Which airlines are "Firearm Friendly"? And which airlines are not?

[Ontario Hunter]

Oh no, not Air

If you are going to do that, use an Agent. Air France requires Written approval. And I hope you speak French.

Oh no, not Air France! Bad news for guns. Horror stories abound with that outfit. I'm sure they rank worst in the world for customer service ... and proud of it.

 

[TRAVEL EXPRESS]

Is is possible to take guns through Heathrow.... yes. But there are MANY ways you can get tripped-up, so we try try not to use them when there are other options. Best to book with an experienced travel advisor when flying with weapons.

 

[montanabull]

Emirates. I just returned from SA flying Emirates from SEA to JNB through Dubai. The Emirates process was simple and easy. Just make sure to fill out the Emirates specific approval form at least a couple weeks prior to your flight (presuming you already have your 4457 in order) - it's on their website (link: https://www.emirates.com/us/english/help/forms/firearms-weapons-ammunition/). They'll email you when it's approved then print everything out and take it with you. Also, I chose to give the JNB security guy - who checks and takes your rifle after you check in for your flight - a $20 to ensure my rifle got on my plane.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Is is possible to take guns through Heathrow.... yes. But there are MANY ways you can get tripped-up, so we try try not to use them when there are other options. Best to book with an experienced travel advisor when flying with weapons.

I used Jennifer at Travel Express to make the travel plans, side trips and hotel stay before my last safari. I can't imagine trying to make hunting travel plans without them again.

 

[sgt_zim]

I've heard just enough stories about issues with UA and Delta that I avoid them, "gun friendly" though they may be.

I recently flew round trip to Jo'burg with Qatar, they were excellent.

My best friend has platinum status with UA, so that's what he flew, from Houston via Newark. There were a number of other hunters on his flight, 8 or 10, as I recall. They all arrived at JNB without their rifles, all still sitting at the airport in Newark.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I've heard just enough stories about issues with UA and Delta that I avoid them, "gun friendly" though they may be.

I recently flew round trip to Jo'burg with Qatar, they were excellent.

My best friend has platinum status with UA, so that's what he flew, from Houston via Newark. There were a number of other hunters on his flight, 8 or 10, as I recall. They all arrived at JNB without their rifles, all still sitting at the airport in Newark.

I also flew Qatar on my last trip. No problems.

 

[DLSJR]

I've heard just enough stories about issues with UA and Delta that I avoid them, "gun friendly" though they may be.

I recently flew round trip to Jo'burg with Qatar, they were excellent.

My best friend has platinum status with UA, so that's what he flew, from Houston via Newark. There were a number of other hunters on his flight, 8 or 10, as I recall. They all arrived at JNB without their rifles, all still sitting at the airport in Newark.

This is exactly why I fly Qatar or Emirates if they fly to where I’m going. I know my guns will arrive without worry. I also avoid places like Newark and London when flying with guns.

 

[280AI]

Emirates. I just returned from SA flying Emirates from SEA to JNB through Dubai. The Emirates process was simple and easy. Just make sure to fill out the Emirates specific approval form at least a couple weeks prior to your flight (presuming you already have your 4457 in order) - it's on their website (link: https://www.emirates.com/us/english/help/forms/firearms-weapons-ammunition/). They'll email you when it's approved then print everything out and take it with you. Also, I chose to give the JNB security guy - who checks and takes your rifle after you check in for your flight - a $20 to ensure my rifle got on my plane.

@montanabull, There's four of us looking to fly May 30th, 2025 from Seattle. Which layover did you decided on and Econ or Business?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[montanabull]

@montanabull, There's four of us looking to fly May 30th, 2025 from Seattle. Which layover did you decided on and Econ or Business?

Thanks in advance!!

