Airlink and guns

[Ontario Hunter]

I'm booking flights locally out of Joberg and looking at Airlink vs Safari. Safari seems a bit greedy on their gun handling fee. Trying to figure out from Airlink website if they even charge anything. Guns and ammo are okay and as I read it no extra fee if all checked baggage is under 35 kg. But bringing ammo they automatically add 5 kg which automatically takes everything to 40 kg which incurs extra weight fees? I read it several times and doesn't make sense. Something clearly got lost in the translation. Looking for advice from anyone who has flown with them and their experiences. Thanks.

As far as gun handling fees on other carriers, Air Canada is very reasonable ($50) as is Swiss. Zurich airport is very nice too. Lufthansa and British Airways have stupid ridiculous gun handling fees. And now I understand there's an extra fee payable to the airport in Germany? I have heard Air France is a nightmare traveling with guns for all kinds of reasons. Such a bad reputation that I don't even consider them. British Airlines was not taking guns for a while but now they do again although VERY expensive. I don't believe their associate airline in Africa ever allowed guns. Heard they got in some trouble many years ago. But probably just another British antigun mentality thing.

 

[wesheltonj]

Airlink charges a fee each way. You pay at the airport in their office, not at the ticket counter.

 

[BRICKBURN]

• Cape Town
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Durban
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• East London
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Johannesburg
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Hoedspruit
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Kimberley
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Mthatha
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Nelspruit
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Polokwane
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Upington
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Pietermartizburg - no handguns permitted
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Bloemfontein / George – any firearms prohibited from transporting.
• Sishen
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 700 excluding VAT will apply for loading and ZAR 700 excluding VAT for offloading per case.
  2. Payment: paid directly to the Handling agent at the airport.
• Skukuza - Station Manager MUST be advised.
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Richards Bay
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 450 excluding VAT will apply for loading and ZAR 450 excluding VAT for offloading per gun or rifle bag.
  2. Payment: paid directly to the Handling agent at the airport.

https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/need-help/baggage-firearms-ammunition

 

[BRICKBURN]

I'm booking flights locally out of Joberg and looking at Airlink vs Safari. Safari seems a bit greedy on their gun handling fee. Trying to figure out from Airlink website if they even charge anything. Guns and ammo are okay and as I read it no extra fee if all checked baggage is under 35 kg. But bringing ammo they automatically add 5 kg which automatically takes everything to 40 kg which incurs extra weight fees? I read it several times and doesn't make sense. Something clearly got lost in the translation. Looking for advice from anyone who has flown with them and their experiences. Thanks.

I think you might be lost in translation.

Exceptions – Hunting rifles: Example - The overall free baggage allowance is 20kg permitted on an Economy class ticket and an additional 15kg permitted for the hunting rifle plus an additional 5 kg for the ammunition which means the total free baggage allowance is 40kg before excess baggage charges will apply.

https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/need-help/baggage-firearms-ammunition

 

[Mort Hill]

Just flew Airlink from Joberg to Harare, and back. Airlink charges $40 USD each way for “special handling” of rifle case. Charge can not be paid at time of ticketing, and so walked over to the Airlink office at both locations, showed my ticket, passport, and gun case, paid the fee, got a printed receipt, and then went to checkin counter with all in hand and everything went through great. Airlink does make you remove ammunition from your suitcase and check as separate piece of baggage(ammo in seperate locked container). They did not charge for this.

 

[AZDAVE]

The other consideration is don't expect the charge at each leg to be the same. I did a trip where I had 4 different legs. the exact same bags. The only difference was each leg my ammo case was lighter by a few ounces. All 4 had a different fee. (The good news was they were within 7$ us of each other) the last leg being the lightest was the most expensive. So just smile pay the lady at the counter not at the checkin and remember "This is Africa" and go have a great hunt.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I think you might be lost in translation.

Exceptions – Hunting rifles: Example - The overall free baggage allowance is 20kg permitted on an Economy class ticket and an additional 15kg permitted for the hunting rifle plus an additional 5 kg for the ammunition which means the total free baggage allowance is 40kg before excess baggage charges will apply.

https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/need-help/baggage-firearms-ammunition

Makes more sense reading it now ... than at 4:00 a.m. and no coffee. Thanks. So guns + ammo up to 40 kg ride free. That is in addition to the usual free checked baggage weight limit. I must say, that seems ridiculously generous! I'm pretty sure I flew Airlink one way to Kimberly for buffalo back in 2021. As I recall I had to pay an inspection fee or something at the airport when I arrived. Don't remember if it was airline or airport. Guns were checked by a white guy that we had to wait to show up so doubtful it was an impressed "gratuity." He sure looked like a "farmer" not a govt official. My guy from PHASA handled everything in Tambo re getting guns checked and onto flight to Kimberly so not sure if there was a fee on that end. Guess not. After the long layover in Zurich and equally long flight to Joberg I was understandably fuzzy in the head. I rode back down to Eastern Cape lodge in PH's vehicle after we finished with buffalo. Very long drive but quite scenic. Much more scenic than 30K feet up in the air. Anyway, I believe that's my only experience with Airlink. Looking for others' experiences.

