I'm worried about my luggage...?

Question

We will be flying from Sacramento to Seattle later this week and want to bring alcohol in our checked luggage (since it's difficult and expensive to get in Washington).

We're afraid the TSA might "lose" our luggage, and all our booze will just end up supplying their after-work party. :)

My friend stated that if you report that you are checking in a bag with a firearm, they will put a lock on the luggage and will not open it under any circumstances.

So I was thinking I might just go buy a BB gun and take all the proper steps to report it as a real firearm to keep them out of my luggage.

What do you all think of this plan?

Answer 1

If you check in a firearm you have to have it in a gun case, not just locked in a piece of luggage(which means where your gun is going to be locked your alcohol will not be locked in w/ it), at the check in counter they will have to fill out a form and put it in the case where the gun is.  When it is handed to tsa it has to remain unlocked so that tsa can screen the gun case and make sure all the proper documentation has been done.  After it has been screened it will be relcocked.  As it is turned to tsa you will be asked to remain at the check in counter until the search is done.  An agent will notify you when it is ok to proceed to your gate.  

Whenever you check in a piece of luggage with highpriced items or fragile items you do so at your own risk.  There will be many people handling you bags from tsa to ramp agents transfering your bag from tsa to bag chute to plane and to any connections and then finally to baggage claim.  Also w/fragile items you always run the risk of things being broken in your bag.  If you are so convinced that tsa or baggage handlers are going to steal your items then just suck it up and buy alcohol when you get to your destination.  Since you are so convinced your alcohol is going to be stolen then at least you'll only have to make one purchase by not packing  it in your luggage

Answer 2

good

Answer 3

It could work but expensive if you wanna you could Use Zip cords then you can tell if your luggage has been rummaged through take a picture of what is inside and keep the receipt so at least the airline will have to refund what they "lost".

Answer 4

if you go buy a bb gun just to report that you have gun, you will have to show tsa your gun before they lock your suitcase.  it's not up to tsa to lose your luggage.  it's up to the baggage handlers at the airport.  if you have a direct flight, or even one stop before you get to seattle, most likely you will receive your luggage on the other side.  don't sweat it.  if you are so extremely worried about losing your precious alcohol, don't pack it with you and drink it in sacramento!

Answer 5

if they find out that its a fake, you wont be to popular with the airport, or the cops. lol

Answer 6

From what you have posted it seems the only people who would possibly be interested in taking your booze for an after work party would be the people in Seattle who won't be checking your luggage.  

The people in California have "cheap" liquor at their disposal.

Reporting you have a firearm seems like a real hassle to me but best of luck.

Answer 7

David V, your outlook on Aircraft Security, on the misuse of guns and of alcohol is frankly immature. You wish to win a childish argument over booze, to score points over the security staff, all to save a few bucks on the price of drink.

I hope that the Security Guys get wise to you and give you a real tough time.Their responsibility is to safeguard the safety of ALL passengers, not to pander to the wishes of  one spoiled little boy.

Grow up, David.  Share the plane peaceably with all the other passengers.