flying with guns - Page 2 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

mudfoot · 03-12-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockerz71

I'll plan to get one of the pelican cases at some point, but assuming for this weekend all I have is the case the XD came in, should I not use it? Why? I'm in college, so spending a couple hundred bucks on a case doesn't seem like the best use of my money right now.

Also, does anyone think that my layover in DC will be a problem?

Thanks

Technically, all "DC" airports are in Virginia I believe. You will be fine. I just meant being careful if you are visiting DC. Flyovers/stops are a problem. Now New York? Someone smarter than me will have to answer guns in NYC question.

Have a great trip!

Trace · 03-12-2007, 10:50 AM

I'll give my $.02 as a FORMER BAO (Bomb Appraisal Officer) for the TSA that worked closely with baggage screeners and Screening Managers.

You can use the case that your XD came in. Ammo MUST be in either the original box they came in, OR in a suitable container designed for the storage of ammunition (ie: Plastic reloading ammo boxes). This also means that it CAN be carried in a loaded magazine that is in a magazine pouch that is designed to COMPLETELY ENCLOSE the loaded magazine. (ie Mag pouch with a closeable flap) If you don't have the original box they came in. Don't believe me? Have the screening supervisor look it up in their SOP... it's in there.

The airline will put a declaration in your bag with the locked weapon case.

I advise using the TSA approved locks, however NOT EVERY LOCATION has a set of these override keys.

If you are not around to provide them with the key, they WILL cut the lock to make sure the declaration is in there, and place one of the notification slips in the bag with the lock taped to it.

I remember stories of people getting their weapon stolen out of the bags, and 95% of the time, it was by the baggage handlers once you're bag is in the bowels of the airport waiting to be placed on the tug that is going to your plane.

Everytime I heard of a bag getting the weapon stolen out of it, it was because there was a big red F written on the bag tag notifying EVERYONE that there was a Firearm inside. I know at D/FW, they stopped doing that, but I can't speak for other airports.

Best of luck to you! If you have any other questions, PM me and I'll answer them.

Ajcrash · 03-12-2007, 12:43 PM

If you can, once you get to your destination, you may want to discreetly verify that your XD is still in your case. That way should it come up missing you will be able to go directly in and report it; rather than getting to your hotel and discovering it's missing.

rockerz71 · 03-12-2007, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x_out86

http://www.pelican-case.com
There is the the site for Pelican. Look around for a case. One that will fit an XD is about $35.00

wow, I must have clicked on the worst retailer of these cases when I looked...there wasn't anything they had under around $150

rockerz71 · 03-12-2007, 12:52 PM

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I think I'll go get a TSA lock and another lock for the XD case itself, until I can get a better case. I need to make sure I'm not going to have a problem taking my gun to the toledo area first, if I find out I'm not even allowed to have it then that will shoot down my plans pretty quick.

Trace, how likely do you think it is that the baggage handlers have copies of the TSA keys and can open up whatever they think looks interesting?

Trace · 03-12-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockerz71

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I think I'll go get a TSA lock and another lock for the XD case itself, until I can get a better case. I need to make sure I'm not going to have a problem taking my gun to the toledo area first, if I find out I'm not even allowed to have it then that will shoot down my plans pretty quick.

Trace, how likely do you think it is that the baggage handlers have copies of the TSA keys and can open up whatever they think looks interesting?

Every baggage checkpoint has an issued toolbox that contains everything that checkpoint will need to gain access to the bags (ie: hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, etc...) The toolboxes are inventoried at the beginning of the shift, and at every shift change. It is signed by the person doing the inventory and the supervisor. These keys are on that list. They are protected very well, and I've seen checkpoints shutdown if a set ever became misplaced. The TSA may not be 100% in the job they are doing, but they are 100% anal when it comes to where THEIR equipment is at all times! I'll give them that much.

Besides, these keys would be difficult to hide. Each "key" is about 6 inches long and is stamped with TSA0001, TSA0002, etc... These numbers correspond with the type of lock that it opens. Its made from a solid piece of brass colored metal about the size of a tongue depressor, and the last inch is the actually ground down into the "key". They are on a case hardened key ring that has ALL 7 keys secured on it with a big lock keeping the keys all together. Any baggage handler that goes through the checkpoint to get to their job location (and they all have to) would have to take them out of their pocket and when the screener see's that bundle of keys with TSA 000x stamped on each key.. They will know whats up.

rockerz71 · 03-12-2007, 01:22 PM

It's good to know that they thought it through and made those keys fairly secure. When I first heard about the TSA locks I wasn't encouraged - I almost looked on ebay to see if anyone was selling keys to fit. I think I'll give it a try.

**Majk** · 03-12-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trace

I advise using the TSA approved locks, however NOT EVERY LOCATION has a set of these override keys.