With this itinerary I would have exactly two hour layover in Joberg on arrival from Zurich before catching my flight to Port Elizabeth. I could book later but if I leave on this flight (and it leaves on time!), that should put me arriving at the lodge early enough to zero my rifles. Then straight to hunting the next day. Formerly I flew Safair two hours later in afternoon and not always in to lodge before dark (but usually). What's the consensus on two hours in Joberg? Enough time to get guns processed and on my flight to PE?

Of course all this is hypothetical given the present state of confusion re fuel supplies. Airlines are already cancelling flights left and right.

 

[wesheltonj]

With only two hours I hope you are using a Prepaid Gun service and VIP to get through immigration. Otherwise, that's very little time to get to SAPS office, go pay the fee at the Airlink office, check your gun at the ticket counter and then walk it to the gun drop.

 

[Rafiki]

I have heard Air France is a nightmare traveling with guns for all kinds of reasons. Such a bad reputation that I don't even consider them.

I don't know where you heard Air France is a nightmare, not my experience at all. I used them in Oct 2024 to TZ; Mpls ->Paris->Dar, piece of cake.

 

[JimmyJack54]

I self-booked my Airlink flights JNB->KIM and KIM->CPT last summer. I was traveling with firearms. One thing to remember is that you will have to make a reservation with Airlink, letting them know you are flying with firearms, prior to arrival. See below. Once I booked my flight, I called and made my reservations for both flights, which was months before I traveled. I also called to confirm they had my reservation a week or so prior to travel.

Rifles and shotguns will not be accepted as Checked Baggage, unless approved no less than three (3) working days prior to departure through Airlink Reservation Support Desk Tel +27 11 451 7300 press 1 (one) or email e-ticketing@flyairlink.com.​

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I self-booked my Airlink flights JNB->KIM and KIM->CPT last summer. I was traveling with firearms. One thing to remember is that you will have to make a reservation with Airlink, letting them know you are flying with firearms, prior to arrival. See below. Once I booked my flight, I called and made my reservations for both flights, which was months before I traveled. I also called to confirm they had my reservation a week or so prior to travel.

Rifles and shotguns will not be accepted as Checked Baggage, unless approved no less than three (3) working days prior to departure through Airlink Reservation Support Desk Tel +27 11 451 7300 press 1 (one) or email e-ticketing@flyairlink.com.​

Thanks very much for that. I didn't see it on their website.

 

[JimmyJack54]

Thanks very much for that. I didn't see it on their website.

You are welcome.

Firearms and Ammunition | FlyAirlink

Only Hunting Rifles, Hunting Handguns (used for the hunting of game), Hunting Shotguns and Sport Firearms will be transported as Checked baggage.

www.flyairlink.com

 

[Ontario Hunter]

With only two hours I hope you are using a Prepaid Gun service and VIP to get through immigration. Otherwise, that's very little time to get to SAPS office, go pay the fee at the Airlink office, check your gun at the ticket counter and then walk it to the gun drop.

Thanks. I have used PHASA's gun service in the past. Last time not very impressed as the crippled old gal who showed up was in no condition to handle gun cases. She had a bit of an attitude too. Acted very annoyed to be there. Fortunately, the guy who formerly did it for them the previous two safaris was working as a porter and he spotted me and took over. She was totally okay with it. He is great. On arrival for my second safari he noticed looking at my tickets that I'd booked my return on the wrong day. Got it fixed for me and still on my connecting flight in time. Needless to say I tipped him extra! He left his email address in my phone contacts but unfortunately that phone crapped out. Daniel was his name I think.

Some guys do their own paperwork and gun transferring at Tambo but I DO NOT advise it. Getting the guns collected and through police and onto next flight is tricky. The route in itself is a veritable maze. It's almost worth the price having some extra hands to help with the luggage.

