Airport Arrival How Early?

[Catahoula]

We are flying Delta out of Indy to Atlanta then on to Johannesburg in a few weeks. How early should we arrive? I've not flown with firearms in many years. Does it take a little longer to get checked in?

 

[Mekaniks]

Give yourself 2 hrs if you do not need to recheck your firearm. If you have to recheck it, give yourself 3-4 hrs. Always better to be a little early and have a bite to eat or a second drink than to miss the flight.

 

[JimP]

When flying with a firearm always expect the unexpected. You might slide right through with no problems and wonder why you showed up so early, or you may get that on ticket agent that thinks that it is their job to police the world against people with firearms.

When I flew out of Denver last year we arrived at the airport at a off peak time and there was no line. The agent gave us our "unloaded firearm" tags to place in our cases and then another one got a cart and we were off to the TSA for them to inspect them. In all it took about 10 minutes and we were off to sit and wait for our flight.

But if there had been a problem...........................................

 

[PeteG]

If Jhb airport was anything to go by yesterday, I'd plan for at least 3 hours if not travelling with firearms. It was shocking. They were not using the biometric system, so not entirely sure why the big delays, but I arrived 2.5hrs early and just made it in time for boarding. Would hate to be catching connecting flights with the chaos that went on there yesterday. Quite a number of flights were delayed, lots of people were missing flights, loads of people skipping the queues to try make their boarding times!!!
Not good at all!!!!

 

[CAustin]

We are flying Delta out of Indy to Atlanta then on to Johannesburg in a few weeks. How early should we arrive? I've not flown with firearms in many years. Does it take a little longer to get checked in?

Delta will check your rifles straight through to JNB. However, make sure ammo is in checked suitcase. I always put mine in a locked container with TSA lock on it inside the suitcase. Put a copy of your 4457 in the gun case just in case there are questions. As already recommended get to Indy airport two hours in advance. Delta rep will ask you to open the gun case and attest that the firearms are not loaded by signing a small red card. Then you close and lock the gun case and they take charge of it.
Fly to ATL and find a good spot to relax.
Board the flight 200 at about 7:10 PM and enjoy your 15 hour flight!
Land in JNB and if you are using Riflepermits.com I suggest VIP meet and greet as they will help you through passport control and then on to the Police Station to get your rifles.

 

[brushmore]

If you have an early morning flight check to see when the Delta counter opens up. I had an early flight so I showed up two hours early only to find that the Delta ticket counter wasn't open for another hour so I had to wait for them to get in.

 

[cpr0312]

2-3 hours is fine

 

[billc]

Just remember it is not always only about checking the gun in. The lines through security can be backed up at some airports. I always go 3 to 4 hours ahead to make sure any problem can be handled that comes up.

Just ask your self if waiting an extra hour or so at the gate is worth missing a flight to Africa. They are just not rebooking you on other flight there with out major issues normally. Could even get out a day or two later if you miss your flight.

 

[Catahoula]

Thanks for the advice, guys!

 

[Catahoula]

Delta will check your rifles straight through to JNB. However, make sure ammo is in checked suitcase. I always put mine in a locked container with TSA lock on it inside the suitcase. Put a copy of your 4457 in the gun case just in case there are questions. As already recommended get to Indy airport two hours in advance. Delta rep will ask you to open the gun case and attest that the firearms are not loaded by signing a small red card. Then you close and lock the gun case and they take charge of it.
Fly to ATL and find a good spot to relax.
Board the flight 200 at about 7:10 PM and enjoy your 15 hour flight!
Land in JNB and if you are using Riflepermits.com I suggest VIP meet and greet as they will help you through passport control and then on to the Police Station to get your rifles.

We have already booked the VIP service with Riflepermits.com. Seemed like a fairly cost effective way to make sure things go smoothly. I can't say that I'm looking forward to the long flight, but it will be worth it in the end!

 

[BRICKBURN]

If Jhb airport was anything to go by yesterday, I'd plan for at least 3 hours if not travelling with firearms. It was shocking. They were not using the biometric system, so not entirely sure why the big delays, but I arrived 2.5hrs early and just made it in time for boarding. Would hate to be catching connecting flights with the chaos that went on there yesterday. Quite a number of flights were delayed, lots of people were missing flights, loads of people skipping the queues to try make their boarding times!!!
Not good at all!!!!

Sounds like Toronto on a normal day.

 

[Catahoula]

Sounds like Toronto on a normal day.

Indianapolis is usually pretty efficient. I've flown out of the international terminal once in the last year, and the domestic terminal four or five times. Breezed right through every time.

 

[redassnavajo]

Great advice but Flight 200 is 100 x better than SAA flights

 

[JimP]

Great advice but Flight 200 is 100 x better than SAA flights

For what I saved by flying SAA over Delta on my trip last year I paid for 3/4's of my taxidermy and SAA wasn't that bad. Good leg room for a person 6'5", decent food, and good movies.

Now if you are flying business class then you are going to be spending a lot more than I did for more comfort.

 

[Catahoula]

Another quick question...When I arrive, do I go directly to check in with my cased, locked firearms, or is there somewhere else I check in? I called Delta and they were less than helpful.

 

[Mekaniks]

Another quick question...When I arrive, do I go directly to check in with my cased, locked firearms, or is there somewhere else I check in? I called Delta and they were less than helpful.

Yes go directly to the airline counter and check in. If you have to take your gun to TSA the counter agent will direct you, after she has luggage tagged it first.

 

[Catahoula]

Yes go directly to the airline counter and check in. If you have to take your gun to TSA the counter agent will direct you, after she has luggage tagged it first.

Thanks! That's what I thought, but wanted confirmation.