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Consider renting a gun from the PH or Outfitter, it can cut down on the hassle of traveling, quite a bit! Think of it this way....you are not near the threat, "security wise". You can do so many more things baggage wise....and cost of renting a gun can become more reasonable.
When you are flying into Africa...give yourself time to get through customs and collect your gun....I have seen people really try to "time it" and they miss their next flight...it can take 2 to 3 hours sometimes to get through customs. For the most part...I would say....it's better to overnight...and rest up before you take another flight.
If you are trying to get through a airport quickly in Africa....it's best to hire a "service"...that helps get the correct forms filled out. They will have a contact in the airport that knows everyone...and can help you get through the airport seamlessly!
To expand on Enysse's tip, I always make sure to schedule at least three or four hours between domestic and international flights. The terminals often are not the same, and it takes time for checked baggage to get from one to another. Tight schedules are the No. 1 reason your baggage does not arrive with you.Quote:
Originally Posted by enysse
Here's my tip: Lose the foam in your hard gun case, and pack your rifle(s) in a soft case(s) surrounded by clothing and other items. You'll be amazed how much stuff you can pack in the hard case, and the soft case will protect your rifle when in the hunting car. Also, be sure to stuff a half dozen or more plastic bags of various sizes and a half roll of duct tape. You'll find lots of uses for both.
Bill Quimby
First thanks to Lori for the contest , I am glad I booked mays trip with you, I hope karma pays you back tenfold for offering up this contest . My tip is pack a change of clothes in your carry on bag , this has got me by a couple of times with lost or late luggage and may save you on your trip of a lifetime
If you are going to take a "sleeping pill" like Ambien or it's counterparts, MAKE SURE AND TAKE IT a week or so before your flight to see how your body responds. Some people handle it well, others (like my brother) have some real odd reactions. And if you take one, lay off the booze for real.
Dont wear clothing that will make it easy to identify you as a hunter. No camo, or safari clothes. Also for us americans dont wear clothes that will identify you either. No t-shirts or hats that say hey i am a rich american please mug me!!!
Take two certified copies of your passport with you and keep them in different locations in your luggage and hand luggage. Just in case. Great comp, some good tips here!
*Pack your camera, lens, and storage devices, in your carry-on luggage/backpack.
*Place an extra set of your gun case keys in your wallet if you have your primary key on a key chain. That way if you lose your key chain you still have a key to open the gun case without cutting the locks.
*Don't forget your sunglasses and have them on a neck strap (so they can just hang around your neck and oyu won't have to lay them down)
If you are taking luggage tha has no lock, use heavy duty zip ties to secure the zippers closed. Also wrap your bags in plastic. This will deter the quick rummage through this bag to see what i can find workers at airports.
If you do see that your bag has been messed with, make sure and report it to airport security. Occasionaly someone actually cares.
Have a pen and the number of your passport where you can easily reach them when the flight attendants hand out those entry forms before you land. It beats borrowing a pen and digging your passport out of your carryon.
Bill Quimby
Money belts are a good place for stowing a few big bills, but I prefer a cloth bag with a strap that goes over the neck and hangs out of sight under my shirt. It lays on my chest where it is hard to steal, and is just large enough for passport, travelers' checks, money, etc. These little bags can be bought at most places where luggage is sold.
Many of us live in countries and urban centers where our daily lives revolve around tight little schedules and you get wrapped up in it. You expect everything, everywhere should operate at the 90 mile an hour pace you are use to. High tech, instant communication and prompt service by others is expected ......... by many even demanded. You have studied up on the hunts and what is offered and you have booked your hunt with high expectations for lots of trophies, big trophies and you have done the best you can to pack 28 days of safari into the 7 day economy plains game package you have booked.
Spend some time dwelling on the fact that you are traveling half way around the world and you will not be in Kansas any more Toto. Different continent, different country, different people, different attitudes, expectations and ways of doing things. Despite the best of planning, booking with a top notch operator and using a well respected booking agent, there are a vast number of things and people that come into play and it is rare for any trip to go off without a glitch or two that no one could have planned for or prevented.
My advice is to set yourself some realistic goals and objectives. Try to wind down before the trip and get yourself in the mindset that you are going to take things as they come. That small problems may arise, a delay, an extra night in a hotel, things may not happen as fast as you want them to ........... but you are on a trip of a lifetime and you are going to roll with the flow. Leave the 'attitude' at home, relax and enjoy the hunt, the surroundings and people you are with.
Booking Flights
Try to book flight on travel time rather than price. You'll save alot of time, and in my book time = money!
Pilot friends in Alaska always told me " if you've got time to spare, go by air".
Sometimes an airline will overbook the economy section of a flight and then bump some lucky passenger up to business class. I have been bumped to First class a couple of times. When the airlines bump someone a major factor in who gets offered the bump is appearance. The airline would rather bump someone who looks like they belong in FIrst class or Business clas if they have a choice. Dress Sharp. Look Nice.
Be patient and courteous. You can get away with rude behavior in America sometimes, but in other countries, they may just "delay" you for it, and there is no one to complain to.
Take some sleep medication not only for on the plane but also to have with you when you arrive. Jet lag can be hard on you.
I found Ambien CR works best for me on long flights.
Allow plenty of time between flights to help ensure your luggage has time to get on your next flight.
Also when coming back from overseas to have enough time to clear Customs and Immigration so you
don't miss your next flight.
In general, soft-sided luggage is better for carry-on items, as it can be squished a little if required to fit into an overhead compartment. Hard sided luggage is best reserved for checked baggage - you never know what kind of plane you'll be on, or how much overhead space will be available. If you must carry a hard-sided case on, get one a little smaller than the absolute limit for the airline, to make sure it will fit.