New policy for Qatar started as of March 2025 for firearms?

[Wildwillalaska]

Will, I will be flying the same route from Anchorage to JNB via Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways in May as well. I contacted Qatar Airways (specialservices@us.qatarairways.com) and informed them of my plans to fly with my firearms. Now they are fully aware and it shows up on my Qatar itinerary that I will be traveling with firearms.

I strongly recommend you contact specialservices@us.qatarairways.com to coordinate within the next week or so.

Thank you for the heads up, I will. Did you book the trip through Alaska Air as well? When are you traveling out? We leave middle of the month.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

FWIW, I am having to do the same thing with United/Lufthansa flight to Namibia later this year. I have a short flight to Houston on United and will collect my bag and rifle there and then check in at the Lufthansa counter. I have a 4 hour layover in Houston, so shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Troubleshooter]

You can absolutely do it if you claim baggage in DFW and recheck it at DFW.

Experienced a similar issue with AA and Qatar in 2023. Short answer was that the duffel bag was transferred from AA to Qatar but the gun case needed to be picked up and checked-in at the Qatar counter.

Jennifer at Travel Express told me that is what I would need to do, but upon landing in Philly (outbound leg of the flights) for my transfer, the crew at Qatar called my cell phone and told me that they had my bag and to proceed directly to their counter for the firearms formalities. How they could have "had my bag" was a bit of a mystery because they called just after the AA flight landed and we were still on the apron taxiing towards the gate, but... I proceeded to the international terminal where they again informed me that they "had my bag" but that I was not allowed to travel with firearm and ammunition in the same bag. OK, but the rifles were not in the duffel, they are in a separate gun case. That's when they figured out that AA had checked the duffel through to Windhoek but the gun case only to Philadelphia. Because of this, the gun case wasn't showing on their system. One of the QA agents and I made a bit of a mad scramble across the airport, retrieved the gun case, and the rest went smoothly from there.

Seems like more of an ongoing communication issue than a new policy. At least, from where I sit.

 

[JimP]

In June of 2022 I checked my bags all the way through from Denver to Joberg on AA and then Qatar. Qatar did change their firearm check in process to where the gate agent couldn't accept the firearm form so we had to leave the secured area and stand in line at that Qatar check in area. A nice gentleman saw what was happening and came to our rescue and took care of it quite quickly even with our group having around 15 people in it, all with firearms.

It's just our constantly changing policies that we have to deal with.

This is why I harp on people to get a TA who knows what is going on since most of us do not stay up on the requirements and will constantly be confused by them.

 

[Scott CWO]

Experienced a similar issue with AA and Qatar in 2023. Short answer was that the duffel bag was transferred from AA to Qatar but the gun case needed to be picked up and checked-in at the Qatar counter.

Jennifer at Travel Express told me that is what I would need to do, but upon landing in Philly (outbound leg of the flights) for my transfer, the crew at Qatar called my cell phone and told me that they had my bag and to proceed directly to their counter for the firearms formalities. How they could have "had my bag" was a bit of a mystery because they called just after the AA flight landed and we were still on the apron taxiing towards the gate, but... I proceeded to the international terminal where they again informed me that they "had my bag" but that I was not allowed to travel with firearm and ammunition in the same bag. OK, but the rifles were not in the duffel, they are in a separate gun case. That's when they figured out that AA had checked the duffel through to Windhoek but the gun case only to Philadelphia. Because of this, the gun case wasn't showing on their system. One of the QA agents and I made a bit of a mad scramble across the airport, retrieved the gun case, and the rest went smoothly from there.

Seems like more of an ongoing communication issue than a new policy. At least, from where I sit.

Yeah always claim and recheck if you start out on a different airline. It’s a pain but once you’re done, it is reassuring to know that Qatar will make sure your firearm case and suitcase with ammo makes it to your destination and is transferred in Doha to your second Qatar connection flight to Africa.

Another issue to know is if Qatar farms out the flight from Doha to Africa to Oman Airlines, only Gracy Travel can get your firearm case cleared with Oman Airlines. Travel Express couldn’t get it done for us in November 2023. Gracy has way more experience when it comes to procedures if traveling to less popular destinations with firearms. TE works fine for South Africa and a few other destinations but they don’t do the volume of business that Gracy does around the world to be able to know and solve other issues.

 

[Russ16]

Experienced a similar issue with AA and Qatar in 2023. Short answer was that the duffel bag was transferred from AA to Qatar but the gun case needed to be picked up and checked-in at the Qatar counter.

