What lock do YOU use for travelling?

[savage110]

What lock in perticular would you guys reccomend, I just ordered a pelican 1750 in tan so now I need locks.
was planning on ordering these:
http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/TSA-ACCEPTED-KEYED-ALIKE-BRASS-FINISH-P1506C79.aspx
is there any better that you guys would reccomend that will be ok for me to ship my rifle through TSA?

 

[pat4668]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

kryptonyte

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

buy the cheapest chinese stuff you can find....i buy 'em buy the six-pack

 

[pat4668]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

ive got a pelican tan case for longun from bass pro here in iowa and i use kryptonyte lock on mine, i got the lock from my granfather so i dont know if the make them as medium small as the one i have, its a pretty old one but it works

 

[savage110]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

What kryptonite lock? got a link?
Thanks

 

[pat4668]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

unfortanly no i dont its pretty worn out but still works, id give u a sn# but i cant read it its that worn out, master locks are pretty good and super cheap

 

[savage110]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Which would be the best for a pelican 1750, anyone got a link, I just searched padlock and all I found were ways to break into a padlock. lol hopefully TSA doesnt have internet access on the job.

 

[ToddM]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

I don't know if they changed the policy but the last time I flew with a gun they specifically wanted a non-TSA padlock on the case, something only I had a key for. Perhaps it varies by airline. The idea being they inspect it while you are there, you sign the card, and no one else can then access the weapon at any time in the baggage handling process. In fact I was told it's the only baggage they allow non-TSA locks on. I think even they know that the TSA locks are a joke.

Might want to contact the airline you plan on flying with, I was flying United.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

This page seems to indicate they want a lock only you can access, so again a non-TSA type lock. However, these days the way security is changing daily these days it's always best to contact the airline you are flying with, and the TSA.

 

[TravisJr]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToddM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, these days the way security is changing daily these days it's always best to contact the airline you are flying with, and the TSA.
</div></div>

Good advice here. The last time I flew (June '09) I checked a handgun and used non-TSA locks on the case. I have used both Master and some cheaper Ace hardware non-TSA's in the past. The policies seem to change based on whatever agent handles your stuff at the counter and how comfortable/familiar they are with firearms and their policies in general, so I usually bring both TSA and non-TSA locks to the counter with me. Use whatever they want, and lock the others inside.

 

[jasonk]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Do NOT get a TSA approved lock, get a Master Lock (the good ones not the cheapos or some other quality industrial lock). Get one that fits the case and leaves the least amount of shank showing.

Print out the rules that say that you can be present with TSA when they inspect the case and then lock them with your own lock. Keep those rules with you when you travel. I gave my key to one TSA guy once....who was no more than 15 feet away and in plain view...I would never hand the key to someone to inspect in another room, etc.

 

[jasonk]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

I use these.

http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/product_detail.pl?sub_cat_id=D5

 

[B.Bates]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

just be careful if you are flying internaional

i had a gun in a hard plastic case much like a pelican, anyways checked it in in canada everything was fine, when i got the back in orlando, they had cut my locks, and in the process they broke the case


long story short i did get a check from TSA to cover the case, but they can and will cut locks

 

[d13s3l]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">snip...

they can and will cut locks </div></div>

^ this -- regardless of what's on their site.

i was told even though they inspect & place card prior to your flight. TSA can & will inspect it elsewhere. Thus requiring the cheapy TSA lock that everyone seems to have a key for. They will cut & not replace non-approved locks. Therefore i just drive where i need to go OR ship it to class/range.

besides you are expecting TSA peeps to be able to read their own rules.

 

[ToddM]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Yeah like everything airline security it varies.

I know one time I flew with a rifle, I used my locks as normal, they inspected them at the counter, I locked it back up and went on my merry way. I've made the habit of checking in with guns very early in case of an issue, a few hours early then just leave and come back to the airport for my flight.