As I recall PHASA advised at least two hours to transfer guns in Tambo. I will double check with them before booking.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Just flew Airlink from Joberg to Harare, and back. Airlink charges $40 USD each way for “special handling” of rifle case. Charge can not be paid at time of ticketing, and so walked over to the Airlink office at both locations, showed my ticket, passport, and gun case, paid the fee, got a printed receipt, and then went to checkin counter with all in hand and everything went through great. Airlink does make you remove ammunition from your suitcase and check as separate piece of baggage(ammo in seperate locked container). They did not charge for this.

Thanks for that. I expected they must charge something for handling (everyone does) but could not find it on their website. It seems the ammo checked separately is a South African thing required for all airlines. On return my bags are checked through to Toronto where I have to go through customs. There I shove ammo box back in to checked bag for last leg home.

I seem to recall paying the gun handling fee at company office but thought that was Safair. I remember that their credit card machine "was broken". The clerk wanted cash. I was about to dig into my money belt when my PH offered his credit card: "He doesn't have any cash." Presto! Credit card machine magically repaired itself. Yes, that's Africa.

 

[MacJenkins]

I usually get hit for $60-$100 at the office counter after checkin. Not sure what it is for, never asked.

 

[Philip Glass]

I fly Airlink every trip and have PWP Travel do my tickets. It’s very easy and they are one of the best regional airlines in the world in my opinion. In Zim now flying them in and out.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

• Cape Town
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Durban
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• East London
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Johannesburg
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Hoedspruit
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Kimberley
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Mthatha
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Nelspruit
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Polokwane
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Upington
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Pietermartizburg - no handguns permitted
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Bloemfontein / George – any firearms prohibited from transporting.
• Sishen
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 700 excluding VAT will apply for loading and ZAR 700 excluding VAT for offloading per case.
  2. Payment: paid directly to the Handling agent at the airport.
• Skukuza - Station Manager MUST be advised.
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 500 excluding VAT will apply for loading per gun or per rifle.
  2. Payment: paid directly in advance to Airlink or at the airport.
• Richards Bay
  1. Handling Fee: ZAR 450 excluding VAT will apply for loading and ZAR 450 excluding VAT for offloading per gun or rifle bag.
  2. Payment: paid directly to the Handling agent at the airport.

https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/need-help/baggage-firearms-ammunition

Thanks for bumping in that late post. This was hidden in a drop-down menu that I didn't notice. Interesting that Airlink's gun handling fees vary from place to place in South Africa and NO firearms can go to Bloemfontein/George. Wonder what that's all about?

 

[Rare Breed]

I'm booking flights locally out of Joberg and looking at Airlink vs Safari. Safari seems a bit greedy on their gun handling fee. Trying to figure out from Airlink website if they even charge anything. Guns and ammo are okay and as I read it no extra fee if all checked baggage is under 35 kg. But bringing ammo they automatically add 5 kg which automatically takes everything to 40 kg which incurs extra weight fees? I read it several times and doesn't make sense. Something clearly got lost in the translation. Looking for advice from anyone who has flown with them and their experiences. Thanks.

As far as gun handling fees on other carriers, Air Canada is very reasonable ($50) as is Swiss. Zurich airport is very nice too. Lufthansa and British Airways have stupid ridiculous gun handling fees. And now I understand there's an extra fee payable to the airport in Germany? I have heard Air France is a nightmare traveling with guns for all kinds of reasons. Such a bad reputation that I don't even consider them. British Airlines was not taking guns for a while but now they do again although VERY expensive. I don't believe their associate airline in Africa ever allowed guns. Heard they got in some trouble many years ago. But probably just another British antigun mentality thing.

Airlink charges $35 US each way

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I don't think I would chance it to land in Joburg get baggage, go thru customs go to SAPS then go to Airlink check-in then go across to the rifle drop off and pay their fees all in 2 hours. I don't think you will make it unless it is a very light day. I would plan an overnight stay at City Lodge. Make sure that your approval for your rifles is the correct day you fly, if not it is a crap shoot if you will get a same day approval.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I don't think I would chance it to land in Joburg get baggage, go thru customs go to SAPS then go to Airlink check-in then go across to the rifle drop off and pay their fees all in 2 hours. I don't think you will make it unless it is a very light day. I would plan an overnight stay at City Lodge. Make sure that your approval for your rifles is the correct day you fly, if not it is a crap shoot if you will get a same day approval.

I have already decided on the later booking. Last safari my flight from Europe was over an hour late because the flight had to detour around Niger air space due to a coup or peasant revolt. I still managed to make my flight but the layover in Tambo was expected to be about three hours. But as I recall they held the flight departure a bit to accommodate several of us. My gun handling agent also thought two hours would be cutting it fine.