Flew business. Did layover in Dubai. It's an 8 hour layover from SEA->JNB and with an Emirates business ticket you can apply for a comp'd hotel room, which I got. However, that comped hotel is outside the airport so you have to exit and re-enter. I hate going through customs and security more than I have to so I opted to stay at the in-airport hotel, Dubai International Hotel, which was around $300 USD. Got four hours of decent sleep and a shower. that matters to me as I don't sleep much on planes (I'm 6'5"). Flights were 777-ER and an A380 on each leg, reverse on way back. The a380 leg (JNB<->Dubai) in business is pretty great as they have a full bar and lounge at the back of the upper deck. Having a proper manhattan at 38k feet while hanging out at the bar is slick. I've flown internationally for business for nearly 30 years and Emirates business class is the most affordable int'l business class you can buy (thank the oil royals) and a really good product overall. Not as good as Qatar but in the top 3, I would say.

 

[280AI]

Flew business. Did layover in Dubai. It's an 8 hour layover from SEA->JNB and with an Emirates business ticket you can apply for a comp'd hotel room, which I got. However, that comped hotel is outside the airport so you have to exit and re-enter. I hate going through customs and security more than I have to so I opted to stay at the in-airport hotel, Dubai International Hotel, which was around $300 USD. Got four hours of decent sleep and a shower. that matters to me as I don't sleep much on planes (I'm 6'5"). Flights were 777-ER and an A380 on each leg, reverse on way back. The a380 leg (JNB<->Dubai) in business is pretty great as they have a full bar and lounge at the back of the upper deck. Having a proper manhattan at 38k feet while hanging out at the bar is slick. I've flown internationally for business for nearly 30 years and Emirates business class is the most affordable int'l business class you can buy (thank the oil royals) and a really good product overall. Not as good as Qatar but in the top 3, I would say.

We are looking at going econ and the layover is about 4hr 30mins. I was wondering if the layover was enough to get to our next gate?

Trying to avoid Delta if I can. I will also be traveling with a Suppressor if that matters.

 

[sgt_zim]

Flew business. Did layover in Dubai. It's an 8 hour layover from SEA->JNB and with an Emirates business ticket you can apply for a comp'd hotel room, which I got. However, that comped hotel is outside the airport so you have to exit and re-enter. I hate going through customs and security more than I have to so I opted to stay at the in-airport hotel, Dubai International Hotel, which was around $300 USD. Got four hours of decent sleep and a shower. that matters to me as I don't sleep much on planes (I'm 6'5"). Flights were 777-ER and an A380 on each leg, reverse on way back. The a380 leg (JNB<->Dubai) in business is pretty great as they have a full bar and lounge at the back of the upper deck. Having a proper manhattan at 38k feet while hanging out at the bar is slick. I've flown internationally for business for nearly 30 years and Emirates business class is the most affordable int'l business class you can buy (thank the oil royals) and a really good product overall. Not as good as Qatar but in the top 3, I would say.

Qatar is a bit less expensive than Emirates when flying out of IAH. We're definitely going to opt for Q-Suites next time we go over, really isn't THAT much more than econ+, which is what we flew in August.

 

[montanabull]

We are looking at going econ and the layover is about 4hr 30mins. I was wondering if the layover was enough to get to our next gate?

Trying to avoid Delta if I can. I will also be traveling with a Suppressor if that matters.

4.5 hours is plenty of time. I use apple airtags in all my bags as well - mostly peace of mind, but has helped me locate my rifles when 'lost' (Vancouver, Canada is the worst at this).

 

[montanabull]

We are looking at going econ and the layover is about 4hr 30mins. I was wondering if the layover was enough to get to our next gate?

Trying to avoid Delta if I can. I will also be traveling with a Suppressor if that matters.

make sure you have your suppressors on your 4457 form as well. US CBP will check all serials on your return.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I've heard just enough stories about issues with UA and Delta that I avoid them, "gun friendly" though they may be.

I recently flew round trip to Jo'burg with Qatar, they were excellent.

My best friend has platinum status with UA, so that's what he flew, from Houston via Newark. There were a number of other hunters on his flight, 8 or 10, as I recall. They all arrived at JNB without their rifles, all still sitting at the airport in Newark.

EWR is a cluster****. need to allow plenty of time between flights to make sure baggage gets transferred.

 

[sgt_zim]

EWR is a cluster****. need to allow plenty of time between flights to make sure baggage gets transferred.

That's certainly true.

I've heard of it happening enough there that I have a difficult time believing it's accidental.