Have done what seems like 100 times before, however this time was different.
In the past (Delta, America, SWA, United)
Check in, get boarding pass, blah blah blah. Inform them "I'm traveling with firearms", which they they have me sign the obligatory unloaded firearms declaration form, etc. Then, once complete with paperwork, checking in, etc. take my bag to [whatever_____] area for one of the TSA "officials" people to do a visual inspection, then have me lock the case, it and away it goes, into checked luggage land. Once at my destination, (at least with Delta over the lats year or two ((since that shtbag in the Florida baggage claim area)) I have to pick up my bag at the baggage claim office, versus off the carousel.
I flew Alaska Airlines recently and the process went like this:
"Hi, checking in, and I'm flying with firearms"
OK, please sign here, [unloaded declaration] thanks, etc.
Put the typical luggage tag on my bag like any other checked, and away it goes.
I pause and ask "aren't I supposed to take it to TSA for inspection?"
"Nope! You're all good Sir, Have a nice flight"
OK, thank you?
Bag came off the carousel like normal at the destination.
Did something change, or did I just get used to how Delta was doing it and flying them pretty regular? Or, is Alaska doing it differently / new rule change or something?