Episode 41 covers my flight from New Orleans to Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines as I headed out for SHOT Show 2026. Just like many of the recent trips in this series, everything went exactly how you want it to—smooth, predictable, and uneventful.

Check-In at MSY

I walked up to the counter, said my usual line that I was declaring firearms, and handed over my ID. The agent gave me the declaration slip to fill out and sign, handed my ID back, and I placed the form into the FedEx sleeve attached to my Condition 1 hard-sided case. That case was locked and packed inside another piece of luggage.

She actually mentioned that the FedEx sleeve was a good idea, since it meant she didn’t have to use tape or stickers to attach the form to the case. Once everything was done, she took the bag, and I headed toward security.

They didn’t ask me to wait the usual 15 minutes, but I do it anyway—just in case TSA needs to inspect the case. Only once have I ever been called back after already going through security and walking all the way to my gate. That happened when I was traveling with a rifle case that was too large to fit through the TSA X-ray machine, so they needed to physically inspect it.

After my 15-minute wait with no call from TSA, I headed through security.

Arrival in Las Vegas

When I landed in Las Vegas, I went to baggage claim. Since the hard-sided case was inside a regular piece of luggage, my bag came out on the carousel with the rest of the checked bags. I grabbed it, checked that everything looked the same as when I packed it, and was on my way.

Final Thoughts

This was another perfect example of how flying with declared firearms should go—especially when you’re heading out for a major event like SHOT Show. Clear communication at the counter, an organized setup, a short wait just in case TSA needs you, and a normal baggage pickup on the other end.

When everyone understands the process, it stays simple.