Here is my 2 cents worth and a story about TSA in Cleveland.

I was coming back from Canada from my caribou hunt and got to Cleveland and low and behold there was a hurricane in Houston.

After 3 days stuck, finally got a flt back home and had to recheck my rifle case. Dont know how it happened but orig when I got to canada one of the 2 locks on my rifle case was competely missing???? Oh well, at least I had enough foresight to put 2 on the case..

I checked my rifle..signed paper..and was good and handed rifle case to tsa with my luggage..while waiting for my flt I noticed the gate agent walking around looking for someone...They made their way over to me and said tsa wants to see you.

I went with them and tsa says we need you to Re-lock your rifle case, do you have a lock? I said where is the one I had on it???

They said we saw something on xray we had to check and we cut it off. I said --I dont have anymore..its your deal..you cut it off so put another one back on!

They said not our problem and we cant take this gun till you put lock on it, and handed back my case.

Gate agent says come with me...we go to counter and he says do you still want to check this gun?? I sid of course..he goes well you need a lock..I said do they sell any around here??

He goes only locks available are in stores past tsa security. I said can you watch my gun while i go buy one...He said absolutely not...your problem...not mine, good luck with your flight, and walked away.

Lucky for me, a hard working maint. guy from the airport walk up to me and goes..here buddy I got an extra lock on my tool box..take it.

I pulled out some cash and gave it to him, he refused but I insisted and said many thanks.

I then tracked down gate agent got it re-checked..locked and on my flt home.

MORAL OF STORY: put 2 locks on your rifle case and carry extra locks in your carry on, also get yourself an americase rifle case( thats a story for another day) at americase.com--I promise you, YOU won't be sorry.

Good luck with your trip and happy hunting