As I predicted, the transit through Newark with firearms was as convoluted and mysterious as I thought it might be. On the way out from Vancouver-Joberg, we were happily surprised that we were pre-approved and checked through to Joberg from Vancouver, so we didn’t have to endure the silly USA customs clearance and re-claim and drop off of bags in Newark.
On the way back, we got the full display of stupidity from the USA border security and airport security.
All travellers with rifles including the USA citizens had to clear customs, Border security, and firearms inspection and permits. I’m glad I got the USA "temporary importation of firearms and ammunition by non immigrant aliens" form 6NIA approved before my flights, even though I was told numerous times by various people it was not necessary for a Canadian citizen transiting in a USA airport . One guy was not so lucky and was detained because he didn’t have the form 6NIA. None of the USA border security or TSA agents would give any advice or answer any questions. They asked the questions, travellers gave answers, that’s the end of discussion.
To Delta’s credit, they anticipated delays and problems for us, and actually sent an agent to meet us at the arrivals gate with a sign with my name on it, escorted us through the Border security inspections and re- checking of luggage and the extra inspection of the firearms by TSA somewhere in the basement depths of the airport. They Re-printed my baggage claims tags, gave me new boarding passes, just to make sure we had all they could do for us. All this took more than three hours.
Evan and I had to change terminals, beg and cajole our way to the front of the transit bus line up, run a long distance to catch our flight once we got to the international departures terminal, then the boarding gate was closed already but the attendant re-opened for us and let us on when they noticed the firearm case was already listed as loaded in the baggage hold.
My regular suitcase with the ammunition inside didn’t make it on that flight to Vancouver, so I had to file a missing bag report in Vancouver. Thank goodness I had Apple Airtags in all my bags. I always knew where they were, even if the airport or airline didn't. The airtags also helped solve a little mystery with my misplaced rifle case on the way out through Joberg too. That was quickly resolved when I showed and agent where it was.
After arriving in Saskatoon, Air Canada delivered my bag to my home the next day, very effective service under the circumstances.
So I’m not sure what advice to give you about anyone transiting via Newark with or without firearms. Seems like that there is a silly bunch of rules and procedures that might be avoided by choosing a different airport. Or avoiding the USA entirely. It took me six weeks to get approval for the USA transit form 6NIA. And I had to buy a USA hunting licence to get things started. The first application was three weeks waiting, then rejected and they sent me to the back of the line for not having a ZIP code in my address. We use postal codes in Canada, no ZIP codes. So I had to re-apply and explain that and put my postal code in the ZIP code slot with a note. Still had to beg the USA border agents for approval after another three weeks. Got my permit only one week before departure.