A Few Travel Questions

[NIGHTHAWK]

FWIW: I upgraded to Comfort Plus for a couple hundred more with part of the money I saved booking on my own. That seemed to
make the long flight a little more comfortable.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

The Delta App is pretty easy to use. I like the track my bags feature. I also used Apple AirTags too. I got four Air Tags: one for my Wallet, Backpack, Carry-on, and Keys. That worked out great too…

 

[Hyde Hunter]

after spending a ton of time looking at airlines (3 of them) I gave up and went to Jennifer again and she took care of us booking Delta for next year, I told her no wonder you charge 150 as she is worth every penny of it. I would suggest that you let her take care of your trip and also you will probably have to spend the night in Joburg have her set you up at Africa Sky great food and Gilbert will pick you up at the airport and take very good care of you and have a great time

 

[DLSJR]

When hunting in Africa, I always use a travel agent. I’ve always used Shawn Kennedy of Gracy Travel, though I know many like Jennifer Ginn of Travel Express. I’m sure either is fine. Travel agents tend to know which routes work best, and more importantly, which routes and airlines to avoid. An example would be British Airways and Heathrow Airport no matter which airline. Many know to avoid them but some don’t. If you’re ‘that guy’ and end up having your flight screwed up (especially if traveling with guns) by flying BA through Heathrow, do you really care that you saved a couple hundred bucks by doing it yourself?

Here’s an example of where a good hunting specialist travel agent is worth their weight in gold…. In December of 2019 I took my son on his first Buffalo hunt, to Maswa North in Tanzania. If you hit it right it can be some of the best hunting anywhere for a truly big buffalo. But when we went, East Africa was being hit with record rains and widespread flooding across Kenya, the DRC, Uganda and Tanzania. When it was time to depart, the airstrip was too muddy for our charter to land and we were going to be faced with a 2-day drive to Mwanza (nearest town with an airport) to catch a commuter flight back to Kilimanjaro and then fly home. We were flying Emirates and would not make our flight home from JRO. The gun permission is flight specific and requires about a week’s advance notice. This wasn’t going to work for us. Fortunately, we had Wi-Fi in camp, so I was able to call Shawn Kennedy at home on her cell phone. She got to work and told me not to worry. When I next talked to her, she explained that the only airline leaving Tanzania that would allow us to fly without advance gun permission was Ethiopian Airlines. She had us booked onto an Ethiopian flight and got our return leg on Emirates refunded for us.

Perhaps you’re someone who wants to deal with figuring that out while you’re out in the bush hunting buffalo. I’m not. A good travel agent is worth their weight in gold when something happens. Think about the total cost of an African hunt. Is travel where you want to pinch Pennie’s? I don’t think it’s a wise thing to do.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

where are you located which state? I just booked for 1334.00 from So Dakota for next year flying thru Atlanta, I haven't seen any flights below that, maybe if you live by Atlanta

 

[fourfive8]

Intl travel is stressful enough. Use a travel agent who deals with hunters to help mitigate that stress. Simple really. You can find cheaper deals but beware there are unseen pitfalls that can jump up and bite at the most inopportune time. I book my own flights for most domestic and some non-hunting International flights where the trip itinerary is less critical... but for International hunting and/or traveling with firearms... use an agent! Either Gracy Travel or Travel Express

 

[BLJC30]

where are you located which state? I just booked for 1334.00 from So Dakota for next year flying thru Atlanta, I haven't seen any flights below that, maybe if you live by Atlanta

I am in West Virginia. The closest major airports are Cincinnati and Columbus, OH which are both about 3 hours away.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

right now your flight I see is 1670 ea, but you have lots of time to book do not be in a hurry! just keep watching Delta ticket prices. mine was higher for a couple months then dropped and we had Jennifer at Travel Express book them and do not fly to England at all costs just go to Atlanta then to Joburg. at least you can get down to 3 hr layover where mine are 12 hrs. also if you have been watching this forum stay away from United. pm me if you have any more questions Jim

 

[BLJC30]

Thanks for the info.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I agree, you have plenty of time.

 

[BLJC30]

How far in advance does everyone typically book their flights?

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

How far in advance does everyone typically book their flights?

As early as 8 - 9 months… I just waited for prices to come down. With Interest rates rising, the economy may cool, and it could mean less people traveling or planning to travel. Airfare prices may soften…

I’m waiting to see if airfare comes down. I have first two weeks of September reserved with my outfitter. Flying in to JNB. Same flight I used with Delta.