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Traveling with a firearm does not need to be scary. However there are a few things you should consider before you leave home. I am joined on this podcast with Physical Security Expert Deviant Ollam. Just a reminder, this is not legal advise. It is just a couple of guys talking about what they encounter when traveling.
TL;DR
Always declare your firearm at check-in when flying
Use hard-sided cases with quality locks (not TSA)
Hotel room security matters more than most think
Consider keying locks to your house key
Don’t over-rely on TSA guidance—learn airline-specific rules
Road trips require smart concealment and local law awareness
Secure everything: locks, luggage, cases, mindset
Why traveling with firearms isn’t as simple as following TSA rules
It’s easy to assume that if you follow TSA rules, you’re good to go. But what most gun owners miss is that airlines have their own policies, and individual agents interpret those rules differently. Deviant Ollam—physical security expert and guest on the For the Love of Guns podcast—broke this down with real-world examples.
Some agents want magazines unloaded, others don’t care. Some want locks on every hole in your Pelican case; others couldn’t care less. The point? Don’t rely solely on TSA’s website. Look up your airline’s firearms policy, and when in doubt, print it out and bring it with you.
“So when you show up and the airline goes, ‘We don’t want that kind of lock,’ you go, ‘Here is your policy. Here is your own rule.’” — Deviant Ollam
Learn more about Deviant’s work in physical security at deviating.net.
What kind of locks should you use for firearm travel?
Forget TSA-approved locks. That little red diamond? It’s an open invitation.
Deviant recommends:
Abus 83 series locks keyed to your house key
Master Lock 1177 (water-resistant, high-security)
Why keyed to your house key? Fewer keys to carry, more security. He even explained how he duplicates his keyways to simplify access without compromising security.
If you’re using a Pelican case or similar, make sure every lock hole is used—especially on newer models with beefed-up security slots. If your case can be shimmed or pried open at any point, you’re not secure.
Can you drive with firearms across state lines?
Yes, but it’s not as simple as tossing a pistol in the glovebox.
Here’s what matters:
Federal protection (FOPA) covers you only if the gun is unloaded and locked away (trunk, case, etc.)
Some states ignore FOPA or require licenses anyway
Always check reciprocity maps before crossing borders
Travel Tip: If you don’t have a CWP, or your CWP is not honnored in the state your are traveling through, Treat your gun like it’s radioactive when crossing state lines. Keep it locked, keep ammo separate, and never give a traffic cop a reason to escalate.
What about hotel room gun security?
Hotels are often the weakest link.
Don’t trust the in-room safe. Most use default codes like 000000 or 123456.
Instead:
Use a lockable travel case that you can cable to plumbing or furniture
Deviant keeps his case in plain sight, but locked down. No hiding—just hard to steal.
Consider a travel alarm or motion sensor inside the bag
Hotels have cleaning crews, staff access, and zero liability. Be smart.
How should you declare your firearm at the airport?
Go to the counter—not the kiosk
Calmly say, “I’d like to declare an unloaded firearm in my checked bag.”
Fill out the orange tag and follow the airline rep’s instructions
Lock the case immediately after inspection
Stay polite and low-profile throughout
Pro tip from Deviant: film the process (discreetly, legally) if you’re worried about tampering. It’s not paranoia if you’ve seen it happen.
What kind of gear can you use to secure your firearm while traveling?
Here is a list of products that you can use when traveling. These are products that can boost your security when traveling with firearms — and yes, we’re working on affiliate links to each one:
Master Lock 1177 – High-security outdoor lock
Abus 83 Series – Easily rekeyed, house-key compatible
Pelican 1510 Case – Airline-approved carry-on size, though you will be checking in the pistol
USB Charger Camera – Looks like a standard wall plug but records video in-room. Ideal for monitoring housekeeping or unwanted access in hotel environments.
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This episode is locked and loaded by:
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Deviant doesn’t just talk theory—he lives this. From keying locks to his house key to challenging gate agents at check-in, he’s a master at working inside the rules while maximizing real security. He doesn’t ask the system for permission—he understands how it works and makes it work for him.
The bottom line is blend in, lock down, and know more than they do.
FAQ
Can I fly with a gun in 2025?
Yes. As long as it’s unloaded, in a locked hard case, and declared at check-in. Check both TSA and airline policies.
Are TSA locks safe for firearms?
No. Use padlocks that cannot be opened by universal TSA keys. TSA locks are for luggage, not gun cases.
What if I’m traveling through anti-gun states?
You may be protected under FOPA, but check state laws. Even with federal protection, some local jurisdictions may still hassle travelers.
Is it legal to lock a gun in a hotel room?
Yes, in most states. But it’s your responsibility to secure it properly. Avoid in-room safes. Use cable locks and travel safes instead.
Should I keep ammo with my gun?
Generally, no. TSA prefers it separate, and some airlines require it. Store ammo in original boxes or approved containers.
Call to Action
If this helped clear up the confusion around traveling with firearms, share it with a buddy who hits the road armed. Check out more podcasts in the For The Love of Guns archive for more episodes like this.
Stay sharp. Stay secured.
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Original Content by The Rogue Banshee / My Rogue Solutions LLC. Credit: Jason Schaller Email: [email protected]
About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.
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