Should be a simple transaction through the airline with TSA approval. You will open and show them unloaded and secured. No one has the authority to take or hold the key or firearm. If you have ammo going as well, some agents are easier to deal with than others. I had it where they want ammo packed in original packaging and some that didn't care if you had ammo in magazines as long as they were not in the firearm. This will likely add an hour to your check in time. Read the necessary info on the TSA website, be polite and courteous, read your airline requirements and you should roll through with minimal inconvenience.