This time however evidently the case set off the bomb residue scanner, and they had been paging me to baggage for a couple hours by the time I returned. A TSA person brought the gun back out, I unlocked it they inspected it again, and locked it back up and went on my way. As Jason said, never give your key to the case when it's not in plain view of you. I'd never allow my keys to be given to a security person to do the inspection in another room etc. where I was not present and could not verify it had been properly locked back up.

At that point if you don't show up I suppose they can either not put the gun on the plane (which is what they told me would have happened had I not showed up), or cut the locks. The interesting part is if they do cut the locks and then put it back on the plane with no locks, they are clearly violating their own policy and are probably opening themselves up for some ugly liability should something happen to that gun.

I'm sure the whole reason behind you being the only person that can unlock the case, with non-tsa locks is to remove all liability from the airline/TSA in case it's stolen, case opens up, damaged, or worse. By you being the only person with a key to the locks they can reasonably argue that no one else who handled your gun case could be at fault.

A potentially more interesting scenario is if the gun does not go on the plane and you fly off to your destination. Would you be able to authorize them to cut the locks and inspect it, put new locks on it and have it flown on a later flight or would they really be dicks and make you return to do it in person, ship it to an FFL etc. I could see that one with the wrong TSA person getting really ugly.

 

[TonyTRG]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Having not flown with my rifles before ( usually take boat on european trips - less hassle). Am I right in thinking that the bolt travels in the case with the rifle? Am flying over to Vancouver with a couple of rifles from the UK in the summer.

Sorry for hijack - any advice would be appreciated.

Tony.

 

[CJS10mm]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Like others have said they can and will cut locks, even those expensive "TSA approved" ones. I flew to OK to visit a friend and she wanted me to bring some guns to shoot so I obliged her. On the way back they decided they wanted to "inspect" my guns after they had already inspected them and cut 2 of my 3 locks. the 3rd one they couldn't get to so they hit it a few times with what looked to be a very large hammer but since it was protected by the handle of the case they couldn't really get at it. The locks were TSA approved and I went to security to try to get them to explain why they cut them. They gave me the "you should have used TSA approved locks and this wouldn't have happened" spiel and when I told them they were TSA approved and showed them the one that twas not cut their eyes got real big and they said sorry, nothing we can do. now I use the cheapest locks that I can find to hold the case together while the baggage monkeys are beating the hell out of it and hope they don't break.

 

[TampaBud]

I’ve always used the mid-grade TSA lock but always ask them to run two rounds of TSA tape around the outside. I’ve never had a problem but like the tape there to see if someone poked around behind closed doors.

 

[Rob01]

He probably figured it out in the past 9 YEARS. LOL

 

[Keel Haul]

As someone who works in commercial aviation and travels with firearms regularly, do NOT get tsa approved locks for that pelican. By most airline and tsa regs, you and only you can posses the key/combo for your locks.

Use whatever lock, key or combo that fits the case and leaves very little room for thousands standing around to put bolt cutters on.

 

[want2learn]

in the past when i contacted TSA they informed me to use a TSA approved lock so i went out and purchased a good few higher quality TSA locks. More often than not the case would arrive at my final destination without any lock on it. It would always annoy me to lose all that money.

Since then i've only used non TSA locks and they always show up locked on my case.

A couple of times TSA had me open the case for them but it was never a big deal.

 

[Racer88]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">snip...

they can and will cut locks </div></div>

^ this -- regardless of what's on their site.

i was told even though they inspect & place card prior to your flight. TSA can & will inspect it elsewhere. Thus requiring the cheapy TSA lock that everyone seems to have a key for. They will cut & not replace non-approved locks. Therefore i just drive where i need to go OR ship it to class/range.

besides you are expecting TSA peeps to be able to read their own rules.

This is incorrect. They REQUIRE non-tsa locks on the gun case itself. If you put regular locks on the SUITCASE containing the gun case, then yeah... they'll cut'em. They'll even cut TSA locks on the suitcase. But, TSA-locks are NOT approved for locking the gun case itself. I quit putting TSA-approved locks on the suitcase, since they were cutting them every time.

