Delta and TSA

[OCEquestrian]

The OP was wrong that it is against the law to use a TSA lock (thank you for pointing that out), but I think the OP's point still stands. The OP did not need to use a TSA lock as was requested/ordered by airline personnel, and I do not blame them for not wanting to use a TSA approved lock.

Actually, you also need to be familiar with airline regulations and the airline CAN in fact require a TSA lock if it wants. It appears that Delts does not specify TSA locks... https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...ial-items.html

Shooting equipment is allowed as checked baggage only. It must fit within the very specific criteria that we outline below.

-Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm.
-Declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel if there's a security checkpoint before the Delta counter.
-All firearms must be declared by the passenger to a Delta representative at the main ticket counter.
-Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration.
-Firearms must be packed in a locked manufacturer's hard-sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case or a locked hard-sided piece of luggage. Handguns may be packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft-sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case.
-Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit.
-Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges.
-You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA websiteopens in a new window.
-If you are transporting a firearm to the United Kingdom, a permit from the United Kingdom is specifically required. You must contact the United Kingdom for more information about securing this permit.
-Until further advised, passengers departing Brussels, Belgium are not allowed to check weapons including, antique, sporting, hunting or toy rifles in their checked baggage.
-Customer must be 18 years of age or older
-All firearms checked as baggage must be picked up at the Baggage Service Office upon arrival at your final destination. ID will be required to claim your checked firearm.

I won't use a TSA lock on my gun case because it makes it that much easier to open it by airport personnel. I agree that it can be stolen fairly easily if they want to steal it either way. However, I will still make it as difficult as possible.

The OP was wrong that it is against the law to use a TSA lock (thank you for pointing that out), but I think the OP's point still stands. The OP did not need to use a TSA lock as was requested/ordered by airline personnel, and I do not blame them for not wanting to use a TSA approved lock.

Like you, I also put my gun in a hard case and then inside my regular checked baggage. However, I lock the gun case with a regular lock (not-TSA approved) and then lock the suitcase with a TSA approved lock.

"Resistance is futile" I use the TSA locks so that I do not have to be dragged back from a club room or the gate to unlock my case. It also ensures that my bag WILL make the flight as there are no delays to inspect the gun to make sure I have complied with the law and that the gun is "safe".

If the gun is going to be stolen its going to be stolen and so far, I have never had a gun stolen and I fly with a handgun A LOT.

[Whites of Their Eyes]

Actually, you also need to be familiar with airline regulations and the airline CAN in fact require a TSA lock if it wants.





"Resistance is futile" I use the TSA locks so that I do not have to be dragged back from a club room or the gate to unlock my case. It also ensures that my bag WILL make the flight as there are no delays to inspect the gun to make sure I have complied with the law and that the gun is "safe".

If the gun is going to be stolen its going to be stolen and so far, I have never had a gun stolen and I fly with a handgun A LOT.

You are correct on the first point. However, Delta does not require that currently. I do not know any airline that does require a TSA lock. However, most of my flying is on Southwest, Delta, or American, so I may be wrong about some of the others. For a while, one of them (I think it was American) actually said no TSA locks on the gun case. Looking at their current policies, this does not appear to be the case anymore.

I also fly a lot and have never had any issues. I regularly tell students to check both TSA regulations AND the policies of the airline before EACH flight. I flew to for vacation for New Years one year and the policies actually changed during my trip. I checked before my flight home and followed the new policies.

I will follow the laws and written policies. If I am told to do something that is not in either one, I will only do so if it is put in writing. I do not necessarily trust the gate agent getting paid barely above minimum wage on the policies or the law. Although I have never had any major issues, I have definitely had gate agents who were rude about it and appeared quite anti 2A. That is what I get for flying out of OAK and SFO a lot! haha

As far as the using the TSA lock to not get dragged from the club, etc, that is your choice and I certainly respect that. I definitely am not saying you are doing anything wrong. As with most things firearm related, a lot of this comes down to personal preference. Obviously, the laws and airline policies must be followed, but how you do it is usually up to you.