Reader Matt H. writes:
I flew through RDU today was told that it is impossible to bring the declared and checked bag containing my firearm to me or, as an alternative, bring me to the bag for screening. I would have to surrender the key. I spoke with the TSA supervisor and informed them of the statute. He told me the same thing. I then contacted the regional customer service manager for the TSA covering RDU via phone who confirmed the same thing. More alarmingly . . .
they told me not only do they not know what the law is, but that it doesn’t matter. They only know the procedure for that airport and if I didn’t like it to file a complaint. I was told either I surrender it or I don’t fly…end of story.
I filed a complaint with the national TSA line who told me it would be going directly to that same customer service manager who told me they didn’t care (talk about accountability). I’m not sure what else to do. I called the NRA whose rep said they would inform their boss and they may do something…but I’m not so sure this will happen. I wish there was some recourse, as right now it appears there is no way for someone to fly through RDU with a firearm if the bag needs to be screened without violating CFR 49.
Ironically none of the TSA agents would take the key from me as they didn’t want to assume liability (they treated it as if it was on fire). They wanted an airline represented to take it from me.
As a little poke-in-my-eye bonus, they cut one of the locks in a matching set…even though they had the key. Thanks guys, stay classy.