TSA and U.S. airlines

[harrycallahan]

My wife recently travelled from Texas to S. Dakota. We both have our CHLs, but neither of us had at the time, flown with a firearm. Until now. I checked with the TSA and the rules are pretty clear. Checking with our airline, United, was more difficult. In the end we purchased a Pelican case, two Master locks (non TSA) and one hard sided suite case. The weapon, magazines and ammo were placed inside the pelican case. The ammo of course was placed within the original cardboard box. The new suite case was required by United if the luggage is to contain a firearm. We also purchase TSA approved locks with indicators that will show if the TSA entered/open the bag. After following all these rules our biggest problem was the attendant at check in. She didn't really know what to do. I think we knew more about their own rules than she did, but in the end the bag was checked and made to through TSA security and on to her destination without incident, almost. Upon arrival my wife noticed that the bad had indeed been opened and inspected and something was missing. What you ask? They took the 9 volt backup battery from her alarm clock! It wasn't even plugged in. I had removed it and inverted it in the slot so it wouldn't run down. Truly I don't understand. Firearm, ammo and unplugged battery and they take the battery. All in all, her experience with the firearm was very good, but I'll tell you now, watch out for those dangerous batteries!:yes4:

TSA Firearm Link: Link Removed

United: Link Removed

TSA Battery Link: Link Removed

 

[Black Dragon]

I believe that they had an issue or two with loose batteries making contact with metal and exploding.
So now instead of using their heads and making a simple rule of - make sure batteries are not loose or can become loose - they confuse the issue and take away any battery they can find.
Just remember they are the government and they're here to help. :fie:

 

[radar0481]

Or during their rummaging of your items, the battery may have simply fallen out

 

[Lynn R Allen]

While not related directly to transporting firearms by air, I've had mixed responses when traveling with my battery-powered wheelchair. The airlines get nervous about sparks, fire and such problems in their baggage area while in the air. That didn't stop US Air from ruining my scooter by allowing the batteries to become flooded from some source of water in-flight.

 

[Lowjiber]

There may indeed have been an explanation for the missing battery.

However, I've flown commercial airlines over half a million miles since 9/11 and have had several valuable items stolen by the TSA (They love putters.) The last time I flew to Scotland, the TSA stole a Ping putter and two dozen Pro V4 golf balls from an international travel golf bag with a TSA lock on it. They're just thieves...simple as that.