Qatar Airways + Firearms

[PHOENIX PHIL]

July 2024 I used PWP travel and flew Qatar out of DFW; it took over 3 hours to get checked in with my guns; with it taking so long to get checked in the TSA precheck was closed so I had to go through the full security check and when I made it to my gate they had already started boarding.

Probably the most frustrating travel experience of my life and unless I have a Q Suite I will not be flying Qatar again.

I find that surprising and it makes me think you ran into a less than stellar day for QA and its group working check in. I've flown QA twice, both times out of Houston. The second time the staff at check-in was expecting us. One of their folks spotted us waiting in line which we were already at prior to starting the process. He pulled us out of line and took us directly to the front like we were flying Q Suite even though we were coach.

A few minutes later we were headed to TSA to have the rifles checked by them and sent to the plane. A few minutes after that we were enjoying cold ones near the gate.

I do highly recommend using a travel agent when flying QA as they have a bit of a process for flying with weapons the travel agent assists with. But the fact they ensure you don't board the plane without your weapons being on board I found to be very comforting.

 

[sgt_zim]

July 2024 I used PWP travel and flew Qatar out of DFW; it took over 3 hours to get checked in with my guns; with it taking so long to get checked in the TSA precheck was closed so I had to go through the full security check and when I made it to my gate they had already started boarding.

Probably the most frustrating travel experience of my life and unless I have a Q Suite I will not be flying Qatar again.

I had the exact opposite experience out of IAH last August. Check in at the Q-suite/first class desk, escorted directly to TSA to have my guns checked, watched them put it on the conveyor. Then checked the rest of my luggage, went through pre-check, and waited about 2.5 hours for boarding to start.

 

[deewayne2003]

I find that surprising and it makes me think you ran into a less than stellar day for QA and its group working check in. I've flown QA twice, both times out of Houston. The second time the staff at check-in was expecting us. One of their folks spotted us waiting in line which we were already at prior to starting the process. He pulled us out of line and took us directly to the front like we were flying Q Suite even though we were coach.

A few minutes later we were headed to TSA to have the rifles checked by them and sent to the plane. A few minutes after that we were enjoying cold ones near the gate.

I do highly recommend using a travel agent when flying QA as they have a bit of a process for flying with weapons the travel agent assists with. But the fact they ensure you don't board the plane without your weapons being on board I found to be very comforting.

I don't know about it being a bad day for them, they certainly noticed me standing there with a rifle case and waited for me to spend 2 hours making my way through the entire coach line, only when I made it to the front of the line was I told that with firearms I should be in the business line. So I moved to the business line and went through the entire length of that line as well.

Then upon making it to the counter they had my paperwork, but because of a change in the QA form it had to be filled out again by the manager while 4 other people looked over his shoulder watching how to fill out the form.

After filling out the form and asking my ammo weight, they checked in my bag and pointed me to a door 100yds from the QA counter and told me to take my guns there for TSA. I went to the door and waited for 20min and nothing happened so I walked back and asked if I was at the correct place, they assured me it was correct and then someone said they forgot to notify TSA to meet me, so back I go and met with TSA to take the rifle case.

 

[Scott CWO]

I don't know about it being a bad day for them, they certainly noticed me standing there with a rifle case and waited for me to spend 2 hours making my way through the entire coach line, only when I made it to the front of the line was I told that with firearms I should be in the business line. So I moved to the business line and went through the entire length of that line as well.

Then upon making it to the counter they had my paperwork, but because of a change in the QA form it had to be filled out again by the manager while 4 other people looked over his shoulder watching how to fill out the form.

After filling out the form and asking my ammo weight, they checked in my bag and pointed me to a door 100yds from the QA counter and told me to take my guns there for TSA. I went to the door and waited for 20min and nothing happened so I walked back and asked if I was at the correct place, they assured me it was correct and then someone said they forgot to notify TSA to meet me, so back I go and met with TSA to take the rifle case.

I don’t know why but I agree DFW is definitely slower than Houston. I’ve done them both with Qatar.

 

[Russ16]

2020 I flew Qatar to Baku via Doha. Booked the whole thing myself. Check in at IAD was seamless. They had someone come in the plane to tell me my gun had been loaded for each flight. Had a moderately long layover on the way back (midnight-6:00 am) so I got a sleeping room in the business class lounge. The lounge and sleeping room were great.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I don't know about it being a bad day for them, they certainly noticed me standing there with a rifle case and waited for me to spend 2 hours making my way through the entire coach line, only when I made it to the front of the line was I told that with firearms I should be in the business line. So I moved to the business line and went through the entire length of that line as well.

Then upon making it to the counter they had my paperwork, but because of a change in the QA form it had to be filled out again by the manager while 4 other people looked over his shoulder watching how to fill out the form.

After filling out the form and asking my ammo weight, they checked in my bag and pointed me to a door 100yds from the QA counter and told me to take my guns there for TSA. I went to the door and waited for 20min and nothing happened so I walked back and asked if I was at the correct place, they assured me it was correct and then someone said they forgot to notify TSA to meet me, so back I go and met with TSA to take the rifle case.

Eesh, no bueno. I think I’m with Scott, one more reason to avoid DFW.

