Dismantle your rifles while putting them in travel case or keep them as one

[Ontario Hunter]

Long time lurker, first time poster. From Europe so forgive my ignorance og any US policy, but are you allowed to send your rifle complete with bolt in one case? In Europe you have to take a vital part, so bolt for instance, out of the rifle and put in a second checked bag. Usually both the case containing the weapon and the one carrying ammo/bolt gets a tag.

Thats the reason I am reluctant to airtravel with my Ruger nr 1 as I would rather not dissasemble it for travel.

Welcome! I fly through Europe each time to and from Africa and never had to remove my bolt. But of course the flights and security checks originate in either Canada or South Africa.

 

[HankBuck]

Long time lurker, first time poster. From Europe so forgive my ignorance og any US policy, but are you allowed to send your rifle complete with bolt in one case? In Europe you have to take a vital part, so bolt for instance, out of the rifle and put in a second checked bag. Usually both the case containing the weapon and the one carrying ammo/bolt gets a tag.

Thats the reason I am reluctant to airtravel with my Ruger nr 1 as I would rather not dissasemble it for travel.

Indigo Earl: Fortunately the U.S. is NOT that ridiculous — Yet…. There is No requirement to disassemble any part of a firearm however it cannot be loaded or have a loaded magazine in the gun. Ammo may also be transported inside the same container as the firearm but must be secured “inside original manufactures box” or a container designed to safely hold ammunition - up to 11 lbs. of ammo may be transported. To make it a little more confusing - some Airlines may have their own “rules” and there are a couple that do Not allow ammo inside the same container as the firearm — even though the FAA permits ammo & firearm together. You may also have a knife inside container with firearm & ammo or that knife can be inside any checked baggage.

 

[Sika98k]

Long time lurker, first time poster. From Europe so forgive my ignorance og any US policy, but are you allowed to send your rifle complete with bolt in one case? In Europe you have to take a vital part, so bolt for instance, out of the rifle and put in a second checked bag. Usually both the case containing the weapon and the one carrying ammo/bolt gets a tag.

Thats the reason I am reluctant to airtravel with my Ruger nr 1 as I would rather not dissasemble it for travel.

Living in Europe as yourself and using a No1 also I was only once asked to remove the bolt from the rifle. I replied that was not possible and showed the action. “ Never seen one like that before” was the reply.
Since then on umpteen flights arpound Europe and several down to Namibia I’ve never been asked to remove the bolt. Prove the chamber and magazine were clear and empty, yes.

 

[SStomcat]

As you may know, ammo cases must be locked and separate from other checked baggage going out of Joberg. Here the ammo case is labeled by airline security (don't recall it being opened by them, only sometimes at customs) and then I can put it inside checked bag.

So taking a flight out of Joberg, the ammo case cannot be packed inside a checked bag is what I'm hearing? That means if you are travelling with 2 checked bags, one of them being your gun case the ammo case will be the third and you will have to pay extra for the 3rd bag?

 

[smp005]

Waiting for the Balser R8 community to chime in. One "complete" rifle per Pelican 1700 with no issues of being even close to the weigh restrictions. One rifle with up to two calibers on a wheeled case...easy peasy.

View attachment 588159

That is exactly how I carry mine as well! I bought extra foam inserts which I swap to match the stock and scopes I am taking and I cut a set for my VC double was well!

 

[smp005]

So taking a flight out of Joberg, the ammo case cannot be packed inside a checked bag is what I'm hearing? That means if you are travelling with 2 checked bags, one of them being your gun case the ammo case will be the third and you will have to pay extra for the 3rd bag?

If you fly Airlink its not a 3rd bag charge, you are allowed a certain amount of weight and they charge for weight above that.. It does not come out to be very much - maybe 25-30 bucks if I remember correctly... I've never been charged a 3rd bag charge anytime they make me remove my ammo, I just pray it gets there LOL!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

If you fly Airlink its not a 3rd bag charge, you are allowed a certain amount of weight and they charge for weight above that.. It does not come out to be very much - maybe 25-30 bucks if I remember correctly... I've never been charged a 3rd bag charge anytime they make me remove my ammo, I just pray it gets there LOL!

I don't recall Airlink charging me for a third bag but that's domestic flight. Leaving South Africa on Lufthansa and Swiss Air is a different matter. Cannot remember if I was charged for extra baggage. Lufthansa seemed to whack me pretty heavy for firearm handling fee so maybe the extra bag charge was included?

