>>Can you fit a laptop and a pistol in there?
>
>Pistol? Easily. Laptop? Probably. Usually they have one shelf for the smaller items (bring the Glock or the Baretta) and a bottom open space for some larger things. The ones I have dealt with are all electronic locks with 4 digit user-defined combinations.

I used to bring my department issue pistol, (Berretta Mini Cougar .40 cal), but have decided it's too much of a hassel to take it through the airport. Besides, other than New Orleans and Tijuanna, I haven't been in places where I might have needed it! An airline pilot actually delayed takeoff in Phoenix one year and the flight attendant came and got me. The pilot thought only the FBI could go armed. I had to explain the law and he checked with the tower. Go figure!