Here is what I expect when I fly to Virginia this week. When I check the gun case at the ticket counter, they will ask me to open the locked case. I will open it, then the clueless and possibly scared shitless airline employee will visually look at the gun and ask you if it is unloaded or if any ammo is stored with the gun. The correct answer is no to both questions. They may actually look at the gun, which in my case I store the gun with the action open so I don't have to work it in the ticket line. I leave the gun in the case and point to the open chamber.
You then fill out a small federal form, red color, place the form in the gun case with the guns, lock the gun case, and turn to see the looks on the faces of the people in line behind you. That is my favorite part. That is how it should go, assuming your airline allows guns.
I use SKB cases!! Mil spec all the way.
If that guy had left a handgun in his truck instead of a rifle, he would probably not have been charged because the Valet would have stolen it and sold it. Hotels are not responsible for itmes stolen from parked cars.