Arrival! (late post, been here for about 2 days, happy camper). Flight cancellation at Portland changeover, but plenty of layover time to assure luggage got transferred to right flight.
Agents are reluctant to check baggage progress for average folks (they'd be inundated), but when I mentioned "three firearms", "excess valuation coverage" and "big green container" the nice lady agent at Alaska's PDX counter ensured that things jumped for me: she verified my luggage was indeed properly redirected to new flight, and asked someone to physically check for it on the trolley. Since I was going on a PDT->PDX puddlejumper anyway, which boards 'from the tarmac' (i.e., no jetway) I could see my Starline case being loaded. Very refreshing.
No probs at SFO check-in. Long line, even at 5:30AM. Gal pulled out folks from mail line for next-flight processing, asking each of us if we had special requirements (prob for kids, disabled/seniors with wheelchairs, etc). I of course pointed to the Starline case and said I had firearms to declare. All of the Portland-bound passengers were pulled into a new line,
which moved quickly. Everyone, due to security, was being asked about special items including firearms, so I merely answered affirmatively. Trainee girl didn't blink an eye, reached down and gave me a firearms declaration tag to sign & put in the case - SHE DID NOT REQUIRE ANY GUN INSPECTION, unlike last year's trip. Only delay was when I requested an extra $1000 of "excess valuation" (kinda like insurance but kinda not ;-) and they couldn't find the paper.
Excess valuation is insurance against loss, but I gather damage, etc. isn't covered. Don't have all the details, but domestic flights offer $2500 coverage - I bumped it up to $3500 since it was postban AR dissipator, Glock 21 and AR10A2 plus an ACOG.
Tomorrow & Wed are "firing days" ;-)
Hope I have the same luck getting home... thanks for all the good cheer previously posted. (Yes, my Alaska flight DID arrive, GG, and I *AM* fully alive.)
Bill Wiese
San Mateo, CA