The gun has to be in a case locked with a non-TSA lock inside the luggage which most likely has a TSA lock. Many airlines ask to see the gun before it goes in the case. A smart traveler secures the gun case to the luggage somehow. Like a steel cable. Anyone can have a set of TSA keys.
Originally Posted by
MarkerInbound
If the pilot is a Federal Flight Deck Officer they just show their ID and there’s no screening. They go through background checks and federal law enforcement training. A regular pilot would be in trouble if caught with a firearm going through security. Anyone can have a firearm in their checked baggage if it is declared when checked.