Jennifer at Travel Express told me that is what I would need to do, but upon landing in Philly (outbound leg of the flights) for my transfer, the crew at Qatar called my cell phone and told me that they had my bag and to proceed directly to their counter for the firearms formalities. How they could have "had my bag" was a bit of a mystery because they called just after the AA flight landed and we were still on the apron taxiing towards the gate, but... I proceeded to the international terminal where they again informed me that they "had my bag" but that I was not allowed to travel with firearm and ammunition in the same bag. OK, but the rifles were not in the duffel, they are in a separate gun case. That's when they figured out that AA had checked the duffel through to Windhoek but the gun case only to Philadelphia. Because of this, the gun case wasn't showing on their system. One of the QA agents and I made a bit of a mad scramble across the airport, retrieved the gun case, and the rest went smoothly from there.

Seems like more of an ongoing communication issue than a new policy. At least, from where I sit.

This is exactly why I don’t booked domestic to international connections on the same itenerary. Even when flying on a single airline and even without guns. I always book my international based on what city I get the best price and schedule then book a separate domestic flight to that city.

You can often get much better prices that way as well. When flying without guns I often get better prices to Europe from NY than DC. Easy enough to just grab a train up and fly out of NY instead.

 

[yhc]

Thank you for the heads up, I will. Did you book the trip through Alaska Air as well? When are you traveling out? We leave middle of the month.

I will DM you, Will.

 

[sgt_zim]

I'd go with Delta and not have that extra 8 hour flight.

With the flight from DFW/IAH to ATL -> JNB, the air time difference is about 4 or 5 hours. Hard to believe, but that's it. Totally worth it to me to be treated like an actual paying customer the way Qatar and Emirates do.

 

[sgt_zim]

I flew Qatar back in October and everything went smoothly. Now they’re telling me since they charter American to get me from San Antonio to Dallas. They said I can not travel with firearms since not all the flights are on Qatar airways.

Anyone have an feedback on this

Have you considered just driving to Houston and flying out of IAH? In general, the flight from IAH to DOH leaves at ~1810 hrs. I believe they have a flight every day.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

With the flight from DFW/IAH to ATL -> JNB, the air time difference is about 4 or 5 hours. Hard to believe, but that's it. Totally worth it to me to be treated like an actual paying customer the way Qatar and Emirates do.

I’m looking at flights now.
Qatar IAH-Doha-JNB is 30-31 hours with layovers.
Delta IAH Atlanta JNB. 20-22. I will fly Delta. 10 plus hours differance.

Qatar did away with some of the early AM arrival flights to JNB. Now longer layover in Doha.
I will only do Qatar if it’s business also.

Delta is comfort plus

 

[RFS3]

I did I just did not want a 4 hour drive before my flight or my return home.

I have always flown Qatar, this is the first time with delta total travel time from San Antonio to Johannesburg now is under 21 hours.

I am hoping some comfort plus seats become available. I had to change my flights so late in the game last week. I depart June 3rd

 

[JimP]

Regular economy is tolerable for me on a 15 hour flight from Atlanta to Joberg as long as I have a aisle seat. But economy on Qatar for that extra 8 hour flight is miserable.

I'm 6'4" and 240 lbs.

 

[yhc]

I’m en route to JNB via Doha, aboard Qatar Airlines. I started my trip on Alaska Airlines to Seattle then transferred onto Qatar Airways. No problem with flying with my firearms.

The only potential issue was that Alaska Airlines agent at Anchorage airport tagged my rifle case and the bag with ammo all the way to JNB at first. I had to insist on her check their rule and thankfully she did. She had to re-tag my bag and rifle case while my wife’s luggage is going all the way to JNB.

In SeaTac, Qatar Airways representative wanted see all the documents I have already emailed Qatar a couple weeks ago. Just make sure you have copies of SAPS, invitation letter, Customs forms, etc on hand when you check in with Qatar Airways.

 

[bashaw]

Well HELL, it what I thought when I first read this...as I am in almost the same boat. I am flying Qatar to Johannesburg in mid-May. Their website says to call 96 hours ahead of departure to get pre-auth for firearms or dangerous items. So seeing this thread and feeling dread, I called them.

I did not receive a totally consistent response, but I may end up in a slightly different situation too, since I booked the trip through Alaska Air. I live in Soldotna, so have to fly out of Anchorage. Unless I am flying Delta, my initial leg with almost always with Alaska Air, and we fly with them often throughout the year. They are super easy on firearms and ammo, so love to use them when I can. (Note for Domestic Alaska flights flights, we can fly with up to 50lbs of ammunition per passenger, in factory boxes or non-crushable containers...way easier then trying to ship it up).

I had a choice of booking through Qatar with an Alaska flight between Anchorage and Seattle on each end of the trip, or booking directly with Qatar with the exact same flights, so a mixed itinerary regardless. It was a couple hundred dollars more directly through Qatar, so I booked it through Alaska hoping I would get bonus miles on my elite status. So my actual booking is through Alaska Air, but all international flights with Qatar.

So I called Qatar asking about pre-approval for my firearm, letting them know I had the forms all prepared and ready. Also asked (having read above) if I should only check my rifle through Seattle so I can recheck it with Qatar after landing, even re-do the TSA portion if necessary.

