Last time I knew it had to be tsa lock check tsa website and your airlines. I use tsa approved combination lock never have had an issue.
I just flew from IND to Vegas with American Airlines and checked my firearm.
I used a hardcase with a padlock, and broke the pistol down into slide and frame components in their own slots in the foam, making it easier to verify it was unloaded. In a separate case, one with a cable lock I use at hotels anyway, I put the magazines and a box of ammunition. I used the cable to secure both boxes to the interior frame of the luggage, then locked the suitcase (built in TSA locks).
The gate agent for AA had me open the box and show it was unloaded, then dropped the "unloaded" card in my luggage. The guy in Vegas put it inside the locked case, which I suspect is wrong, but didn't cause any issues. IND put it loose in the suitcase.
I had to tell a TSA supervisor I'd checked a gun at IND. There was no requirement to do so in Vegas. The supervisor only asked me how much time had elapsed, I told her, and she said if there was an issue they'd have paged me by now so I was good.
AA will make you get the bag from the office, not from the baggage claim belt. This is actually an improvement, IMO. No more sticker that says "Firearm inside" and your bag rolling around in public view. Now it just gets a tag like it's lost luggage being returned and you show a photo ID and take it. It caused a slight delay in Vegas, it was ready as soon as my other bags hit the belt in IND.
You are supposed to use a NON-TSA lock on the firearm box and a TSA lock on the luggage.
AA wants you to use a factory container for the ammunition and no ammunition in the magazines.
I flew from Midway to Tucson and then to Las Vegas. When I arrived in Vegas, my TSA approved locks had been cut off of my checked bag. There was a nice note from the TSA in my bag.....
I flew from Midway to Tucson and then to Las Vegas. When I arrived in Vegas, my TSA approved locks had been cut off of my checked bag. There was a nice note from the TSA in my bag.....
Wow, that is crazy. Just to be clear however, the gun case was fine, right? I have heard they do that "randomly" (whatever that means), but have never heard of it actually being done before.
I just flew round trip from Indy to Fort Myers, FL on Southwest airlines without any issues, although as mentioned already, Indy airport makes you give a slip to the TSA supervisor after you go through the security check in.
IMO, I'd call and ask up the food chain about this happening. If the locks were TSA approved and still cut off, this should be a major break in protocol.