Flying Delta with guns

[aminkus]

I am in the early stages of planning my next hunt to Zimbabwe. I have flown Qatar three times on my past hunts and the flight time and layovers just don't seem to match up with my destination of vic falls , Zimbabwe. I will be hunting about 2hrs away from vic falls in and around the communal lands by Hwange park. I was wondering what everyone's experience has been flying with guns on Delta to Johannesburg and then on to VIc falls the following morning.

 

[sureshot375]

Delta is easy. I’ve flown with firearms on delta dozens of times. You just show up, declare it unloaded. Take the rifle to the designated oversized tsa inspection area. No big deal.

Your flight from joberg to Vic falls may require a email in advance and special fee. Ammo may need to be in a separate locked container. This is the process for SA Airlink. Allow plenty of time. Maybe consider having whoever is handling your firearms permits on hand to assist.

 

[aminkus]

Delta is easy. I’ve flown with firearms on delta dozens of times. You just show up, declare it unloaded. Take the rifle to the designated oversized tsa inspection area. No big deal.

Your flight from joberg to Vic falls may require a email in advance and special fee. Ammo may need to be in a separate locked container. This is the process for SA Airlink. Allow plenty of time. Maybe consider having whoever is handling your firearms permits on hand to assist.

I have always used henry rifle permits and i will use them again to help clear the guns with Airlink.
And I always have the ammo in a locked separate Ammo case, so no problem on that front
What time does the Delta flight get into JoBurg? and what times does the Airlink leave the following day?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I have always used henry rifle permits and i will use them again to help clear the guns with Airlink.
And I always have the ammo in a locked separate Ammo case, so no problem on that front
What time does the Delta flight get into JoBurg? and what times does the Airlink leave the following day?

I don't know the time Airline flies out to VF. But the Delta flight from Atlanta arrives in the evening about 6pm give or take.

 

[autofire]

Delta is easy. I’ve flown with firearms on delta dozens of times. You just show up, declare it unloaded. Take the rifle to the designated oversized tsa inspection area. No big deal.

Your flight from joberg to Vic falls may require a email in advance and special fee. Ammo may need to be in a separate locked container. This is the process for SA Airlink. Allow plenty of time. Maybe consider having whoever is handling your firearms permits on hand to assist.

Airlink has a requirement that you must notify them via email if you're transporting a rifle. Check airlink website.
Make sure you get a response email acknowledging receipt of your email.
I always carry copy of confirming email, as once was told couldn't check rifle because I didn't provide notice.
Copy of confirming email response quickly cured that situation.

Have fun, good luck to you.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

very easy to travel with guns and Delta until something happens. this past week (see my post yesterday a new thing ) I checked my rifle case and with pad locks on it and found upon arriving home that Delta had some how got my locks open and looked through my case. according to TSA they are to contact you to open your case or give them the key, they did not contact me, and stole my cleaning brushes and bore mops at the same time then put a heave zip tie around the case. oh I had a copy of my Airlink letter stating it was approved to fly with guns but that did no good when they said I did not have approval, over 4 hours standing at the check in counter with my wife and my safari operator calling Airlink and PH ging to the PE airport to help and Henry at Rifle Permits (was not help) just saying it will get handled just wait (what was I supposed to do but wait) it finally got handled. other issues also but I will put them in my report.

 

[sureshot375]

very easy to travel with guns and Delta until something happens. this past week (see my post yesterday a new thing ) I checked my rifle case and with pad locks on it and found upon arriving home that Delta had some how got my locks open and looked through my case. according to TSA they are to contact you to open your case or give them the key, they did not contact me, and stole my cleaning brushes and bore mops at the same time then put a heave zip tie around the case. oh I had a copy of my Airlink letter stating it was approved to fly with guns but that did no good when they said I did not have approval, over 4 hours standing at the check in counter with my wife and my safari operator calling Airlink and PH ging to the PE airport to help and Henry at Rifle Permits (was not help) just saying it will get handled just wait (what was I supposed to do but wait) it finally got handled. other issues also but I will put them in my report.

The heavy zip tie thing is fairly common.

It would be unusual for delta to open your case at all. If anyone opened your case it was likely TSA.

In Atlanta you watch while they open your case and you lock it back.

In other airports I’ve had them take the gun case, tell me to wait around for 10 minutes, and if the TSA agent doesn’t come get you then you are free to go to your gate.

I’m also not sure how they would have got in your case without cutting your locks.

What airport were you flying out from?

 

[Ericedwinbates]

I am in the early stages of planning my next hunt to Zimbabwe. I have flown Qatar three times on my past hunts and the flight time and layovers just don't seem to match up with my destination of vic falls , Zimbabwe. I will be hunting about 2hrs away from vic falls in and around the communal lands by Hwange park. I was wondering what everyone's experience has been flying with guns on Delta to Johannesburg and then on to VIc falls the following morning.

Just returned from Matetsi Eca in Zim. I fly United but have used Delta in the past with satisfactory results. Stay at Africa Sky in Joberg when you arrive and have Gilbert assist you with firearms upon entry and exit the next day to Vic Falls. I used SA air to Vic only because I could code share with United upon leaving and my luggage and weapons were checked all the way through to home, seemless. Airlink is probably a bit better African airline which I have used also, just a pain in the ass to retrieve rifles in Joberg and re-check in to your airline if your leaving same day.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Delta did not open my case, (sorry some jet lag worse I have ever had)! TSA got it open as there was a TSA card inside stating so, I do not know how they got it open but they relocked it after stealing some items and the put the strap on it

 

[.300RUM]

Flew Delta, Greensboro NC to Atlanta to Johannesburg and back, mostly event free. On the return trip, long lines with customs and claiming our rifles along with the flight back to Greensboro being moved up caused the rifle cases to get delayed till the next flight, wasn't too happy about that. The other thing I couldn't quite understand, they checked the gun case at the baggage claim area and this is in Atlanta. Then it had to be rechecked at the connecting flight, still Delta Airlines, guess it's policy.

Hyde Hunter, did you have TSA locks on your case? I used pad-locks, 5 keyed the same. Still not going to keep folks out if they want in it, but going to cost a little more effort. Regardless, I'd be pissed. If security was requesting another look, seems like you should have been present and you been the one to open.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

no I have never used TSA locks because everyone can get in those, also TSA says not to use TSA locks