Delta Airlink Question

[USN]

This will be my third trip to JNB and first with guns. I have booked tickets but after buying noticed my return leg has me flying Airlink to CPT for connection with the Delta flight to ATL. On my last 2 flights the Delta counter did not open I was told till 1500 and my Airlink is 1455. Read here Airlink has a paperwork dance for weapons, any advice?
Thanks in advance to all. I have received an unbelievable amount of good advice here.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

On your return leg, where are you flying from on Airlink? When you check in at that location, show them your Delta flight information and Airlink will check your bags through to Atlanta or whatever your final destination is. You shouldn't have to touch your bags in CPT.

I had some friends recently hunt in Zim. For their return flight on Airlink to JNB, they checked in at Vic Falls and Airlink checked their bags onto the Delta flight.

I will be doing this same routine soon on my trip to Zam. Can let you know how it goes. One thing I'd advise and something I plan to do, is do the plastic wrap at the airport. Since your bags might be sitting for 5-6 hours in the baggage handling area, the plastic wrap offers another layer or security.

 

[USN]

Thanks that is a good plan I had not considered the plastic wrap. The Airlink leg is JNB CPT then delta to ATL then OKC

 

[Justbryan]

Rifle Permits from African Sky, Rifle Permits, or Afton Safari Lodge would be helpful. It goes much smoother to do pre-approved permits. You can also check with them about any issues or questions concerning flights or the process. This will be money well spent. If there is any problems with the guns then they can be very helpful.

 

[Philip Glass]

Yes Airlink will check you through to Delta. The problem is whether or not you can sweet talk them into letting you put your ammo box in you suitcase to better comply with Delta. I might just leave excess ammo for my PH in this situation. Airlink does not have any special paperwork for rifles. You will have to pay for luggage and rifle permit at their business/ticket office nearby.
I would not have chosen this itinerary unless it was a good bit cheaper. These days it is hard to find a deal and sometimes we have to make an extra connection to save some $$$$.

 

[Philip Glass]

Rifle Permits from African Sky, Rifle Permits, or Afton Safari Lodge would be helpful. It goes much smoother to do pre-approved permits. You can also check with them about any issues or questions concerning flights or the process. This will be money well spent. If there is any problems with the guns then they can be very helpful.

But using a travel agent would have avoided most of this concern.

 

[USN]

In this case adding CPT saved 400, heck that is a wart hog. And thanks a TA probably would have been better, especially with rifles

 

[kdenn]

My wife made fun of me using the PG conversion to dollars before our safari. but it puts things in perspective, do i need a new case or shoot an impala?

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Yes Airlink will check you through to Delta. The problem is whether or not you can sweet talk them into letting you put your ammo box in you suitcase to better comply with Delta. I might just leave excess ammo for my PH in this situation. Airlink does not have any special paperwork for rifles. You will have to pay for luggage and rifle permit at their business/ticket office nearby.
I would not have chosen this itinerary unless it was a good bit cheaper. These days it is hard to find a deal and sometimes we have to make an extra connection to save some $$$$.

Correct, but still need to notify them that there will be a firearm on a specific flight. Need to notify them no less than 72 hours before the actual flight.
@USN Email address for the notification is: e-ticketing@flyairlink.com
"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."
If you don't get any response, best to phone them and notify them that way.

 

[USN]

KMG thank you so much, that could have been a pain in the rear! Again thanks