I fly alot with firearms and it's notcomplicated.
When you check your baggage at your airline provider declare to them that you have a firearm. TSA will have to open the case(s) to check for the gunsbeing unloaded and that there is no ammunition in the case.You will be asked to sign a orange card stating that the firearms are unloaded.

I can advise you to listen and do what the TSA agents have to say, dont not attempt to reach or touch the case or firearm when the agents are inspecting. When all is well and the agents are satisfied you can then lock the case. You should be the only person with the keys,andthe case can not be opened up by anyone other than yourself. This should take place all in front of you.

In the above post I can not understand how guns are tampered with after the cases are locked.

I have some of the best flight cases made and still insist on them being duct taped shut on each end. This not only helps with showing that the case has been tampered with but adds security in case of a latch or latches being broken in transit. Yes, it seems when the luggage handlers know there is a firearm in a case they do their darnest to mistreat them. I normally carry a small roll of tape with me or I have asked TSA to do it for me.

Just recently, I saw a gun case in Edmonton come off the conveyor OPENED UP and things were falling out of it. I said to myself, man I hope the owner finds everything. It could have been a bad deal if he packed the bolt along with the rifle and it fell out somewhere between the plane and baggage claim. Again.....it might seem foolish but tape the case shut after inspection!

Knives can go into checked baggage or in the gun case. The same can be said with the bolt if it's a bolt action rifle you are taking.( the bolt must be removed)

As`far as bringing meat back, the best thing to do is to try to freeze the meat good and solid. With that said, it will stay frozen for the trip back home in an ice chest. IT can get exspensive though, additional pieces of luggage are $80.00 a pop plus the cost of the ice chest and then there are weight limits. I say this because most airlines only allow 2 pieces of luggage and a carry on/ laptop bag. The gun case is one piece and your other peice of luggage makes 2, so any other you bring back home will be added cost. If you just want to bring back some meat you can add ice to it and bring it back in a ice chest but it's another 80 bucks. Dry ice is no longer allowed by any airlines.

I hope this help some, like I said it's no big deal.

PS, I dont bother locking the guncase until after the inspection, afterall the guncase is always with you and I know that you are not letting it get out of sight.


declare firearm
TSA inspection
sign UNLOADED tag
lock case
tape case
have a good flight