 

[expresshunt]

I have used Qatar and Emirates 3 times Australia to Kyrgyzstan...( via Dubia or Doha) and both times the staff knew what to do very well. And yes I have 4 copies of everything.
If trophies in my return luggage.. (skulls, horns, skin).. I also pre make up a note / tag on luggage handle.. saying eg.. Enclosed is a export treated and dried Mid Asian Ibex skull and horns.. a photocopy of Export documentation is in side pocket.
I now do this, as half way through my 1st such trip and flight home, another loading scan saw the horns.. and pulled me from the boarding area, a police car to xray area, I explained and handed them my Export docs, All ok and back on the plane.. that was by now waiting on me.. I thought the rifle box was the concern, but no it was the xray pic of rare shaped rhino horns which were infact ibex horns...

 

[Kai Wang]

I flew out Miami to Johannesburg via Qatar May 2024. I did it myself, handed my gun case at the ticket counter, and all the papers: 4457, SAPS permit.
Everything went smoothly. The departure plane was delayed about 4 hours. When it finally started
boarding, the person that registered my gun case was waiting at the gate, to double check that I
am boarding the plane. I put an apple Airtag in my gun case.
Lesson learned: when you come back and go through the customs, you should tell them that I have
a checked gun case. I didn't know that. I have a global entry so I quickly pass the customs and wait
at the carousal for my gun case. I didn't come out, and I heard they were calling my name. The airline
already passed my gun case to CBP. They just briefly looked at it, then asked me if I killed a lion. haha

 

[hed43]

Does anybody who has flown with Qatar recently have a copy of the latest "Declaration Of Surrender Of Firearms" firm they can share with me? I'm heading to JNB with them next month and am trying to get my "ducks in a row".

 

[sgt_zim]

Does anybody who has flown with Qatar recently have a copy of the latest "Declaration Of Surrender Of Firearms" firm they can share with me? I'm heading to JNB with them next month and am trying to get my "ducks in a row".

When I went last August, I did that at check-in as I recall.

 

[wesheltonj]

Does anybody who has flown with Qatar recently have a copy of the latest "Declaration Of Surrender Of Firearms" firm they can share with me? I'm heading to JNB with them next month and am trying to get my "ducks in a row".

They should have it at the counter when you check in. It's now two pages front and back. Just sign and go.

 

[Doug3006]

I have flown on the Arab Airlines several times. Each one was for a safari in Africa. The first time I went coach, and as others have pointed out, it’s a very long time in a very small seat. My two trips in business class, on the other hand, were splendid. So if you are considering business class, Qatar and Emirates are a great way to go.

 

[wesheltonj]

Unless something has changed, I was told you cannot leave the airport if you travel with firearms. Check with Gracy Travel. They have the most experience with Qatar and certain countries.

I realize that this is an old thread, wondering if someone can shed some light on what the situation is with respect to firearms and stopovers in Qatar. The have a discover qatar offer where you can stay at a luxury hotel for a couple of days when flying through there for almost no money. I thought it would be a nice treat for my wife after a couple of weeks in the bush but can't find any information on whether or not you can do this if flying with firearms. Any help appreciated. Thanks

Yes you can leave the airport with Qatar. I took the Visit Qatar stopover tour. However, it's just a few hours. I have no idea about leaving for days.

On Emirates, I've read elsewhere it's not a problem that the Dubai Police will store your gun while you are visiting.

 

[wesheltonj]

Eesh, no bueno. I think I’m with Scott, one more reason to avoid DFW.

I will take DFW over IAH any day.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I will take DFW over IAH any day.

Not sure I could tell you over the last 10 years when a flight for my wife and/or son going thru DFW did not involve a terminal change and rather extreme delay. Can't say I've had a long history with IAH, but each time has been a cake walk for me anyway.

 

[Russ16]

Not sure I could tell you over the last 10 years when a flight for my wife and/or son going thru DFW did not involve a terminal change and rather extreme delay. Can't say I've had a long history with IAH, but each time has been a cake walk for me anyway.

I’ve flown well over 100,000k domestic miles a year for the last 20+ years. I fly through DFW 35+ times a year. It is one of easiest airports to navigate and most comfortable to sit in. Terminal changes aren’t a big deal because the skylink train is quick and efficient. Way better than Houston and don’t get me started on the other major hubs (ATL, ORD, DIA, etc).

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I’ve flown well over 100,000k domestic miles a year for the last 20+ years. I fly through DFW 35+ times a year. It is one of easiest airports to navigate and most comfortable to sit in. Terminal changes aren’t a big deal because the skylink train is quick and efficient. Way better than Houston and don’t get me started on the other major hubs (ATL, ORD, DIA, etc).

Well maybe it's an American Airlines thing? All I know is what we've experienced and my wife is from the Dallas area, so we're quite familiar with DFW. I won't disagree with you regarding ATL, I definitely don't care for that airport.

 

[wesheltonj]

Well maybe it's an American Airlines thing? All I know is what we've experienced and my wife is from the Dallas area, so we're quite familiar with DFW. I won't disagree with you regarding ATL, I definitely don't care for that airport.

Bring at the end of the spoke, I alway have to fly through a hub or drive to one. IAH is just a patchwork of terminals. It’s a real pain. Subway train, overhead train, long walks and United Airlines. No thanks.

While AA can and does change terminals and gates constantly, it’s very manageable with the Skylink. I am sure while others may not have the same opinion about ATL, I find it’s also a very easy airport. The underground train will get you to the terminals quickly.

 

[Russ16]

Well maybe it's an American Airlines thing? All I know is what we've experienced and my wife is from the Dallas area, so we're quite familiar with DFW. I won't disagree with you regarding ATL, I definitely don't care for that airport.

I fly almost exclusively American Airlines they deal with weather like everyone else but DFW handles it as well as anyone.

 

[analog_peninsula]

Another Skylink fan here. As long as you don’t go outside of security, it’s terrific.