I've done this many, many times. I've never had the locks on the GUN CASE cut by the TSA. Not once. I use two matched Master locks. Then, I use a Master cable lock (run through the closed padlocks) to secure the Pelican gun case to the frame of the suitcase. Here's a pic:

 

[Rasyad]

I got sick of having a bunch of weird little locks with different keys so finally ordered 10 small ALBUS padlocks all keyed alike. These are the smallest locks that fit on a Pelican case. HERE is a link. I use them for everyting gun related, pistol cases to hard and soft rifle cases. Grab a lock, keys everywhere.

Rasyad

 

[seansmd]

The interwebs are awesome, some of you should actually read the rule rather than listen to some of the fundamentally incorrect information on this thread.

• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

www.tsa.gov

 

[Rob01]

That was changed. You were never allowed to use TSA locks in the past. I still wouldn't.

 

[seansmd]

That was changed. You were never allowed to use TSA locks in the past. I still wouldn't.

If you don't you run the risk of missing your flight, having your weapon not make your flight, your locks cut off, or some combination of all.

The instructions are pretty clear, if they can't open them they will request the combination or key form you, if they can't you lose. Regardless the weapons will not progress if they don't satisfy their check, and if they can't get a hold of you, or there is a chance of delaying the flight you lose.

 

[Keel Haul]

If you don't you run the risk of missing your flight, having your weapon not make your flight, your locks cut off, or some combination of all.

The instructions are pretty clear, if they can't open them they will request the combination or key form you, if they can't you lose. Regardless the weapons will not progress if they don't satisfy their check, and if they can't get a hold of you, or there is a chance of delaying the flight you lose.

You’re under the impression they don’t contact a supervisor at the airline to let them know there’s a problem and you need to open the case. They don't just say oh well and start cutting. That’s not how it works. The agents don’t just shrug and say “you lose”.

 

[seansmd]

You’re under the impression they don’t contact a supervisor at the airline to let them know there’s a problem and you need to open the case. They don't just say oh well and start cutting. That’s not how it works. The agents don’t just shrug and say “you lose”.

wasn't my point, my point was you have no control of when they decide to inspect, and if it too late to get a hold of you, or you have boarded, you lose. They will contact their supervisor, the will try and contact you, and depending on their success, and time to departure you may not make your flight, your weapon may not make your flight, or it will be cut.

 

[Rob01]

If you don't you run the risk of missing your flight, having your weapon not make your flight, your locks cut off, or some combination of all.

The instructions are pretty clear, if they can't open them they will request the combination or key form you, if they can't you lose. Regardless the weapons will not progress if they don't satisfy their check, and if they can't get a hold of you, or there is a chance of delaying the flight you lose.

Have flown many many times so no need to try and explain it. If you are stupid enough to show up 30 minutes before your flight you deserve it. I get to my flight 2 hours prior and never and issue and yes I have had to open my case on a few occasions and also give my key on a few others. Always made the flight.

 

[Racer88]

Have flown many many times so no need to try and explain it. If you are stupid enough to show up 30 minutes before your flight you deserve it. I get to my flight 2 hours prior and never and issue and yes I have had to open my case on a few occasions and also give my key on a few others. Always made the flight.

I've also done it many times... and like you... usually arrive 2 hours prior to departure. I open my case at the ticket agent, while the suitcase is on the scale. I lock the gun case, and the agent puts the little declaration form in there. I close the suitcase (with no locks), and off it goes on the conveyor belt. Or.... At some airports, I have to escort the suitcase to a TSA security scanner. They scan it, give me the nod, and I'm on my way. Not once have I ever been called back to unlock the case.

I always carry a copy of the TSA rules AND the airline's own rules. I've never had to reference them to correct anyone. It's always been smooth sailing.

 

[seansmd]

I agree with you both, all I am saying is you have no control if they choose to inspect it again, or some sensor is set off and they need to then get your key/combo to clear it. You both have way more experience than I, I simply shared the actual wording and the fact if you have the only way to open the lock you create the possibility you or your weapon missing the flight.

