Pick the right airline

Philip Glass · May 19, 2018

Here is an excerpt from a recent hunting article on Ibex hunting in Kyrgyzstan. My questions are: did they use a travel agent? Why did they take Air France? The best way to travel to most of Central Asia is on the gun friendly Turkish Airlines. Regardless of what is said on forums Air France can be tricky with guns. There are some routes that there is no other option like some Central and West African destinations. Any of us can have a problem traveling with guns whether due to weather delays, poor planning, or just tough luck. ALWAYS use a travel agent and they will help pick the most gun friendly airlines and routes.
Regards,
Philip

dobber · May 19, 2018

I would question his math for starters.
I haven't had the urge to do a DG hunt in which place i would want my own rifle, otherwise for PG i have always borrowed a gun while there and never had an issue, have been lucky.
If i was to use my own gun though i would be using the professionals to look after things for me, i don't think i would trust myself making sure everything is done correctly. Years back during a hunt down to the US, all 3 of us filled out the Form 6 (ATF form i believe) and only i was given the ok, my dad and friend made a simple error on the paperwork and didn't get their guns approved

JimP · May 20, 2018

A lot of hunters don't realize what you have to go through to import a rifle into a country. They think that they can just fly in pick it up and go.

You can see this in the number of new members that are a month out on their South African safari and just start asking questions about importing a rifle into South Africa.

I know that when I headed over I was thinking 6 months ahead for everything and at 4 months I had everything taken care of on what I needed to import my rifle along with contacting Lori at Travel Express to take care of the flights. She steered me away from airlines that were not gun friendly and booked me on my flights for the same cost that I could of done it by myself. And that included her fee.

Then after I had everything taken care of 4 months out I could deal with small problems as they popped up.

Sika98k · May 20, 2018

All the more reason to hunt in Namibia

. Firearms importation is all of ten minutes max. You can even email the form in advance giving your date of arrival and flight number.
Ethiopian Airlines and South African are firearms friendly airlines,no hoops to jump through or charges.
Anyone care to add any other airlines or country ?

Adrian · May 20, 2018

I vote for South African Airways.
I have never (touch wood) had an issue or any problems flying from the UK to Namibia using them.
Turn up at Heathrow with my rifle and my shotgun too last trip, an empty desk has always been opened for me, check my luggage and declare my firearms.
They stick a big red label on the case and don't charge excess baggage or handling fees.
I wait for someone to fill out a receipt and take my firearms through to the Border Control.
I go through security, head to where my guns are, check serial numbers, make and model, receive an export permit and I next see them at Windhoek after transit through Johannesburg.
Namibian import is dead easy.
A simple form and I'm good to go.
I've never had to open my ammunition case.
Efficient and free. What else do you want?

Eric Anderson · May 20, 2018

JimP said:
A lot of hunters don't realize what you have to go through to import a rifle into a country. They think that they can just fly in pick it up and go.

You can see this in the number of new members that are a month out on their South African safari and just start asking questions about importing a rifle into South Africa.

I know that when I headed over I was thinking 6 months ahead for everything and at 4 months I had everything taken care of on what I needed to import my rifle along with contacting Lori at Travel Express to take care of the flights. She steered me away from airlines that were not gun friendly and booked me on my flights for the same cost that I could of done it by myself. And that included her fee.

Then after I had everything taken care of 4 months out I could deal with small problems as they popped up.

I was one of those people 2 trips to SA ago. See my thread “The dumb things I have done”. I think a lot of it has to do with the ease many US hunters have been able to travel inside the US since 1986, with the exception of NY States retardation changing there definition of what a loaded weapon is. With no paperwork involved in domestic travel, we expect there to be some, but expect it to be on the order of filling out a form 4473 background check, 3 mins and maybe 10 to get approved.

It just an out of context experience for us. We are one of the very few countries where the government has to prove you can’t own a firearm, instead of having to prove a need to own one to the government.

On the specific case mentioned, is that a case of Air France being not gun friendly? Or do they just randomly seem to loose bags? Since some rifles got there, and some did not, it seems more of a general baggage handling issue more than anything to my first glance.

Red Leg · May 20, 2018

I always use a "hunting" experienced Travel Agent - In my case Gracy Travel - for international travel with a firearm. Heck, we have become so comfortable with Gracy that they also arrange all our other international travel. And I travel a bit. I'll hit United's Million Mile Club before the end of this year. Over the last 15 years, Gracy has saved me thousands of dollars and incalculable hours of frustration. Would not think of heading out without their support.

fourfive8 · May 20, 2018

I too use Gracy Travel, have saved money, avoided headaches and all the problems so frequently reported.

Hogpatrol · May 20, 2018

I'm another satsified Gracy Travel customer. Go through customs, immigration and SAPS like a dose of salts. Same for security. No outstretched palms either and worth every penny. For travel in the U.S., I do my own arrangements.

Philip Glass · May 21, 2018

Eric Anderson said:
I was one of those people 2 trips to SA ago. See my thread “The dumb things I have done”. I think a lot of it has to do with the ease many US hunters have been able to travel inside the US since 1986, with the exception of NY States retardation changing there definition of what a loaded weapon is. With no paperwork involved in domestic travel, we expect there to be some, but expect it to be on the order of filling out a form 4473 background check, 3 mins and maybe 10 to get approved.

