On this point, my wife was unaware as it was never mentioned, that lawful gun owners can actually check a firearm through baggage...and that firearm is on the same plane as the passenger (just not accessible)
I don't think it would have changed the opinions of the others, nor was it really relevant to the case as I don't think the Commissioner had anything but his carry on.
Interesting thought though is would the case even be brought if he declared a firearm, checked his baggage, but was mistaken as to which bag the firearm was in (checked or carry on).
I can't remember if you have to show the firearm or if you just get the tag to throw in the luggage that has the firearm.
I would imagine you have to demonstrate the firearm is incapable of being fired; slide locked back, cylinder out, or breech open, depending on type of boomstick. I would then also imagine that you have to lock it in front of them.
I’ve traveled on flights several times with a checked pistol...surprisingly, no big deal...the TSA dude checked that it was unloaded and the hard case was locked. I also had a trigger lock on the pistol. Also, the TSA is not allowed to tag your luggage with any kind of marker that identifies there is a firearm inside.