No one likes the TSA rules, mainly because they are not logical. That said, if you are planning on flying you need to abide by them or you simply will not get on the plane. Because of this I just grin and bear it in order to get pushed through the line faster and get where I need to go.
Fellow gun blogger SaysUncle is trying a different approach though:
I’m going to get all absolutist at the ticket counter today. They’re going to ask me to certify that my checked firearm is unloaded. I will say all firearms are always loaded. Then they’ll have to call some one from the local police to handle the weapon. Then, they’ll ask me to certify that it is unloaded again. I will say all firearms are always loaded. And we’ll be stuck in a loop. (Source)
Now don’t get me wrong.. in a normal everyday situation outside of an airport I’d see that as a perfect opportunity to go all “Jeff Cooper” on someones ass too.
At an airport though, where even a 3.1 oz bottle of handsanitizer in a carryon is a threat to national security… I’d play their stupid game.
Otherwise it might be:
“Yes sir/ma’am my firearm is unloaded” is probably your safest bet.
Godspeed SaysUncle… Godspeed