It just an out of context experience for us. We are one of the very few countries where the government has to prove you can’t own a firearm, instead of having to prove a need to own one to the government.

On the specific case mentioned, is that a case of Air France being not gun friendly? Or do they just randomly seem to loose bags? Since some rifles got there, and some did not, it seems more of a general baggage handling issue more than anything to my first glance.

Good question. However to many of us it is the less gun friendly airlines that always have an “oops sorry” as it relates to guns. In this case one gun was lost completely. This is unexcuseable in this day and age. How can an international airline, charged with the safety of thousands of people daily lose a firearm? Many, many people should have been fired as this is a major security issue but I doubt anything at all was done.
Philip

Countrylife · May 24, 2018

I know that when I headed over I was thinking 6 months ahead for everything and at 4 months I had everything taken care of on what I needed to import my rifle along with contacting Lori at Travel Express to take care of the flights. She steered me away from airlines that were not gun friendly and booked me on my flights for the same cost that I could of done it by myself. And that included her fee.

I've not traveled with firearms yet, but I did take an extensive trip with lots of air lines. (9 airlines and 17 legs) I'd run the numbers for what I could get the flights for and compared that with what Travel Express was quoting (including their fee). It was so close that it would be foolish not to use their services. And, there were a couple of instances where I called them about an issue that I'd run into overseas and they fixed it right away! (Priceless!) If you're traveling overseas, you should seriously consider a travel agent. At least compare costs with them.

Bwana Bob · May 25, 2018

For what it's worth, I would advise using a travel agent that specializes in dealing with hunters that travel to Africa. On my first safari, I used a travel agent and everything went smoothly. In October of last year, I decided I would take care of my travels to Namibia by myself. Big mistake. Normally, I would fly from JFK to Jburg to Windhoek. Since my daughter who is in DC was taking care of our dog, we took a Jet Blue flight from Dulles to JFK. Although they allow you to fly with guns, I found out a week before my trip that they will not check my rifle through any farther than JFK. That required finding my rifle and going through the whole process of checking it in again at JFK. With that in mind, I decided my best option was to use one of the outfitters guns. I will definitely be using a travel agent on my next trip. Lesson learned.

Hogpatrol · May 25, 2018

Bwana Bob said:
For what it's worth, I would advise using a travel agent that specializes in dealing with hunters that travel to Africa. On my first safari, I used a travel agent and everything went smoothly. In October of last year, I decided I would take care of my travels to Namibia by myself. Big mistake. Normally, I would fly from JFK to Jburg to Windhoek. Since my daughter who is in DC was taking care of our dog, we took a Jet Blue flight from Dulles to JFK. Although they allow you to fly with guns, I found out a week before my trip that they will not check my rifle through any farther than JFK. That required finding my rifle and going through the whole process of checking it in again at JFK. With that in mind, I decided my best option was to use one of the outfitters guns. I will definitely be using a travel agent on my next trip. Lesson learned.

Didn't the airline you were using have a flight out of Dulles? Most foreign flags fly to Joburg from there. I was warned years ago to NEVER go through JFK, Newark or LaGuardia due to thievery and PITA federal employees.

Hank2211 · May 25, 2018

Eric Anderson said:
I was one of those people 2 trips to SA ago. See my thread “The dumb things I have done”. I think a lot of it has to do with the ease many US hunters have been able to travel inside the US since 1986, with the exception of NY States retardation changing there definition of what a loaded weapon is. With no paperwork involved in domestic travel, we expect there to be some, but expect it to be on the order of filling out a form 4473 background check, 3 mins and maybe 10 to get approved.

It just an out of context experience for us. We are one of the very few countries where the government has to prove you can’t own a firearm, instead of having to prove a need to own one to the government.

On the specific case mentioned, is that a case of Air France being not gun friendly? Or do they just randomly seem to loose bags? Since some rifles got there, and some did not, it seems more of a general baggage handling issue more than anything to my first glance.

I've never had a problem with Air France. On one trip, I arrived a bit late to the gate, and the agent said (in English) -" you must be the owner of the firearms." I said yes, I am - is there a problem? And the nice young woman said "not at all, we just wanted to make sure you and your guns travelled together."

I should add that unlike some airlines, Air France does require that you notify them 48 hours in advance that you will be checking firearms, and you must give them the dimensions of the case, or you did last time I flew with them.

Oh, and while the firearm made it, the ammo showed up at the end of the hunt. Good thing I was shooting common calibers.

I'm back to Cameroon in January, and will update on Air France and Paris at that time.

JES Adventures · May 25, 2018

Likewise, I have had multiple trips on Air France over the years and never once an issue traveling with guns. In fact, for travel to the African Continent they are my first choice of carriers.

Ragman · May 25, 2018

I flew Air France in 2014 and had no issues myself, but when we were boarding in Paris on our return flight they pulled two of our group aside. It was quite awhile before they were allowed on the plane (nearly missed it) and they were pissed! Their checked luggage had been pulled and their ammo was confiscated. Don't know why. The rest of us were ok. I'd still fly with them though.

Pick the right airline

Do you always use a travel agent when traveling with guns?

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Philip Glass

dobber

JimP

Sika98k

Adrian

Eric Anderson

Red Leg

fourfive8

Hogpatrol

Philip Glass

Countrylife

Bwana Bob

Hogpatrol

Hank2211

JES Adventures

Ragman

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