Was told I do not need pre-approval through them at all. Alaska Air will handle checking in the firearm and transfer all information and such along to them. That I did not need to check just to Seattle, that I could and should check it all the way to Joburg.

Certainly liked this answer better than so sorry, cannot accommodate your rifle, but also not overly relieved by the inconsistency in the answer. I almost asked what the policy would have been for this exact same itinerary if I had booked with through them vs. Alaska Air. Would seem strange that the exact same flights with the same airlines, but booked with one vs. the other could have opposite outcomes, but who am I to say.

I've flown Qatar twice, first time booked Alaska to Seattle on Alaska claimed all luggage and then checked in with Qatar, 2nd time we booked all the way with Alaska and I had to claim rifle and then check it with Qatar

 

[Kolton174]

@Wildwillalaska how did your trip go? I booked the same way you did for March 2026. AK air ANC to SEA then QTR air from SEA to DOHA to JOHAN all on miles through AK air.
Any reccomendations for a smooth process? Thank you

 

[Philip Glass]

I flew Qatar back in October and everything went smoothly. Now they’re telling me since they charter American to get me from San Antonio to Dallas. They said I can not travel with firearms since not all the flights are on Qatar airways.

Anyone have an feedback on this

You mean to say Qatar Codeshares the AA flight. AA and Qatar are One World Members and you can check luggage and rifle through. It depends on the ticketing whether we will check through or recheck with Qatar at DFW. I've don't it both ways.
To eliminate this nonsense use a TA.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am, by no means a conspiracy theorist, but with airlines refusing to ship certain species of trophies, and increasing difficulties with firearms - it does make one wonder if the anti-hunters aren't pressuring airline management.

No it is likely just untrained personnel. Call back a second time and get a different answer!

 

[Philip Glass]

I flew AA to Dallas. It’s primarily an AA policy that they don’t transfer firearms so Qatar is mixed up in that issue.

I am not sure where this is coming from or if it is new but AA has in the past transferred rifles to Qatar since they are both OneWorld.

 

[wesheltonj]

Qatar will not carry the gun if there’s a codeshare flight. Gracy can get an exception.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

@Wildwillalaska how did your trip go? I booked the same way you did for March 2026. AK air ANC to SEA then QTR air from SEA to DOHA to JOHAN all on miles through AK air.
Any reccomendations for a smooth process? Thank you

It went wonderfully and will likely go that route again in the future, especially if traveling with my daughter since I like to buy my ticket and then do hers on miles. Since it was booked as an Alaska Air flight, I received the bonus miles factor for MVP gold, giving me over 40,000 miles from that trip alone, so with other travel will eclipse Gold 100k this year, or whatever it’s called now with the joint Hawaiian air program.

Do make sure and e-mail the help desk with Qatar to advise of the firearms if traveling with. They will want copies of your documents and then show it in your reservation on their end (But have the originals handy when you check in at the airport as they will want to make copies and you WILL need to do their new declaration page for the firearm that MUST go in the case before you go to TSA). The ticket counter said they needed the new declaration but TSA was fine with the one I did in Anchorage with AK Air, so walked me and firearm over to TSA while another agent went and made copies of the documents and their declaration page I signed. TSA got a little bent…with them not me. The TSA supervisor that then had to come down was less so since it was in fact still an AK flight as well and the gun had the original AK declaration, but seemed the proper way of handling for their needs were missed…albeit a little murky given the situation of being a joint flight. To be safe, have them make copies and only let them walk you to TSA after you get originals back and the new declaration is in the case.

This also brings up some confusion in reports before my trip about checking bags all the way through or not. You can for your luggage, but the rifle AND any luggage containing your ammo must be picked up upon completion of the Alaska Air flight and rechecked with ticketing for Qatar. We got solid information on this beforehand, but day of the flight AK Air asked if we wanted to check through initially, when I said no and explained why, she asked another agent who confirmed the proper protocol was as I described.

So travel with the firearm was super easy between Alaska and Qatar, but make sure to get solid answers through the help desk to any questions. The individual agents with both Alaska and Qatar may not have personal experience with firearm transfers. Qatar agent also had me open the ammo box, then weigh it, then her supervisor had me pull it out, open it again, and weigh the ammo without the case, which seemed odd to me since the total weight was under, but might have been more a teaching proper procedure than anything else.

Flights themselves, the layover, everything was great. We booked a room at a hotel in the Doha airport which we will do again. Great to get a 5-6 hour nap and a shower. Plus had time for a quick dinner, stop in the Louis Vuitton store (both of them actually) as my kiddo NEEDED a new little wallet. I doo not sleep as well on planes as I once did, so the longer layover with some time to walk, stretch, sleep and shower proved wonderful.

Will repeat and again as long as the joint flight remains an option.

Cheers,
Will