 

[smp005]

Ontario, I haven’t ever seen an Airline mark “firearm” or any indicator on a rifle hard case - Not in the 35 years I’ve flown on hunts with them - but I’ve always departed from the U.S. …..is that on Air Canada? I do recall hearing that practice had occurred but Not sure if that was before mid 1990s or specific to some Airlines that I never flew on. Either way - that would make your travel case a “target”

Many put a big orange "Security Item" tag on them but I dont recall seeing a tag that actually stated "firearm"

 

[smp005]

I don't recall Airlink charging me for a third bag but that's domestic flight. Leaving South Africa on Lufthansa and Swiss Air is a different matter. Cannot remember if I was charged for extra baggage. Lufthansa seemed to whack me pretty heavy for firearm handling fee so maybe the extra bag charge was included?

I know Turkish did not charge me for a 3rd bag but they always get you for the handling fee - all European carriers do.. That was a PITA because Airlink in Kasane could not take the payment so when I got to Joberg I had to go the transfer desk and pay it before going on to my gate for the flight to the US...

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I know Turkish did not charge me for a 3rd bag but they always get you for the handling fee - all European carriers do.. That was a PITA because Airlink in Kasane could not take the payment so when I got to Joberg I had to go the transfer desk and pay it before going on to my gate for the flight to the US...

But guns have to go through Joberg airport police station anyway so you had that pain in the arse to deal with in any event. I cannot stress it enough: LEAVE YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO HOURS TO GET YOUR CONNECTING FLIGHT OUT OF JOBERG IF YOU HAVE GUNS. It is a big airport and service is seldom "efficient." There're no golf carts or trams to rush you from one end of the airport to the other and back. Half the escalators and motorized walking ramps usually don't work. Hire someone to help you get through the gun process at Joberg airport. It costs anywhere from $100 to $150 but money well spent. I've been enough times that I could do the paperwork and inspection myself but it is EXTREMELY helpful having someone along who's "connected." You will see what I mean when you get to RSA.

Also, no checked bags with straps at Joberg airport. Either remove straps or they will make you take bag back to the lobby so a vendor for a fee can shrink wrap it. Then maybe you miss your plane or worse your baggage misses your plane.

 

[smp005]

But guns have to go through Joberg airport police station anyway so you had that pain in the arse to deal with in any event. I cannot stress it enough: LEAVE YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO HOURS TO GET YOUR CONNECTING FLIGHT OUT OF JOBERG IF YOU HAVE GUNS. It is a big airport and service is seldom "efficient." There're no golf carts or trams to rush you from one end of the airport to the other and back. Half the escalators and motorized walking ramps usually don't work. Hire someone to help you get through the gun process at Joberg airport. It costs anywhere from $100 to $150 but money well spent. I've been enough times that I could do the paperwork and inspection myself but it is EXTREMELY helpful having someone along who's "connected." You will see what I mean when you get to RSA.

Also, no checked bags with straps at Joberg airport. Either remove straps or they will make you take bag back to a lobby so a vendor for a fee can shrink wrap it. Then maybe you miss your plane or worse your baggage misses your plane.

Well... it depends . Guns that are checked thru and remain in transit do not require RSA paperwork.. I have even missed a flight and had to overnite in Joberg until the next morning and my bags stayed in transit until I reached Harare.. Last year I did RSA paperwork simply because I was spending a couple days visiting friends in RSA before flying onto Kasane so I had to retrieve my guns at Joberg and recheck for my flight to Kasane, but on the way home I checked them all the way thru to Dulles.. This could vary depending upon your airline and inline baggage agreements. Once reason I use Gracy Travel for all my trips - everything is taken care of...

I think it is wise to at least have the RSA gun paperwork filled out and with you even if your guns are checked thru - just in the off chance something goes awry.. That way the worst case scenario is you sit in the SAPS office while they process your permit...

 

[Velo Dog]

Also, no checked bags with straps at Joberg airport. Either remove straps or they will make you take bag back to the lobby so a vendor for a fee can shrink wrap it. Then maybe you miss your plane or worse your baggage misses your plane.

Hello Ontario Hunter,

Do you know if bags with straps from flights originating outside of South Africa and checked clear through to other countries of destination are restricted ?
I haven’t had to pass through Johannesburg for many years now.
But, my next visit to Africa unfortunately includes having to do so.

Seems like most luggage these days is soft sided (including mine).
And, all of those soft bags seem to have straps to cinch or bind the bag tightly.
Even the handles on them, these days are nothing more than short straps, sewn at both ends, leaving just enough room to grasp with a free hand.

