Traveling through AMS and LHR with a rifle

[TnKen]

I’m trying to decide if I will fly though either Heathrow or Amsterdam to JNB this summer. I will be taking a rifle, and was wondering if anyone had any recent experience doing so. My research on this forum shows mixed reviews going all the way back 10+ years. Does anyone have any recent experiences or advice. I flew Delta last time straight from ATL, but the price is much higher now.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I flew through London about 10 years ago, so really not recent. I had no issue flying on BA from Phoenix to Heathrow, and BA again from Heathrow to JNB. That's the only way I'd do this.

But things change and usually not for the better when it comes to flying with weapons and Europe it seems. I would encourage you to talk to one of the several travel agents that specialize in travel for hunters.

 

[spike.t]

Should be OK if you are BA all the way going via Heathrow....can't if using different airlines

 

[Rafiki]

I flew KLM through Amsterdam to DAR in 2022. Had zero issues in AMS, never saw any of my check baggage. The most important thing to remember going through AMS is to have you paperwork in order and your guns properly secured and adorned with your documentation.

My only issue was in DAR, the guns didn't spit out on the conveyor until all other baggage was picked up. I and another hunter waited in an empty baggage area for over 1/2 hour before the conveyor started up again and spit out our gun cases. I have no idea why they were delayed like that.

 

[DmacD]

I flew through LHR on BA this past September to Johannesburg. No issue (besides their 125 GBP firearm fee). I registered with BA at the time of purchase, telling them I would be bringing a firearm, and then again 30 days out, then 24 hours before the flight. No additional paperwork was required.

I have also flown through AMS with KLM to Windhoek. As Rafiki stated above, The Netherlands requires that your firearm be registered with them prior to your departure. A simple online form is submitted, then clearance is granted. I had this paperwork in hand at the counter, however, no one asked to see it. No additional fees were required.