 

[Keel Haul]

I agree with you both, all I am saying is you have no control if they choose to inspect it again, or some sensor is set off and they need to then get your key/combo to clear it. You both have way more experience than I, I simply shared the actual wording and the fact if you have the only way to open the lock you create the possibility you or your weapon missing the flight.

I’m not trying to be argumentative with this but I’ve been in commercial aviation for 20 years now. I’ve traveled with both handguns and rifles both separately and together and most airports I’ve been in and out of either have you present when they scan and have you there to open and relock if necessary before you even get in line to go through security. The other one I’ve seen is if you send it down the belt the counter agent will have you wait at the ticket counter to open if they call for it. I’ve never waited more than ten minutes to get the ok. I’ve never seen one cleared and then had the case or locks cut for a reinspection. I’m sure it’s happened once or twice with some clueless/new screener or security contractor at the smaller airports. But it’s so minuscule that I would be more worried about it getting sent to the wrong destination than having the tsa chop my locks.

 

[Sogan]

I got sick of having a bunch of weird little locks with different keys so finally ordered 10 small ALBUS padlocks all keyed alike. These are the smallest locks that fit on a Pelican case. HERE is a link. I use them for everyting gun related, pistol cases to hard and soft rifle cases. Grab a lock, keys everywhere.

Rasyad

Which size did you go with since they list several?

 

[Chips26]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Which would be the best for a pelican 1750, anyone got a link, I just searched padlock and all I found were ways to break into a padlock. lol hopefully TSA doesnt have internet access on the job.

Just go to the hardware store and get a 4 pack of locks. I use all 4 padlock slots on my 1750. Never had an issue yet. The more locks on it the more time it takes to break into it. DO NOT BUY TSA LOCKS.

If they really wanted to get into the case and take shit they would just cut the plastic out. Put it this way, the airlines DO NOT want to get the ATF involved in anything, because thats exactly what will happen if something goes missing.

 

[Chips26]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Having not flown with my rifles before ( usually take boat on european trips - less hassle). Am I right in thinking that the bolt travels in the case with the rifle? Am flying over to Vancouver with a couple of rifles from the UK in the summer.

Sorry for hijack - any advice would be appreciated.

Tony.

Absolutely, why would you pull the bolt and carry it separately? Just pull it from the rifle and stick in somewhere in the case (mine has a foam cutout). Pulling the bolt more has to do with it protruding into the foam, on the lid. A hard shock where that bolt is can break the bolt handle off if it is still in the rifle.

 

[ScooterZ]

I've traveled to probably a dozen different states and never had an issue with TSA wanting to cut locks. After you declare the firearms and go through the process your given airport prescribes, your weapons are on their way to your plane. You should NEVER use a TSA lock as every knucklehead employed there likely has a compatible key (and FYI those locks are easily defeated with no more than a paper clip). I always use match keyed master locks on long gun cases and when traveling with a handgun I use one of the vehicle storage cases that locks with a cable and secure the cable to the inside of the suitcase just to add another layer of security. Anything to discourage a would be thief.

 

[hermosabeach]

Re: What lock do YOU use for travelling?

Having not flown with my rifles before ( usually take boat on european trips - less hassle). Am I right in thinking that the bolt travels in the case with the rifle? Am flying over to Vancouver with a couple of rifles from the UK in the summer.

Sorry for hijack - any advice would be appreciated.

Tony.

Gun Parts are not allowed by TSA to fly in cabin. They must be in checked baggage... Bolts, followers...all checked luggage

Locks- Padlocks- inform airline that you are flying with firearms... you get a declaration card to complete. you then get to go to a TSA Scan station- they will Xray and ask for the keys... then relock and return keys to you. I like locking the gun into the case so TSA can not pick up the gun to play with it. It also keeps the gun where you want it. My hunting rifle was placed with the optics along the edge of the case and they broke one of the leopold rings off of the mount...