If you have definitive information on my transit question, I will be grateful.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

 

[Spooksar]

Ontario, I haven’t ever seen an Airline mark “firearm” or any indicator on a rifle hard case - Not in the 35 years I’ve flown on hunts with them - but I’ve always departed from the U.S. …..is that on Air Canada? I do recall hearing that practice had occurred but Not sure if that was before mid 1990s or specific to some Airlines that I never flew on. Either way - that would make your travel case a “target”

air Canada marks Firearms on the gun case and Ammo on my duffle bag

 

[Velo Dog]

air Canada marks Firearms on the gun case and Ammo on my duffle bag

They wouldn’t want to slow down some looney terrorist in searching for a firearm and then ammunition to fit same, join the two and go on a spree.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Hello Ontario Hunter,

Do you know if bags with straps from flights originating outside of South Africa and checked clear through to other countries of destination are restricted ?
I haven’t had to pass through Johannesburg for many years now.
But, my next visit to Africa unfortunately includes having to do so.

Seems like most luggage these days is soft sided (including mine).
And, all of those soft bags seem to have straps to cinch or bind the bag tightly.
Even the handles on them, these days are nothing more than short straps, sewn at both ends, leaving just enough room to grasp with a free hand.

If you have definitive information on my transit question, I will be grateful.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

Only loose checked baggage straps like shoulder straps, back pack straps, duffle bag straps. Handles or cinch down straps are not considered loose. I have a soft luggage bag with cinch down straps and optional shoulder straps that can be zipped inside. With shoulder straps tucked in and cinch straps buckled the bag passes muster at Joberg airport. As far as I know that's the only airport with loose strap restriction. They claim it's because straps get caught in conveyor belts but I suspect it has more to do with subsidizing shrink wrap vendors.

 

[smp005]

air Canada marks Firearms on the gun case and Ammo on my duffle bag

Ah yes.. . Air Canada.. The absolute worst airline on the planet... 100% on my never fly on list! You guys that have no other choice are in a tough spot and have my sympathies :-(

 

[Velo Dog]

Only loose checked baggage straps like shoulder straps, back pack straps, duffle bag straps. Handles or cinch down straps are not considered loose. I have a soft luggage bag with cinch down straps and optional shoulder straps that can be zipped inside. With shoulder straps tucked in and cinch straps buckled the bag passes muster at Joberg airport. As far as I know that's the only airport with loose strap restriction. They claim it's because straps get caught in conveyor belts but I suspect it has more to do with subsidizing shrink wrap vendors.

Ok thanks for that, I appreciate it.
Was not wanting to buy new luggage for what hopefully will be my last time having to pass through that one particular airport.
Thought I was done with it years ago but, our crazy times on planet kookoohead these days being what they are, I couldn’t get a direct flight to Windhoek this time.
Thanks again.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Ok thanks for that, I appreciate it.
Was not wanting to buy new luggage for what hopefully will be my last time having to pass through that one particular airport.
Thought I was done with it years ago but, our crazy times on planet kookoohead these days being what they are, I couldn’t get a direct flight to Windhoek this time.
Thanks again.

I bought a cheap locking ammo case at Harbor Freight (I am thrifty, not cheap!). As added security I used duct tape to secure the lock against the side of the case so it didn't get caught on something and torn off in transit. Same with locks on the gun case. The ammo case also had a wrap of tape end to end as extra insurance. My mistake was using red duct tape. The security gal at Joberg took a fancy to the color and simply grabbed it from my carryon. "You can't take this on the plane." Why? No answer. She walked over to her supervisor, they exchanged a few words, and she threw it in a drawer with her lunch bag. Not worth arguing about it. Next time I'll bring a roll of ugly gray stuff.

 

[Franco]

I bought a cheap locking ammo case at Harbor Freight (I am thrifty, not cheap!). As added security I used duct tape to secure the lock against the side of the case so it didn't get caught on something and torn off in transit. Same with locks on the gun case. The ammo case also had a wrap of tape end to end as extra insurance. My mistake was using red duct tape. The security gal at Joberg took a fancy to the color and simply grabbed it from my carryon. "You can't take this on the plane." Why? No answer. She walked over to her supervisor, they exchanged a few words, and she threw it in a drawer with her lunch bag. Not worth arguing about it. Next time I'll bring a roll of ugly gray stuff.

The Tuffpaks have a flush lock and so far seem to be resistant to damage. For clothes and personal items I use Halliburton aluminum suitcases which have flush hardware and recessed tumblers. Some of my Halliburtons date from the mid seventies and have withstood the test of time.

As for your tape experience; I am not surprised, one thing I have found in nearly 50 years of traveling - individual interpretation of rules and regulations is the norm ans subject to change.

 

[Velo Dog]

Hi again Ontario Hunter,

Ya, the nitwittery that has taken over the globe now is not only frustrating, it is also a real mystery as why it suddenly has happened, apparently to everyone, everywhere.

I guess if we’re not stupid and rude, dishonest as well, we’re out of style these days.

Thanks again for your info on the bag strap thing.
Cheers,
Velo Doggy.