, and secure it in the case with a cable lock through the barrel and empty magwell.
Then I made sure all my gunstuff was put into the internal pockets of our check-on suitcase where it would be easy to display upon request.
Then I locked the case with it's cable, to the internal supports for the collapsible handle on the suitcase.
I then verified that all sharp and banned objects were not on my person, my daughter's person or in any of our carry-on bags.
Since I printed out our passes at home, I went to the express line.
The ticket agent there told me I was in the wrong line (because of the gun), but would help me anyway... Nice lady!
I opened up the bag, showed her the ammo, mags and unlocked the guncase.
She was satisfied and mentioned that she would have to have the TSA check the bag also (scanning I presume). I signed a card that was locked in the case with the firearm, locked the case and suitcase (TSA Lock on the bag), and she took it into the back.
She returned and told me everything was okay and we went on through the gate.
I even passed through the metal detector with my Utilikilt on (it has lots of metal snaps)! Which was a surprise to me and the TSA folks as well as a relief for them. Seems like none of them were interested in what I was wearing under my kilt!
Coming back from Texas, it was a similar thing except that the ticket agent requested my keys when she took the suitcase back to the TSA examiners.
I told her that I thought I was supposed to keep the keys in my possession.
She repeated that she needed them incase the TSA wanted to inspect the firearm.
I relented.
She was very nice about the whole thing also.
It was a great trip except for missing the DOJ meeting
I didn't get to go shooting with my buddy back home, but I definitely felt safer while I was there.
Sorry for the long story.
yeah, I have one, along with my Nevada and Florida permits.
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