Security expert Bruce Schneier is impressed with this solution to the problem of having to transport Expensive Cameras in Checked Luggage:
A weapon is defined as a rifle, shotgun, pistol, airgun, [or] starter pistol. Yes, starter pistols — those little guns that fire blanks at track and swim meets — are considered weapons and do not have to be registered in any state in the United States.I have a starter pistol for all my cases. All I have to do upon check-in is tell the airline ticket agent that I have a weapon to declare. I’m given a little card to sign, the card is put in the case, the case is given to a TSA official who takes my key and locks the case and gives my key back to me.
That’s the procedure. The case is extra-tracked. TSA does not want to lose a weapons case. This reduces the chance of the case being lost to virtually zero.
It’s a great way to travel with camera gear. I’ve been doing this since December, 2001 and have had no problems whatsoever.