Any time I have flown, I always try to make the most of all of my checked and carry on bags especially with the weight limits.  The same 50lb limit applys to your gun case just like any other checked bag.  Knowing that, I like to use a double sized gun case so I can pack as much of my other gear along with my rifle to maximize what I can carry on a hunt.  I want enough layers of foam so I can cut out space for all of my gear and still have foam protection between my gear and the outside walls.  Durable wheels and handles are also important to me when choosing a case.

Cases with multiple layers of foam inserts are easy to cutout with a knife.  I lay out all of my gear on the foam and trace around each item with a sharpie.  Cutting out a space for all of your gear also takes the guess work out of packing for your return trip. Make sure that when you’re weighing your case, you include the two locks required by airport security (TSA).

It is totally up to you what you want to put in the case.  I start with everything related to my rifle like my supressor, rifle sling, and bipod.  I then add all the glass for my hunt (rangefinder, binos, and spotter) and any accessories.  I then add in whatever I can fit in the case that I won’t need until the hunt that gets me as close to fifty lbs as possible.

You’ll check your rifle case in at the typical counter you check bags at.  First off, you have to have to have all of your bags checked in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and one hour before international flights.  

They will walk you through the process at the desk and it’s pretty easy, typically.  You will need to have both of your locks unlocked and they will either check the contents of the case in front of you or in the back.  If they take it away to check it, you may consider giving them the combo to the locks, I have been at the gate of my flight and had to come back to the ticketing desk because they couldn’t get my locks locked because they didn’t know the combo and then back through TSA I went.

At your arrival airport, you’ll either need to pick up your rifle at an oversized luggage area or at the customer service desk people check their bags.  You can always ask.  You’ll need your photo ID and sometimes a pickup ticket they give you when you originally check the rifle but it’s pretty seamless.