We are traveling from Alaska to Seattle later this month. We both have WA CPL but we have had checked bags pilfered in the past and are concerned about putting valuable firearms in checked luggage, especially in an obvious double locked gun case.
There has been a rash of luggage claim thefts at Stevens Intl.
Alaska Dispatch News just had an article about it.
I don’t travel a bunch with a weapon, but the few times I have it has been locked and checked-in through the special TSA desk for firearms with no problems.
I think one would run a huge risk of trying to run it through in regular luggage. Either you get caught; or it does get stolen - and then you out a gun with no recourse.
At least if it gets stolen after the proper check-in procedures the TSA will be on the hook instead of you. Although I’m guessing the penalties for the TSA and for us would look quite different!