+1,000,000 on that one. They cut two of mine off at two different airports when I flew in 2005.

I was told buy the TSA locks, then you'll have no problems. Then it was like a 4 page thing to get them replaced. It was easier to just buy new ones.

dan8480 · 03-12-2007, 07:19 PM

http://www.pelican-case.com/1150.html

Your XD will fit quite nicely in there...and its not 150 bucks...Those cases are pretty much bulletproof...and even if they did damage it to get it open, they have a lifetime warranty!

-DG-

jetsiphon · 03-12-2007, 07:52 PM

I was always told that the lock could only have a key that was under your control. I don't use a TSA lock and I've never had a problem.

Chicago O'Hair has had a rash of gun thefts. I've flowin in and out of DC, no problem.

If you need a case, either Storm or Pelican, PM me, I'm a master distributor and I'll cut ya a good deal.

03-12-2007, 10:50 AM	#12
Trace XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 2,880	I'll give my $.02 as a FORMER BAO (Bomb Appraisal Officer) for the TSA that worked closely with baggage screeners and Screening Managers. You can use the case that your XD came in. Ammo MUST be in either the original box they came in, OR in a suitable container designed for the storage of ammunition (ie: Plastic reloading ammo boxes). This also means that it CAN be carried in a loaded magazine that is in a magazine pouch that is designed to COMPLETELY ENCLOSE the loaded magazine. (ie Mag pouch with a closeable flap) If you don't have the original box they came in. Don't believe me? Have the screening supervisor look it up in their SOP... it's in there. The airline will put a declaration in your bag with the locked weapon case. I advise using the TSA approved locks, however NOT EVERY LOCATION has a set of these override keys. If you are not around to provide them with the key, they WILL cut the lock to make sure the declaration is in there, and place one of the notification slips in the bag with the lock taped to it. I remember stories of people getting their weapon stolen out of the bags, and 95% of the time, it was by the baggage handlers once you're bag is in the bowels of the airport waiting to be placed on the tug that is going to your plane. Everytime I heard of a bag getting the weapon stolen out of it, it was because there was a big red F written on the bag tag notifying EVERYONE that there was a Firearm inside. I know at D/FW, they stopped doing that, but I can't speak for other airports. Best of luck to you! If you have any other questions, PM me and I'll answer them. __________________ Some of my toys: SA XD45 Service (Black on Black) Les Baer Monolith Heavyweight Les Baer Monolith Commanche Heavyweight Les Baer S.R.P. Ed Brown Classic Custom 5" Ed Brown Special Forces 5" Ed Brown Kobra Carry 4.25" Yes, I come from the land of 1911's "In GOD we trust...Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see 'em"

03-12-2007, 12:43 PM	#13
Ajcrash XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,213	If you can, once you get to your destination, you may want to discreetly verify that your XD is still in your case. That way should it come up missing you will be able to go directly in and report it; rather than getting to your hotel and discovering it's missing. __________________ "The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps." Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945

03-12-2007, 07:19 PM	#19
dan8480 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Scaggsville, MD Posts: 111	http://www.pelican-case.com/1150.html Your XD will fit quite nicely in there...and its not 150 bucks...Those cases are pretty much bulletproof...and even if they did damage it to get it open, they have a lifetime warranty! -DG- __________________ Blue Collar by Choice... USN Avionics -XD 40 Service Bi-Tone, 4# Springer Precision trigger job, and TFO'S -Sig Pro 2009 -Desert Eagle .357

03-12-2007, 07:52 PM	#20
jetsiphon XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,192	I was always told that the lock could only have a key that was under your control. I don't use a TSA lock and I've never had a problem. Chicago O'Hair has had a rash of gun thefts. I've flowin in and out of DC, no problem. If you need a case, either Storm or Pelican, PM me, I'm a master distributor and I'll cut ya a good deal. __________________ XD9 Service Black - XD45 Service Dark Earth 1945 Sistema 1911 - Para Ordnance LTC Steyr M9A1 - Glock 17

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03-12-2007, 12:52 PM	#15
rockerz71 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 2,878	Thanks for all the replies everyone, I think I'll go get a TSA lock and another lock for the XD case itself, until I can get a better case. I need to make sure I'm not going to have a problem taking my gun to the toledo area first, if I find out I'm not even allowed to have it then that will shoot down my plans pretty quick. Trace, how likely do you think it is that the baggage handlers have copies of the TSA keys and can open up whatever they think looks interesting?

03-12-2007, 01:22 PM	#17
rockerz71 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 2,878	It's good to know that they thought it through and made those keys fairly secure. When I first heard about the TSA locks I wasn't encouraged - I almost looked on ebay to see if anyone was selling keys to fit. I think I'll give it a try.