TSA approved gun case recommendations

Just went through all this for first time in November.

I got a pelican im3300. It has easy to open but very secure latches [push middle of latch to unlock then pull on latch]. These patches are on 3 sides.

I think it was perfect. I put the combo locks that are tsa approved in all 4 holes. Case and locks made it perfectly. Rifle was still zeroed.
 
I've a couple of trips each year for the last 20+ years. I've used a Pellican case almost exclusively. They do get handled quite roughly by the airlines, but I've never had any damage to my rifles. It does pay to have TSA locks, however this year in US Customs/Toronto they didn't have any keys!!! It was a zoo!. Covid Times! But it reduces headaches to have a TSA lock if they decide they want to have a look in your case. For the last few years the airline desk will ask when checking in. If you don't, they may ask you to hang around for 15 minutes before proceeding to the gate… in case TSA wants to get in your case. Each airport has its own approach, but I have had padlocks cut off with a bolt cutter after inspection "after" being told I was good to go. As to case requirements, +90% are Pellican or the close knock-offs as seen at Cabelas, etc. See some aluminum cases. As long as they can be locked and look sturdy, TSA/Airline staff doesn't seem to care, and most don't understand the difference.
 
Just be aware the excellent Pelicans are pretty heavy. With two rifles and optics, it gets crowded, and you might approach 50# if you put any ammunition inside. I have thought about taking the scopes in a carry-on. Has anybody done that?
 
Pelican case for me too
I fly multiple times a year to guide in Alaska. Those baggage handlers try their hardest to ruin a gun case. I've watched them through the window loading at times. Seems to be a competition to destroy one. My case and rifle make it each time. Case gets beat up more each trip but the rifle is unscathed.
I like the tracking gizmo mentioned earlier in the thread. I'm looking into this!!
2AF00298-2169-48E8-A6F1-DB2D0660E7C7.jpeg
 
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Kelljp said:
Traveling by air to hunt this spring in SD.
Anyone have suggestions on approved gun cases to look for purchasing. Hadn't traveled with gun flying in 10 years. Don't need any surprises at airport. Seems TSA/airports vary in hunter treatment in the past, hope that's changed for the better.
Click to expand...
I used my hard SKB bow case without half of the foam so I could pack my Turkey vest and clothes around my shotgun along with anything else I needed to hunt. Works great since your gun is protected
 
Just check with the Airline you are flying with.
They will have their regulations on firearm and ammo storage.
Got a GREAT Case. We went to Africa and had an Aluminum & Pelican. Both worked great. Got to Johnsburg and the Airport could not find our rifles. Thought they were stolen. After almost 2 hours of waiting I was walking around the "Secured Area" for pick up and saw our case by a loading dock. I got the Airport personnel and started yelling at them that my rifle case was in another are getting ready to be shipped. I still think that they were in the process of being stolen and luckily I saw it. Never got an explanation.
Not so much now because of CCTV everywhere and also people with cameras in phones, but there was a time when airport baggage handlers would go out of their way to throw around rifle cases. I saw where the barrel of one guy's rifle was sticking out of the end of an aluminum case.
Get really good combination locks. Keys get lost and combination are harder to pick.
I don't trust any airport personnel in any country.
 
Oh yeah, one more recommendation that may seem overkill but I still do it. Put a trigger lock on firearm. That really seems to placate even the most strict inspector. One more thing is sometimes folks think I will carry my bolt in on board luggage, nope not allowed. See TSA link below.
"Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage."

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

www.tsa.gov www.tsa.gov
 
6mmfan said:
Just be aware the excellent Pelicans are pretty heavy. With two rifles and optics, it gets crowded, and you might approach 50# if you put any ammunition inside. I have thought about taking the scopes in a carry-on. Has anybody done that?
Click to expand...
6mmfan, I have almost always carried a backup scope in QR mounts sighted in in my carryon. Never had to use it, but will do again.

On my last Africa trip they made me remove a knit cap from my case. They said you could only carry a gun (nothing said about the ammo belt, or Leatherman!)
 
Muddyboots said:
Oh yeah, one more recommendation that may seem overkill but I still do it. Put a trigger lock on firearm. That really seems to placate even the most strict inspector. One more thing is sometimes folks think I will carry my bolt in on board luggage, nope not allowed. See TSA link below.
"Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage."

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

www.tsa.gov www.tsa.gov
Click to expand...
Good point. Trigger lock for the inspector. I forgot to mention about the bolt. I was told to prevent possible theft keep your bolt. (not really works). You can put it in your other checked baggage, but what happens when you get to your destination and you got your rifles, but they lost your checked bag with the bolt in it. Can't hunt until you get your bolt. A thief is going to steel your rifle case, not look to see if there is a bolt or not so that's not a prevention.
 
This is not rocket science the regs are it needs to be in a case that can be locked. Any case is fine. Depending on where I am traveling weather becomes a factor. During loading and unloading a plane luggage can and does sit on the tarmac on occasion and that can be in the rain. I use gasketed pelicans for this reason, they are not submersible but the gaskets are adequate for rain. Standard keyed padlock is fine. No one can control lost luggage, it just happens, not theft or conspiracy. Have insurance you feel comfortable with and you will likely never have to use it.
 
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