Episode 51 was filmed on April 2, 2026, flying Southwest from New Orleans (MSY) to Las Vegas (LAS). Quick, smooth check-in. No friction. Exactly how it should go.

Check-In

Walked up to the counter and led with “declaring firearms.” The agent asked about lithium batteries and e-cigarettes — standard screening question — then moved right into the firearm declaration. No hesitation, no confusion.

This trip I used my Stopbox with a single handgun inside. The Stopbox went into my regular piece of luggage. I handed over the declaration form, taped it to the Stopbox, and the bag and I was on its way.

TSA Wait

After checking the bag, I set a 15-minute timer — my usual 15 minutes — and waited near the counter just in case TSA needed access to the bag. They didn’t call. They rarely do.

Arrival

Bag came out on the carousel in Las Vegas. Because the hard-sided case was packed inside a regular piece of luggage, it “travels as standard checked baggage and”usually” comes out with everything else. Checked the Stopbox lock on arrival — still in place, no issues.

I also run AirTags in both the luggage and the hard-sided case. It takes the guesswork out of tracking and gives a real-time location on the bag from the moment it leaves the counter. Worth having.

Final Thoughts

Another smooth one. MSY to LAS, declared at the counter, bag on the carousel, lock intact. Consistent and predictable — that’s the whole point.