Best airline to take hunting rifle from Melbourne, Vic, Australia to Johannesburg SA

[Sjakon]

Hi everyone

I am planning a trip to hunt in SA in September 2022 and want to take my .416 Rigby from Melbourne to Johannesburg.

Any suggestions on which Airline is best?

Thank you for any advice,

Sjakon

 

[wesheltonj]

I looked on Google flights, not really much choice. Qatar, Emirates. The gun permit on Emirates is on-line and easy, but their flights lately and been overpriced compared to Qatar.

 

[Hunter4752001]

QANTAS have resumed direct flights to Johannesburg. They leave from Sydney so you will need to go domestic Melb - Sydney then onto the Jo'berg flight. Check the website, last time I looked Qantas had a better luggage allowance which is important when adding a rifle case and ammo to your total luggage. Last time I flew anywhere with firearms, the Qantas procedures (see website but basicaly get approval before hand) was pretty hassle free. Can't comment on Qatar, Emirates etc but always worth checking out.

 

[Sjakon]

Thank you very much guys. If Qantas is OK that would be preferable I guess. Thank you again

 

[cperso]

Qantas direct flight Sydney to Johannesburg is the way I always go, also less chance of things going amiss with connections,firearms and luggage on stopovers in other countries.
Never had an issue with Qantas on any of the above when flying to Johannesburg.

 

[Shifty]

Im in the same boat, Heading over April 2023 - Qantas to Sydney then onto Johannesburg stay the night then onto East London. If you book it all as one there will be a lot less mucking around connecting ect ect....

At the moment Virgin only seem to fly around Australia and some Asian countries this may change in the future not sure.

Cheers
Aaron

 

[cperso]

Im in the same boat, Heading over April 2023 - Qantas to Sydney then onto Johannesburg stay the night then onto East London. If you book it all as one there will be a lot less mucking around connecting ect ect....

At the moment Virgin only seem to fly around Australia and some Asian countries this may change in the future not sure.

Cheers
Aaron

I know someone who now has a 416 RM that would be handy over there

 

[Shifty]

I know someone who now has a 416 RM that would be handy over there

I know someone who use to have a 416RM that would have been very handy over there
So he'll have to take his .375 or maybe invest in a new Rigby?

 

[Sjakon]

Qantas direct flight Sydney to Johannesburg is the way I always go, also less chance of things going amiss with connections,firearms and luggage on stopovers in other countries.
Never had an issue with Qantas on any of the above when flying to Johannesburg.

Thank you. I will go this way.

 

[Sjakon]

Im in the same boat, Heading over April 2023 - Qantas to Sydney then onto Johannesburg stay the night then onto East London. If you book it all as one there will be a lot less mucking around connecting ect ect....

At the moment Virgin only seem to fly around Australia and some Asian countries this may change in the future not sure.

Cheers
Aaron

Thanks Aaron. I will do that as well. Meeting up with Marius in Joberg I think.

 

[Sjakon]

Im in the same boat, Heading over April 2023 - Qantas to Sydney then onto Johannesburg stay the night then onto East London. If you book it all as one there will be a lot less mucking around connecting ect ect....

At the moment Virgin only seem to fly around Australia and some Asian countries this may change in the future not sure.

Cheers
Aaron

Aaron,
Can you recommend a hunter friendly travel agent in Victoria or do you do everything yourself online? This is the first time I have taken a firearm overseas.
Thank you
Sjakon

 

[Shifty]

Aaron,
Can you recommend a hunter friendly travel agent in Victoria or do you do everything yourself online? This is the first time I have taken a firearm overseas.
Thank you
Sjakon

Hey Mate,

I've just booked the hunt and the flights my self, this is also my first time so I'm just relying on research and talking to others. I've learnt a few good tips and trick along the way.

Flying from Australia with Qantas seems pretty straight forward taking firearms and ammunition,
arriving in Johannesburg I'm staying one night before at Afton Lodge I was put onto this by Col another forum member, You can stay a night with your rifle(s) and they also offer a service to meet you at the airport and take you thought all the permit process ect...and take you back to the airport if needed, in the grand scheme of things its not that expensive so it's money well spent for my first time.

 

[Hunter4752001]

@Sjakon I'm unaware of any specialist firearms/hunting travel agents in Australia. Likewise, its likely that your local travel agent has only a rudimentary knowledge of the issues so it will be up to you to do the research and applications.

Qantas guide to ammo & firearms https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/dangerous-goods/ammunition-firearms.html

The Border Force import and export procedures/approval process changed a few years ago so best to look up what the current requirements are. Likewise with VICPOL LRD if required.

Your PH should be able to guide you through the requirements for South Africa permits. I would recommend engaging a permit and meet & greet service such as Gracey's, Rifle permits etc. Can save a lot of hassles.

Make sure you take several hardcopies of all relevant documents.

 

[Sjakon]

Thanks very much to both of you. I will start working on it.
best regards,

Sjakon

 

[Sjakon]

Hey Mate,

I've just booked the hunt and the flights my self, this is also my first time so I'm just relying on research and talking to others. I've learnt a few good tips and trick along the way.

Flying from Australia with Qantas seems pretty straight forward taking firearms and ammunition,
arriving in Johannesburg I'm staying one night before at Afton Lodge I was put onto this by Col another forum member, You can stay a night with your rifle(s) and they also offer a service to meet you at the airport and take you thought all the permit process ect...and take you back to the airport if needed, in the grand scheme of things its not that expensive so it's money well spent for my first time.

Hi Aaron,
I have bought my tickets on Qantas traveling Melbourne T1 to Sydney T3 and then T1 Sydney to Johannesburg. I got my dangerous goods permit from Qantas, was pretty instant after inputting my Firearms License. Also found the Restricted Goods Permit Form to be stamped by the Customs officer before leaving Australia. Not sure if I can do this in Melbourne or have to do it in Sydney though. The RGP is needed to import the gun back into Australia. Will use riflepermits.com to do the work in Johannesburg.

Best regards,

Sjakon