These two back-to-back flights show just how inconsistent the airline firearm check-in process can be depending on who’s working the counter.

On October 30, 2025, I arrived at the Spirit Airlines counter to declare my firearms — a process I do nearly every week. But this time, it went completely off script.

Multiple employees insisted I had to unlock and open my hard-sided case even though it was packed inside another suitcase. When I asked to see the written policy, they pulled up the Contract of Carriage and spent several minutes reading through it. Nothing in that document required passengers to open a locked case when it’s packed inside another checked bag or have agents make sure it is unloaded.

Still, the manager insisted it was a “new policy” and demanded the case be opened. The same manager also claimed I had to use TSA-approved locks — which is directly contradicted by TSA’s own website: “You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.”

I eventually complied to avoid missing my flight, but the entire interaction showed how quickly misinformation can spread among airline staff who may not be trained on their own procedures.

The next day, October 31, I returned for the rescheduled flight — and the process was flawless.

The counter agent was polite, efficient, and followed the correct steps: I filled out the declaration form, placed it in the sleeve on the outside of my locked hard-case, and that was it. Exactly how it’s supposed to go.

The contrast between the two days couldn’t have been more clear.

This video combines both check-ins so you can see the difference for yourself — from chaos to smooth professionalism, all within 24 hours.