United Airlines Newark to Jo'burg

[chashardy]

Anyone have any experience with United's non-stop service from Newark to Jo'burg? I'm booked on the flight DFW to Newark to Jo'Burg June 28 after British Airways cancelled flights from London to Jo'Burg. Keeping my fingers crossed that the flight goes as scheduled.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Hi @chashardy , I've had one pair of guests use that return flight this past week. Have another flying out on 23 June. The flights seems to be running smoothly. I don't think that you have anything to worry about. Seems like its a solid option now.

 

[CJW]

I'm doing Newark to Jburg on United in Sep. I can't see why there would be any issues but report back when you get home.

 

[YancyW]

I am on the flight Tuesday, I think everything is up and running. I wouldn't worry a bit about it.

 

[JOHN GRENZ]

We were on the flight June 5th and returned 18th. Only issue was the long lines at the Newark gate as they checked everyone’s covid paperwork. One poor guys papers were a couple hours over the 72 hour limit and he was not allowed to fly. Flight over was close to fully booked, but a few more seats were empty on the ride home.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

My daughter and a friend of hers did DFW-EWR-JNB last week and it went well. They are returning this week. I think it's a good option and the 787 Dreamliner is a really nice plane to ride in.

 

[Labman]

Has anyone used this flight while flying with firearms? If so, what were the check in procedures for your guns? Asking because New Jersey is a very anti gun state with stringent rules.

 

[R.M.C.]

I'm hoping to go that way next July . its about a 4 hour drive from my place so hopefully they keep running smoothly

 

[R.M.C.]

A buddy of mine flew from Newark couple years ago with a rifle and didn't have issues. He was flying domestic but that shouldn't change the check in process

 

[Troubleshooter]

Has anyone used this flight while flying with firearms? If so, what were the check in procedures for your guns? Asking because New Jersey is a very anti gun state with stringent rules.

Mine was checked-thru to ORT, so I cannot shed any light on the check-in rules there. I can address the rules on the return flight though.

The entire process was convoluted and overly time-consuming, but they appear to be slowly working their way through it. After baggage claim, those of us traveling with firearms went to a corner of the room where we verified that our rifle case was in the pile that had been brought in by the baggage handlers. A United Airlines representative then herded us over to the CBP checkpoint, under the watchful eye of airport security.

There were about 16 of us, and only two (eventually three) lanes open, so it took a while to get through. One at a time, we brought our cases to the counter, opened the case (and interior soft cases, as appropriate), then provided the CBP Form 4457 for each firearm. The agents were polite but not altogether knowledgeable, as evidenced when we were asked to remove the bolts from our rifles prior to closing-up the case. At least a couple of us mentioned that this seemed unnecessary and had never heard of such a process, but the agent stated that it was "for safety, as sometimes people have loaded guns in the case." This after she had physically inspected the rifle, but oh well -- her turf and her badge, so you're not going to win the argument. Except for the one fellow who pointed out that his double rifle does not HAVE a bolt to remove. He did win that one.

After the entire group had run the CBP gauntlet, allowing our firearms back into the US, the cases were loaded back onto baggage carts and the United rep took us all downstairs to the TSA checkpoint, where the firearms were to be OK'd for loading onto our connecting flights. We were told to unlock the cases and that we could not be present while the inspection took place. Several passengers declined to do this, citing TSA rules that the owner had the right to be present whenever the case was opened, and to lock the case afterwards. A supervisor was eventually called, and a contentious but mostly polite discussion ensued concerning US Code, regulations, SOP, and the physical limitations of the airport. The end result was that the cases were unlocked and taken into the back room for inspection by TSA without the owners being present, but subsequently brought back out so that we could verify that the contents were unmolested and watch the case being locked and secured. The owners were allowed to look, but not touch the contents, and I was surprised by the supervisor's comment that they (TSA) did not open the soft cases or even touch the firearms or other contents. The supervisor appeared to be genuinely sympathetic to our concerns (apparently he hears it A LOT every week) but the matter is apparently beyond his pay grade to actually affect. Once again, their rules, their badges, and their internal SOPS.

