Episode 36 takes us from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Southwest Airlines, and this trip was as smooth as they come. Everything from check-in to baggage pickup went exactly the way it should when the airline and TSA follow their procedures.
Check-In at LAS
I arrived at Harry Reid International Airport and headed to the Southwest counter to declare my firearms. I was traveling with two handguns secured inside a Condition 1 pistol case, which I locked and packed inside a larger piece of luggage.
After declaring the firearms, I filled out the orange declaration form and placed it in the FedEx sleeve I keep stuck to the inside lid of the pistol case. It makes the process easier for everyone—no need for the agent to go searching for tape or stickers.
The agent then asked me to wait by the flagpole for about 15 minutes, which is standard procedure at LAS. That waiting period allows TSA the opportunity to call me back if they need me to open the case for inspection. This is much better than what’s happened to me before at other airports—like MSY—where I’ve already cleared security when they tried to find me.
After the 15 minutes passed with no issues, I headed to security.
Arrival in Atlanta
After landing in Atlanta, I went to baggage claim to pick up my luggage. My bag came out on the regular carousel with the rest of the checked baggage. The locks were intact, and everything was exactly how I packed it. I grabbed it and was on my way.
Final Thoughts
This was another easy, drama-free experience flying with checked firearms—exactly how the process should go. A smooth declaration, a short wait in case TSA needed me, and a normal pickup in Atlanta. When everyone involved knows the policies, it’s a quick and predictable part of travel.
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