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Comment by gumby | Hacker News Reader

Just a reminder that if you want to prevent theft from checked luggage on domestic flights in the USA, check a firearm in your luggage. TSA tracks those bags very carefully and they won't steal from them (or let anyone else do so either).

Learned this from a musician friend and have since learned it's SOP for people who have to check expensive gear (photographers etc).

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That's a good trick, but if it's a real firearm, you need to pay close attention to firearm laws at your destination. You don't want to fly into NYC with a firearm that's not registered in NY state, for example, people are slapped with felony charges for this on a regular basis without having any idea they were committing a crime.

A starter gun will also do the trick.

as will an empty gun used to fire signal flares

This may have been true at one point, but current TSA rules indicate that flare guns are not allowed through security, even in checked bags:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/...

Note that this is separate from the flares themselves, which are also not allowed.

Probably because too many people have accidentally packed loaded flare guns on the plane. A loaded gun is only dangerous if someone uses it. A flare gun probably doesn't have much in terms of safeties so it has a better chance of going off and starting a fire. A single bullet isn't going to do nearly as much damage if the gun somehow went off on its own.

You have to show the check in counter that the gun has no bullets in it. So I don’t understand how you could accidentally pack a loaded one.

"Mistakes were made" :/

TSA got upset their low level employees couldn't be subsidized by stealing from bags with flare guns checked in them (which were the easiest to obtain compared to a gun)

I believe starter pistols are also regulated in New York City.

I think you get the same effect by just transporting ammunition which tends to have less inane^Wstringrent laws.

Where possessing a firearm is illegal the ammunition is also frequently illegal to possess.

I’m not aware of any State that all ammunition alone is illegal.

Some States do have specific laws banning possession or transport of handgun ammunition or hollow points, but none that would apply to a box of 12-gauge shells or .22 rounds.

> Where possessing a firearm is illegal

In which US jurisdiction is possessing a firearm illegal?

MA and NY both require a license to possess any kind of smokeless powder firearm. MA allows black powder without a license and I am not going to guess what NY allows.

New York State does not require permits for long guns, NYC has more stringent licensing though.

Should have spent more time researching!

As the other comment points out, there are plenty. For example, you must be careful not to accidentally drive into New Jersey as this poor mother did awhile back:

https://6abc.com/shaneen-allen-new-jersey-news-philadelphia-...

Lawful gun owners in the Northeast must be extremely careful and aware of the nuances of transportation within and between these states.

Massachusetts and New York both require a license. Basically in locations where possession of a firearm is restricted to licensed persons the ammunition is also typically licensed.

The exception is locations where only some types of firearms require a license to possess because the ones that don't require a license usually take the same ammunition as the ones that require a license. That doesn't happen in the US AFAIK.

Fun fact: A BB gun falls under this as well. Which means you can literally buy a $50 bb pistol in order to secure valuables in your luggage.

I did exactly this when checking a lot of expensive equipment.

You get your bags brought out to you at baggage claim too! Got a lot of dirty looks lol

At this point, a luggage should just come with built-in BB gun.

Are bb pistols illegal in NY state?

For the firearms-averse, this I've heard can be a flare gun or starter pistol, and I'm not sure it has to be a functioning one.

Or A small box of .22 ammunition blanks.

You're suggesting checking a firearm with weed in the same bag. Are you out of your mind?!

No, they are suggesting checking in a firearm with anything that you absolutely do not want stolen.

This approach can be a little problematic.

I'm particular, communications between the airline and tsa aren't all that reliable.

See for example:

https://youtu.be/l0IwVrC56tc

Edit: the link

I remember seeing one of these DefCons[0] mentioned that you can use a gun part as well. Like a buustock would do the trick.

[0]: https://media.defcon.org/DEF%20CON%2017/DEF%20CON%2017%20pre...

Packing in the friendly skies DEFCON 17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfqtYfaILHw

But I would probably also want a lawyer on retainer if venturing into the minefield of the Northeast USA.

Maybe you could use a plastic (toy) gun. Is there some kind of penalty for declaring a firearm, and then it not being real?

Of course, if this becomes a big trend, it could cause real problems if 50% of the flying public carries a toy gun in their luggage just to prevent thefts by airport employees.

You have to show it, and show that it is rendered safe, to the check in agent who takes your bag.

It depends, I’ve checked firearms and had various levels of thoroughness in the inspection.

This is really bad advice and can lead to unforeseen consequences. How about leave the guns at home and put a lock on the luggage, or put the marijuana in the checked baggage?

Locks have to be TSA approved, your advice won’t add any protection to luggage.

Edit: there must be a comprehension problem. Op suggested to use a lock, TSA locks are not helpful for luggage without a firearm. Traveling with a firearm and using a non-TSA approved lock is suggested and the right approach. Never did I say use a tsa lock with a firearm.

>Locks have to be TSA approved, your advice won’t add any protection to luggage.

Allow me to repeat that to people that are unfamiliar with the TSA. Your locks on your luggage have to be approved by the TSA -so they can break into your luggage

You missed my point.

Negative, eager, young space cadet! TSA locks are expressly forbidden on gun cases. You must use your own, non-TSA lock.

Meaning one can visually identify which luggages have firearms inside based on the lock alone?

No. People travel regularly with non-TSA approved locks.

The TSA stuff may cut it open when they see one.

Space cadet? What?

That's generally the case, but not true here. 49 CFR § 1540.111(c)(2)(iv) requires that when firearms are transported in checked baggage, "only the passenger retains the key or combination." TSA approved locks are not allowed here because by their very design, the TSA retains a key to the locked luggage. That's why when traveling with firearms, you'll either need to wait by the bag drop for 15 minutes in case the TSA calls you to unlock your bag or you'll have your bag inspected in front of you.

Not following what you’re suggesting. In familiar with the law.

Still a bad idea to carry around the gun if you don't need it, and certainly if you're just using it to prevent theft of luggage. Seems quite asinine.

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