athos76

Well, I flew to Kentucky this weekend to meet my birth father whom I haven't seen since I was 2 1/2 years old (32 now)
Since I was going to a strange land, I decided to bring lil Bessy with me (my Glock 23.) I packed her up according to US Airways regs and TSA regs...ammo as well. Got to MIA and informed the Gent at the counter and he asked to confirm it was packed correctly... I complied. Then TSA asked to check it and asked for the keys. I declined and said I would open it for them. They brought the bag out so I could unlock it and asked me to hold onto the ammo for safety reasons (I didn't question them). The TSA agent swabbed the gun for explosive residue and it came up positive (I wonder why) and brought it back out to me and asked for the ammo. I handed it to her and relocked Bessy into the case. She came back with the ammo and asked me to lock the bag. The ticket agent walked over to inform me that the flight was boarding, and the security checkpoint had a 35 minute wait and asked if I would mind hopping on the next flight. I didn't mind.

The weekend went well. Meeting family was great, and meeting my father was over the top. Never told them I was carrying at the time, but told them I own and do carry. Later I found out that they own multiple guns and were pro-2A all the way.

I got to the airport on Monday afternoon and managed to distract them enough to go check in my bag without them overhearing the declaration part. I had an hour till my flight boarded, so I bs'ed a little and decided to say my goodbyes and head to the gate.
As I got through security, the intercom lit up calling my name to come to a checkpoint. I backtracked and it was TSA asking about Bessy. I opened the case again and they just nodded and I secured it and left. The next time through security, they gave me a hard time (even though I was escorted by TSA the entire way)
At the gate, there was a guy causing a scene about not being chosen for standby...and minutes later started to yell and throw things. This delayed our boarding and takeoff. We arrived at Charlotte with 5 minutes to spare. I had to run a quick mile to get to my gate and the door closed as I approached. They reopened the door as soon as the previous crew called. I sat and watched the baggage being loaded...and didn't see mine.
The flight home was bumpy as hell...in MIA, I waited at the baggage claim... and no bag...no Bessy. I went to the service desk, and they were closed. I called the 800 number and gave them my baggage claim number. They said my bag was never checked in on the flight, but it was transferred to another flight. I told the clerk about my situation and she rechecked. She said it was on its way, but wouldn't be arriving till 6am. I had no idea what to do. I was really worried about Bessy sitting on some floor somewhere ready to be snatched out of the bag.
I was told by the clerk that they would call when it arrived. I asked about the bag being delivered to me, and she said it wasn't possible.
I got to the car and started to drive home. On the way, my phone rang. It was a lady from UPS letting me know that my bag was on board their airplane and would be arriving at MIA in minutes. So I turned around and headed back. I pulled into the UPS area where she told me to go and she met me outside. She said they were held up at the taxi way, and the captain would be bringing my bag off. I asked her what happened, and she said that the pilot of the first flight called in some favors with the airlines to get all of the left behind bags to their destinations. Luckily, the UPS airplane that left Charlotte was 2 flights behind us on the tarmac. I asked if I could thank the pilot and she said that he was hopping on another flight but would ask. Minutes later, a golf cart rolled up with my bag and the captain. I thanked him profusely and offered to buy him coffee. He said not to worry and my wife let it slip to check on Bessy.
The lovely lady left and the captain chuckled and said "I think I know why you were so worried" and drove off.
So overall... I owe the captain some coffee, the other captain some beer and I'm sending flowers to the lovely lady.
Heart attack averted...stress level:green

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"carrying a gun is a lot lighter than carrying a cop in your pocket" -MrTwice99

Squawker

Sounds like your pilot was a very conscientious person to call in favors to get the bags out, and also the UPS Captain also sounded like a good guy. Glad it went well for you.

nn

Stressful story, glad it worked out.

HowardCohodas

One of the reasons that I am still an optimist is because of every day heroes who go out of their way, not because they have to, but because it is a good and decent thing to do.

Thanks for a heartwarming story.

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Howard
I carry a gun because I can't carry a cop!!

retsupt99

It's nice to know some employees will still go WAY out of their way to give good service...

__________________
"That I cannot do."

"Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks."


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NRA Life Member

grady

Nice to hear of people going the extra mile for you and not just considering you another number.

Sometimes I see a glimmer of hope.

TN_Mike

That is a great story with a near perfect ending. You are a very lucky guy and a happy one too I'd bet.

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A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -Barry Goldwater 1968

gixxersixxer

+ 10000

ccman

Glad You had a good time with Your Family and also glad of the people who went the extra bit for You. Tis sure was a good trip. Indeed and it was.

Bark'n

I'm glad you had a great reunion with your family. That is awesome. I'm glad the airlines had some wonderful people on board to help you out. Still some good people who are decent and conscientious.

And why I hate to fly with a gun and prefer to drive if at all possible. I would be on edge as well the whole time my gun was out of my direct control.

If that gun was lost or stolen even though it wasn't your fault, I can see law enforcement, (BATFE specifically) acting like you're a monster for letting a firearm hit the streets and into the hands of criminals.

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-Bark'n
Semper Fi

"The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."