The gun cases then were wheeled away by the TSA, and we were escorted back upstairs by the United rep to process through airport security again, prior to locating our gates. The entire procedure, from baggage claim to our release took about 2-1/2 hours total. Plenty of time to get to the next gate and wait on the connecting flight. Hope that provides some answers to you and others.

 

[CJW]

So there are two checkpoints instead of just one where both parties could be present and the second seems to be pointless and illegal?

Looking forward to it.

 

[Charlie P]

Just returned from trip to SA flying with United. In June we went to Iceland and no issues. This trip with United our PreCheck did not print on our tickets and all we got was the it's okay, or there's nothing I can do. So much for the time and money spent on that. Following up when I got home the TSA will only investigate within 72 hrs of your departure. My departure was two weeks ago so now I just wait until next time to see what happens.

Our biggest hassle was Newark. My experience has shown that for international travelers on return you go through Customs, go get your bags and check them back in and then on to your connecting gate. In Newark they had us go through customs, get our bags and check them back in which was chaos, then they ushered us back to the door where the general public walks into the airport forcing us through general check-in all over again. There were thousands of people lined up. Security was overwhelmed and totally rude because of the masses.

 

[chashardy]

Interesting posts. I started this thread before my trip and can now report that I had no issues going or returning, except for a brief conversation with the ticket agent at the Jo'burg airport regarding ammo in a separate locked compartment of my suitcase. I had no trouble at all at Newark airport. The inspectors--not sure if they were Customs or TSA--were very polite and efficient and my luggage and rifle case made it on the connecting flight with no problem.

 

[lil 2 sleepy]

I had a similar experience with Newark. There were only 5 of us and it was not terrible, but the process could definitely still be tweaked to work better. At no point did I fee like you would be in any danger of getting sideways or having any legal issues, as long as you have the 4457.

The CBP agent didnt have a clue how to even take a bolt out for a lady, who likewise had no idea it would come out. I had to offer to show where the lever was, and he quickly accepted. He was very nice about it, but not knowledgeable of firearms.

We had a very helpful Airline employee that escorted everyone to the TSA inspection. He was there to help, but not in a major hurry. If you have 4 hours for layover, you are fine no matter the situation. Dont get too excited and roll with the punches.

 

[R.M.C.]

Interesting posts. I started this thread before my trip and can now report that I had no issues going or returning, except for a brief conversation with the ticket agent at the Jo'burg airport regarding ammo in a separate locked compartment of my suitcase. I had no trouble at all at Newark airport. The inspectors--not sure if they were Customs or TSA--were very polite and efficient and my luggage and rifle case made it on the connecting flight with no problem.

That's good!!! I'm probably taking that route next July so I'm glad to hear you didn't have trouble.
Just out of curiosity, could I ask how much baggage you had with you and what they charged for it? Thanks!!

 

[slam8031]

United allows on cattle class international a carry on and personal item (I took a back pack and roller hard side carry on), and two fifty pound (23kg) suitcases. I tend to travel light for safari so all my essentials except rifle were carryon and ammo and stuff I was giving away was checked bag.

 

[Deleted member 40394]

Will be taking this route in July 2022. Being 6’ 2” 300 lb probably not be fun for 17 hours plane ride.

 

[R.M.C.]

Will be taking this route in July 2022. Being 6’ 2” 300 lb probably not be fun for 17 hours plane ride.

Its handy being a little guy sometimes lol I'm 5'5" and 140 soaking wet and the plane seats still suck lol

 

[cal pappas]

I flew this route twice this summer. NO issues with the flight but coming back through customs and the rifle check was a bit of a cluster. Just allow 4 hours to you connecting flight and you'll be fine. No gun issues with New Jersey at all.

 

[Nevada Wapati]

I fly the route September 4th but no hassle with firearms. Using the outfitters rifle makes it a lot easier. But I do miss my own rifles.