Flying out of Reagan National (very close to the Pentagon and CIA headquarters) to hunt elk in Colorado. I had my head freshly shaved, my Kimber Montana in an aluminum case, and my camo backpack. I like to get through an airport early, and arrived at the airline counter at 6:00 a.m. The terminal was virtually deserted when I approached the counter and announced I had a firearm to check.
The very nice lady behind the counter took one look at my super short haircut, my camo pack, and my carefully cased rifle and said "Sir, military personal flying on orders get a discount. Would you like me to fill out the paperwork for you?" I said "Ma'am, I am 100% civilian." (which is true, BTW).
The lady leaned over the counter towards me, winked, and in a conspiratorial whisper said "I understand. CIA. We'll take good care of you, sir."
With that, she summoned two baggage handlers, quietly gave them instructions which I couldn't hear, and my baggage was quickly, efficiently, and politely processed in less than two minutes. They inspected my gun with only a quick peak into the gun case, and whistled in admiration at the gray synthetic and stainless steel firearm with big black scope assuming it was the government's latest super sniper weapon enroute to a black ops mission.
That was the best treatment I have ever received by an airline.
--shinbone
