How much to take rifle to South Africa?

[Washingtonmuley]

I am booked on Emirates for next week. The problem is that I do not want to get to the ticket counter and then get nailed with the extra charge. I will try and talk with a real person if I can find a phone number that someone will answer.

 

[Washingtonmuley]

Never been charged by either Emirates or Delta for my Pelican 1750 as second checked bag. I’m flying Emirates next week SEA-DXB-HRE and I don’t expect any additional charge.

Is there a difference with what class you fly as we are flying economy?

 

[IdaRam]

Is there a difference with what class you fly as we are flying economy?

I don't believe so @Washingtonmuley , I have only traveled economy as well.
In some cases I think business class might get you an additional bag(s) at no charge, but I wouldn't think it would change anything for size and weight restrictions. I really don't know for sure though.
And I really, really don't believe you are going to have any problem. It would be the first time I have heard of it if you do. And there is also the possibility that by raising the issue you can create an issue where there need be none

 

[JimP]

Have you checked out Enirate's online information yet? And have you submitted the firearm paperwork to them?

There is a lot of information on their web site along with a live chat where you can ask questions.

https://www.emirates.com/us/english...firearms-weapons-and-ammunition-in-my-baggage

 

[cagkt3]

I flew Emirates in March, no extra fee for a Pelican 1750 (exterior is 53").

 

[Philip Glass]

I just confirmed with emirates and that is the charge. Don't fly emirates if you want to take firearm. Already learning lessons and I haven't even left. I hope it doesn't continue. The gun stays home!!

Get a travel agent that specializes in traveling with guns and take your own gun! I would not want to hunt without my own guns. Emirates is no problem just need to know the procedures and permits. Again the travel agent will take care of it all.
My two cents from many Safaris.
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Emirates so far has been the best airline I have used for traveling with firearms. Last year I was met by an Emirates representative at the Alaska Airlines gate, accompanied to baggage and assisted with getting rifles rechecked onto Emirates. The representative then came on board before departure to confirm for me that my bags had been loaded onto the aircraft.
On the way back a representative was waiting to assist me in Seattle when I cleared customs and made sure firearms arrived and I got on my way to Alaska Airlines for the final leg home. It felt like VIP service both ways! The experience I had with Emirates was so far superior to Delta in every way, and for much less money, I will likely not fly Delta again unless I have to.
I would just book with Emirates and not worry about it. They seemed much more worried about getting me and my guns where I was going, and treating me in a very respectful and professional manner, than anything else.

Wow thanks for the report on Emirates. That’s great.
Phili

 

[Washingtonmuley]

I am booked on Emirates for next week. The problem is that I do not want to get to the ticket counter and then get nailed with the extra charge. I will try and talk with a real person if I can find a phone number that someone will answer.

I don't believe so @Washingtonmuley , I have only traveled economy as well.
In some cases I think business class might get you an additional bag(s) at no charge, but I wouldn't think it would change anything for size and weight restrictions. I really don't know for sure though.
And I really, really don't believe you are going to have any problem. It would be the first time I have heard of it if you do. And there is also the possibility that by raising the issue you can create an issue where there need be none

I hear you.What are the overall measurements of your case? Let me know if you get charged.

 

[IdaRam]

I hear you.What are the overall measurements of your case? Let me know if you get charged.

My rifle case is a Pelican 1750. Approximately 53”x16”x6”
Will do

 

[Washingtonmuley]

My rifle case is a Pelican 1750. Approximately 53”x16”x6”
Will do

Your case is pretty close to mine. When do you leave? I am extremely curious to see what they tell you.

 

[IdaRam]

Your case is pretty close to mine. When do you leave? I am extremely curious to see what they tell you.

No issues, no charges. Emirates was on top things even when Alaska checked bags all the way through to Dubai, even after I told them not to. Emirates rep bird dogged them in Seattle, brought them to the counter and had paperwork all filled out. I just had to sign once they checked serial numbers.
The Purser on the flight from DXB to HRE checked to verify my bags had made it onto the plane after my overnight in Dubai and came to my seat to let me know my guns were on board. Outstanding.

 

[Red Leg]

Your case is pretty close to mine. When do you leave? I am extremely curious to see what they tell you.

I have done an enormous amount of international flying - with and without a firearm. I would never go overseas with one without using a travel agent with experience booking hunters. I have personally used Gracy Travel for more than a decade. They have saved me thousands of dollars, untold hours of aggravation, and never a surprise - ever. I flew Emirates last October (business class) to Johannesburg and it was an outstanding trip.

 

[WAB]

I’m on my 6th safari. I have flown DL 200/201, ATL-JoBurg on each trip. I use the double rifle Pelican cases and have never been charged. The few issues I have had have been with the regional airlines as I am typically jumping off to somewhere remote from JoBurg.

 

[WAB]

Good comment above about not creating an issue by asking too many questions.

 

[Washingtonmuley]

Update: I took my rifle with no extra charge and everything went smooth. Trip update to come as I just got home.

 

[davisj3537]

Damn and here I just bought a case that fits inside the 59" total dimensions requirement so I didn't have to deal with this. Had to pull the barreled action out of the stock to make it fit. For me that's no big deal because the action is bedded and repeatable, but would be a larger deal for others. With that said, from reading this thread it seems like a non issue.

 

[Washingtonmuley]

Not an issue if you use it as one of your 2 allowed checked bags.