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I don't usually travel with firearms, as most of my frequent flying is on business. I have been through MHT enough to be on a first-name basis with the TSA people, who are quite polite and efficient. I can understand why Logan would be difficult, a. because it's in Massa-gunhating-chusetts, and b. because of those little security snafus back in '01. My advice would be to call the airline in advance and ask them about their policies. The TSA does allow airlines to set more stringent requirements than the law otherwise allows, so it would be wise to know the rules. Then, be sure to declare the items at check-in, including both firearms and ammunition. Also, insure that your suitcase has an external safety lock and ask the check-in rep if the destination airport will require any special handling or instruction.

It's a PITA these days, to be sure. Hell, I got taken out of line once at the security checkpoint because I had my liquid containers in the wrong size plastic baggie (not at MHT, but you get the idea), If you can sneak onto a commercial jet with 3.5 oz. of toothpaste instead of just 3.0 oz., then the terrorists win. Sure beats "profiling" though, huh?

"I got taken out of line once at the security checkpoint because I had my liquid containers in the wrong size plastic baggie"

I managed to be taken out of line writ-large in '87. I was visiting a large client of mine in Pittsburg at a time when they had just purchased a fire extinguisher company. At the time halon was pretty much only used in computer rooms, but they were preparing to market personal halon fire extinguishers and gave me two of them. About the size of a 16 oz beer can with a handle and pin.

This was before 2001 of course, when you could run through an airport like O.J., throw your garment bag and brief case on the belt, quickly grab them and run up the ramp to bang on the closed door of the plane until the stewardess opened it.

Anyway, I wasn't politely asked to step aside. I was in a full jog when a really big SOB tackled me from the side crashing both of us through a door, into some chairs and into a vending machine. Needless to say I missed my flight and lost my fire extinguishers, but after a good laugh and demonstrating to one of the guards that he couldn't light a cigarette if I sprayed the area with a bit of halon, I was let go with no need for an attorney.