I have never taken a gun on an airline before. I thought it was a huge pita. Not so?
Only a minor PITA.
I flew to the infamous Sunshine State this Spring & took 2 handguns with me. Both were in a quality Pelican case, complete with 3 mags each. The magazines were loaded, but the guns themselves were not. A second locked pistol case held my 22LR slide and about 8# of ammunition - you're allowed 11# of ammo. TSA required that I lock the second case since they treated a part of a firearm the same as a complete gun.
1. Have guns properly locked in secure cases before entering the terminal. Put a label on your gun case with your name & cell number on it. I have a permanent name & number engraved on my Pelican case. Both cases use 2 padlocks inside the handle. I use 4 keyed-alike nice but inexpensive brass padlocks I got on eBay.
2. Inform the ticket agent that you have firearms in your luggage - they will give you a form to complete.
3. You may be escorted to the TSA inspector
or they may send your bag on its way and TSA will have to contact you before the bag is put on the plane. The bag WILL be inspected.
4. When you land your bag will show up at the carousel just like any other bag.
FYI, if the the TSA inspector can pry open a corner of the case, they can refuse it. I'd really hate to show up with a cheap/flimsy case and have them refuse to allow in on board. See the TSA web site.