Qatar, Dallas, Doha, Johannesburg question

[AZDAVE]

Can someone who has flown this route with firearms, and has time to take a phone call please PM with a time available to chat. I am looking to get an idea of the processes and what to expect. Thank you in advance

 

[YancyW]

I would be interested also. If there is anything you can share after, please do so.

 

[Chad '06]

I am interested as well.

 

[Philip Glass]

I will also consider this route in the future. It will depend on pricing for business class as it is a very long route.

 

[dailordasailor]

I’m taking that trip April 1st. Hoping all goes smooth

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I am taking the Houston-Doha-Johannesburg route May 28th. Travel Express is handling tickets and all Jennifer said was she needs my gun info ahead of time and will take care of in-transit paperwork needed.
Hope to here of others experience traveling this route.
I am flying business class and got lucky with only a 4 hour layover going and 2 1/2 hour on return.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

@AZDAVE Get a hold of @riflepermits.com. I am sure that they will sort you out.

 

[autofire]

I am planning to take these flights v Delta from Atl to Jberg this summer biz class. I would appreciate anyones input re positive or negative experiences.

 

[Scott CWO]

I am business/first class American Airlines from Denver to Dallas and then Qatar from Dallas to Doha to JNB then Airlink from JNB to Maun Botswana. I’m not spending the night in JNB because the Qatar flight lands at 4am so I can get to Maun the same day.

I will check gun to Dallas and re-check it on Qatar through to JNB. Claim luggage in JNB and check it on Airlink to Maun. I will have a SA gun permit in case of problems and have Gracy Travel rep meet me in JNB both ways just in case. The rep is probably not needed but I hate the JNB airport and it’s worth the little bit of money to me and piece of mind.

I have flown through JNB several times before on my way the same day to Zimbabwe and Mozambique on SAA and didn’t need the SA gun permit because I wasn’t spending the night or switching airline carriers. Of course SAA isn’t an option anymore so it’s more of a pain now but 14 days in Botswana is worth it to me.

On a trip to Zim in 2012, I missed my connection in JNB to Harare due to a mechanical issue that kept my flight from leaving Dulles on time. There were a lot of other hunters on the flight as well. Luckily there was another flight to Harare in the late afternoon that we all got on. Although my bags were to be checked through to Harare on the original connection that I missed, the Gracy rep and I went to the SAA baggage office and had someone find them for me because Gracy recommend that I claim the bags and keep them during the extra long layover. I rechecked them just before the afternoon Harare flight instead of letting them get lost in the bowels of the JNB baggage area during the extra long layover. This turned out to be a very wise move because when I got to Harare, my bags made it and the other hunters bags didn’t make it to Harare until the next day. Gracy has people on the ground in JNB, which can come in handy.

 

[Scott CWO]

I am planning to take these flights v Delta from Atl to Jberg this summer biz class. I would appreciate anyones input re positive or negative experiences.

Right now, Delta and United have cancelled all flights to JNB thanks to Biden. You will have to see if they decide to try again later. Perhaps you know this already. Just wanted to make sure.

 

[Areaonereal]

I flew thru Chicago to Doha to JNB about 14 months ago with a firearm, anyone can PM me with a phone number and I Would be glad to share any information. Flying Qatar Air was a step up over the Delta Cattle Car. I used Travel Express And Lori took care of the Qatar paper work regarding the firearm.

 

[sphillips]

Lori is rebooking me on Qatar as well. Looks like I’ll have a late night layover in DOH from ORD. Beggars can’t be choosy and glad that Qatar is stepping up and capitalizing on cancellations by other airlines.

 

[festuscat]

I don’t have much to add, but just spoke with someone who flys quite often from SA to the US and back. He arrived here just last week and will be returning next week.
He flew Qatar -Houston-DOH- JNB and said it’s the best airline he’s been on in years.
He is not traveling with a gun, however.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am taking the Houston-Doha-Johannesburg route May 28th. Travel Express is handling tickets and all Jennifer said was she needs my gun info ahead of time and will take care of in-transit paperwork needed.
Hope to here of others experience traveling this route.
I am flying business class and got lucky with only a 4 hour layover going and 2 1/2 hour on return.

Very good connections! I also want to try the QSuite Business class on Qatar.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have all my travel booked and confirmed.

Since American and Qatar are in the same group. I am looking to talk about did you check your bags all the way through from home airport through dallas and bags transferred from stateside carrier to Qatar with no problems or did you have to pickup bags in dallas and then recheck on Qatar. Then what is your opinion of Qatar airlines as all on Africa flights have been Delta in the past. When getting off the plane in Doha what is the process and what is there to do while waiting for the joberb connection?

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Since this is my first trip on Qatar and traveling alone. I also will book the Al Maha Services Transit Service for Doha. Fee is minimal to me. It includes meet at exit of plane, assistance with security and transfer, access to Oryx Lounge and escort to aircraft for departure.

 

[Rick HOlbert]

Good day to all. I used Qatar Airways for my last trip to Namibia. Service was outstanding. Didn't have to go through Joberg as Qatar has a flight direct into Windhoek. No overnight stay in Joberg. Actual transit time is a little longer but worth it. Flew from New Orleans on American Airlines to Dallas to make connection with Qatar Airways. The only rub was American's policy of not transferring Firearms and ammo to connecting flights. Had to go to baggage claim, pick up my gun case and checked baggage then go to the international terminal to check in with Qatar. Also Qatar has a form which you have to submit to them 5 days minimum to departure claiming traveling with firearm and ammo. Ammo cannot exceed 5 kilo in weight. If using a travel agency they will assist you with this. Coming bac your bags are check through to your final destination as Qatar has no such restrictions. Check in with Qatar was trouble free and quick.
If you'd like to discuss the matter further I can be contacted at (225) 916-6910 0800 thru 2000Hrs 7 days a week. Glad to help out.

 

[autofire]

Right now, Delta and United have cancelled all flights to JNB thanks to Biden. You will have to see if they decide to try again later. Perhaps you know this already. Just wanted to make sure.

thanks my message wasnt clear. i intend to fly houston doha jberg gabaronne via emirates instead of delta. so if anyone has any insight as to emirates flight i would appreciate your insight.

 

[Rick HOlbert]

Right now you may have problems going through South Africa with Biden’s travel restrictions due to the new strain of COVID that has surfaced there. Sorry about that.

 

[Scott CWO]

Right now you may have problems going through South Africa with Biden’s travel restrictions due to the new strain of COVID that has surfaced there. Sorry about that.

If you read Biden’s BS, it doesn’t ban US citizens.