Considering changing itineraries

[btheis13]

I was wanting to bring my own rifle to RSA for my first safari. I understood traveling with a rifle has its challenges, and I was ok dealing with them. After searching for airfare over the last few months I came to the realization that it was going to cost over $2000 more just to take my own rifle.

United or delta flights direct to Johannesburg are approx $500 more each than BA flights with layover in London. x 4 tickets.

Plus cost of ammo, using rifle service in JNB, etc.

Is there any other airlines I should consider flying from Chicago (economy seats)?

 

[Red Leg]

I was wanting to bring my own rifle to RSA for my first safari. I understood traveling with a rifle has its challenges, and I was ok dealing with them. After searching for airfare over the last few months I came to the realization that it was going to cost over $2000 more just to take my own rifle.

United or delta flights direct to Johannesburg are approx $500 more each than BA flights with layover in London. x 4 tickets.

Plus cost of ammo, using rifle service in JNB, etc.

Is there any other airlines I should consider flying from Chicago (economy seats)?

This is something you absolutely do not want to work individually on your first safari. Either Travel Express (a sponsor) or Gracy Travel are in the business of working travel options for hunters with firearms. = or the places hunters may go without them.

International Hunting & Safari Travel Agents in Corvallis, MT | Travel Express

Travel Express is a hunting and safari travel agency who books excursions to Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Central Asia. Click here to learn about their discounted airfare to Africa!

www.travelexpressagency.com

Home | Gracy Travel

Debbie Gracy founded Gracy Travel International for hunting enthusiasts worldwide. Over decades, our team of experts, rich in experience and passion, has evolved with the travel industry. We've adopted new technology and diversified our services. Yet, our core remains: unwavering dedication to...

www.gracytravel.com

I have been traveling internationally my whole adult professional life and always depend upon one of these two for this sort of adventure. They are both excellent.

 

[375Fox]

I can’t recommend a different airline but You might also consider going during non-peak travel times if you can. September is still a good month for hunting Africa but not as busy as May-August. If an outfitter has the flexibility I’ve shifted hunt dates a few days forward or back as well to get better airfares.

 

[JimP]

On my first safari I used Travel Express and they steered me away from some airlines that I was thinking about when I was planning on doing it myself.

We also found that we saved quite a bit of money flying Tuesday through Thursday, forgetting about Mondays and Fridays, not to mention weekends. It was surprising at the difference in fares going mid week.

 

[Mountaineer]

Ethiopian Airlines

 

[btheis13]

Ethiopian Airlines

It would only be a 40 minute layover or 7.5 hours.

 

[ActionBob]

Air France is another option. Long layovers both ways in Paris though. But worth checking prices.

Travel with guns is another agency. They charge a fee, like a consultant. Although I think Travel Express does as well now. Much more transparent

 

[Mountaineer]

There are several threads about this sing Ethiopian. People make the flight with guns. Just communicate with everyone and have your paperwork in order.

 

[Mekaniks]

It would only be a 40 minute layover or 7.5 hours.

@Red Leg and a couple others have given you the best advice. Hire one of the travel agents that specialize in traveling with guns. You won't be sorry....

 

[62flint]

I checked with travel express and gracey for my next trip to south africa just a few days ago. Flying with a gun does indeed cost more. The orginal poster is corect I was quoted about $500 more per ticket with a gun vs with out. Not sure what I am going to do at the moment. Also I noticed the tickets where more through the agency than direct from the air line.

 

[btheis13]

Just to clarify, I will now be renting a rifle from PH.

 

[wesheltonj]

Without a gun you have lots of choices. With a gun, BA but high gun fee. Qatar, Emirates, Turkish higher gun fee. Lufthansa, KLM, Air France.