Key Takeaways
- Episode 45 documents a smooth flight with declared firearms from Las Vegas to New Orleans.
- Check-in at LAS involved declaring firearms and signing a declaration form without any issues.
- The routine included waiting 15 minutes for TSA inspection, but no one needed to inspect the case.
- Upon arrival in New Orleans, the checked baggage, including the firearm case, appeared as packed.
- The author highlights the predictability of the process and how it leads to a hassle-free experience.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Episode 45 was filmed on February 10, flying Southwest Airlines from Las Vegas back to New Orleans. This trip was another routine flight where everything went exactly as expected when traveling with declared firearms.
Check-In at LAS
I walked up to the counter, greeted the agent, and said my usual line that I was declaring firearms. I was traveling with my standard setup: a locked Condition 1 hard-sided case packed inside a larger piece of luggage, with the FedEx sleeve attached for the declaration form.
The agent handed me the declaration form and asked me to sign the back, which is where you certify that the firearm is unloaded and that ammunition is packed separately. She didn’t ask about ammunition weight this time, which is normal since airlines don’t always verify that step.
After signing the form, I placed it into the sleeve attached to the case instead of using tape. Once the bag was closed up, she checked my ID and finished the process.
During the interaction, she asked if I had done this at Las Vegas before and mentioned that passengers usually stand by the flagpole for about 15 minutes in case TSA needs to inspect the bag. I already knew the routine, but she confirmed it and directed me to wait there.
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I set my usual 15-minute timer and waited nearby just in case TSA needed access to the case. No one came out, so I headed through security.
Arrival in New Orleans
After landing at MSY, I went to baggage claim. Since the hard-sided firearm case was packed inside regular luggage, my bag came out on the carousel with the rest of the checked baggage. Everything looked exactly as I packed it, and I was on my way.
Final Thoughts
This flight was another example of how predictable the process becomes once you know the routine. Clear communication at the counter, signing the declaration form, a short wait near the inspection area, and a normal baggage pickup on arrival.
No issues, no delays, and no surprises—just another smooth trip flying with declared firearms.
Read the full article here