Episode 47 was filmed on May 5 while flying Southwest Airlines from New Orleans to Las Vegas. Like most trips in this series, the process was quick and routine from start to finish.
Check-In at MSY
I walked up to the counter and said my usual line that I was declaring firearms. The agent handed me the declaration form and asked me to fill it out and sign the back.
I was traveling with my normal setup: a locked Condition 1 hard-sided case packed inside a smaller Samsonite suitcase. I let the agent know I had a sleeve attached to the case where the declaration form could go. That way there’s no need to tape the form to the case.
After filling out and signing the form, I slid it into the sleeve, zipped the bag back up, and everything was good to go.
Before heading to security, I set my usual 15-minute timer with Siri in case TSA needed access to the case. No one called me back, so I continued on through security.
Arrival in Las Vegas
After landing in Las Vegas, I went to baggage claim where my bag came out on the regular carousel. Since the hard-sided case was packed inside regular luggage, that’s where it normally shows up.
I grabbed the bag, checked to make sure the locks on the hard-sided case were still intact, and was on my way.
Final Thoughts
This flight was another example of how simple the process can be when you know the routine. Declare the firearm, complete the paperwork, stay nearby for a few minutes just in case TSA needs you, and most trips go exactly like this—quick, smooth, and predictable.
