Expert: Roberto Gomes - 3/24/2008

Question
Roberto, I am moving my wife to-be from Iowa this summer, and am flying one way from Washington State, and then driving from Iowa. I really don't want to travel on the road without defense. I went to the TSA web site, and all they say is that the gun has to be in a "hardside lockable case" in checkin luggage. Can you recommend a suitable case? Does it have to be a TSA lock? Or would I not want a TSA lock in this case? Any help you can give me would be helpful. Thanks, Don

Answer
Dear Don,

TSA recommends that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can't contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.

Also it is a good idea to contact your airline since it may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition that you may have in your checked baggage. As far as cases are concern, you can check it on a local store. Just make sure that it has a hard surface to avoid any damage.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes