Anyone flown out of Seatac lately with a firearm in checked baggage? Been a few years since I have and I am curious how they are doing things now. Last time I did it they had a TSA agent out front near the check in counters that handled the swabbing/checking of the baggage with firearms, is that still the case? I liked that as I had eyes on it the entire time.

I just noticed a subtle change in FAA regs. Used to be that only the passenger/owner of firearm was to ever have the keys to the hardcase. Now I see they have a line in there that the TSA may have the key if requested to confirm compliance with TSA regulations.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting ... ammunition

Honestly I am not comfortable at all about having my firearm behind some closed door and giving anyone access to it so hoping they are still out front.

I just flew to Nevada a couple weeks ago. Hard case with a TSA approved lock at every locking point. Get in line and check your bags. They’ll give you a firearms declaration. Take the firearm case and declaration to the little cubicle by the escalators. They’ll swab and let you put the declaration inside at that point. The baggage lady said I could do it right at the counter, but I wasn’t too keen on opening a firearms case with pistols in it right there in front of everybody.

On the opposite end, just go to odd-sized baggage claim and grab your case. Will require ID and your claim tag.

Leaving Vegas, they escorted me down to a room at the end of the terminal. Went behind closed doors, then came back out and gave me the thumbs up. I had already inserted the declaration, as instructed, at the baggage counter.

Nerve wracking, but my trip went smooth as butter at both ends.

I did buy some TSA Combo locks that had a little red indicator that popped out if they were opened by key. Have to know the combo to reset the indicator. No indicators popped on my trip.

ETA: link to locks - you guys love some links...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015T ... UTF8&psc=1

You just used the same declaration from the flight out to LV?

Regs I am seeing say they do not require TSA locks and I have always been told not to use them for a firearm specifically because people beyond TSA have those keys. Interesting about the popup indicator, that is a nice feature.

You’re not suppose to use tsa locks. Just flew to Arizona on Tuesday out of seatac. Had to put a signed piece of paper into the case then go to the tsa check point where they swabbed the case and then took it. From what I understand only you can have possession of the keys and no one is suppose to open the case.


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That was rules the last time I flew, and I am going same place as you. Now there is a line in there that TSA can require the key at their disgresion, that is in the FAA link I posted originally. It also says you can use TSA if you want, I prefer to make them ask me for the key, that way I know they are getting into it when it is happening rather than finding out 4hrs and 1500mi later.

Are you still down there? If not, how was flying out of AZ? Phoenix?

New declaration each direction. Issued at baggage check.

I used the locks, even locked it right in front of the TSA agent at SeaTac. Sent it to TSA agent (behind the closed door) in Vegas already locked.

I guess YMMV...?

I flew out 10/11 back 10/16

TSA has a master key for all TSA approved locks. That’s what makes them TSA approved.

*Unload gun.
*Pack gun in approved hard case with lock (I use a clamshell factory pistol box, with 1 or 2 padlocks). If you wanted added security, run a gun lock thru the gun in case it is stolen. I put my name and phone number in the gun box too.
*Pack ammo in original or similar approved ammo boxes in separate location (I usually put a couple ammo boxes in ziplocks (in case they spill).
* Pack securely in checked luggage bag. I put my name and phone number in several spots in the bag, and I tag the bag so it's very easy to ID/find on the retrieval side.
* Declare gun at check in counter. Follow instructions which will vary but be some form of - "go over there to TSA and declare and have it inspected."
* At TSA, they will inspect/swab/Xray, whatever and then give you a good to go. Follow instructions.
* When you arrive, don't dally. Go straight to baggage claim and get your firearm.

I've seen a variety of how the airport handles it. But the keys are your actions in legally packing and declaring.

Give me a call tomorrow.

everybody?

I was in Tucson I’m back now. They inspect it with you there. The lady at alaska told me to leave it unlocked until I finish the tsa check so I did that, when I got over to tsa the guy asked me where the lock is, I told him the lady told me to leave it unlocked until they were done. He told me she’s dumb and they don’t need to unlock it for any reason.


Coming back the lady at alaska told me they take it over to tsa and for me to wait at the check in desk until they are done. Took about 10-15 minutes then she gave me the thumbs up and told me I’m good.

I’ve heard stories of some airlines putting it out on the carousel but with alaska you have to show id at the counter to pick it up.


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Thanks guys, flown a few times and have the routine of case and physical securing of the firearm dialed in. This is a long gun and is in a dedicated Pelican 1750 case and will be my only checked baggage so no waiting for regular and special baggage at destination.

I was mostly curious if Seatac changed their routine or TSA check setup in last 3 years given the change in TSA verbage about keys to locks. Sounds like the setup is the same as before, so good to go.

Thanks, looks like we posted at same time. Your experience mirrors mine in the past, the airline staff often are clueless. I am heading south of Tucson myself, but I am flying into Phoenix, because I could get no direct flight into Tucson, and all the connections were in CA. Not flying thru that trash heap with a firearm since it is not on their approved list.

Alaska airlines had a direct flight to Tucson which was nice since I was only there 2 days. We had strong tail winds going down so the flight was only 2 hours 20 mins.


Enjoy your trip, Arizona has some weird firearm laws I was reading like firearms have to be unloaded within 1000’ of a school even if you’re just driving by along with you need permission to have a firearm in a rental vehicle or something along those lines.

Please be aware where you are flying to and any connecting flights.

Firearm and ammo are covered by FAA (airlines) and be aware of magazine types (capacity).

Up to 11 pounds of ammo are allowed.

FOPA is supposed to protect you when traveling directly through restrictive states...