Flying Ethiopian Airlines with a Rifle

[Shakka]

Hello Everyone,
I am flying Ethiopian Airlines November 8th from Dulles Airport to my final destination in Harare Zimbabwe, with a 2 hour layover in Addis Ababa. I know that I will be checking my rifle in with TSA in Dulles for my flight to Addis, and I have do my 4457, so I am wondering if my rifle will need to be checked in/inspected again in Addis. I read several different experiences here on African Hunting but I don't see any information about it on their website.
I am hoping that someone here can fill me in on what to expect when I get there and if I do in fact need to re-check my rifle. If I do have to re-check it, do I have to seek someone out or will someone contact me??
After reading comments here, it seems that some of you were pleased with the airline and service and a few of you are not.
I would especially like to hear from anyone who has traveled recently.
Any help on this matter will be greatly appreciated!
PS I am hunting near Bulawayo for a big Leopard, and with some luck I will be posting a Hunting Report!

 

[MMAL]

I was through ADD in late Sept and again in Oct. When you get off the plane look for a gate agent with your name on a hand held sign. If you don’t see one, find a gate agent and tell them you are traveling with a gun. They will take you to the underground baggage claim ask you to unlock your gun case and check your firearms. You need a copy of the Ethiopian gun application, a copy of the 4457 and a copy of you passport. Remember you have to come back through on the way home as well. Two copies. After that back to gate, through security, not immigration, and to the next gate. It is simple, costs nothing but a little chaotic. Just want to get it done to make sure you and your bags get to the next plane.

 

[Shakka]

I was through ADD in late Sept and again in Oct. When you get off the plane look for a gate agent with your name on a hand held sign. If you don’t see one, find a gate agent and tell them you are traveling with a gun. They will take you to the underground baggage claim ask you to unlock your gun case and check your firearms. You need a copy of the Ethiopian gun application, a copy of the 4457 and a copy of you passport. Remember you have to come back through on the way home as well. Two copies. After that back to gate, through security, not immigration, and to the next gate. It is simple, costs nothing but a little chaotic. Just want to get it done to make sure you and your bags get to the next plane.

Thank You for your response!! That doesn't sound too bad LOL.

Do you know where I can find a Ethiopian Gun Application??
I'm so glad that you responded since I had no idea that I needed copy's of my passport and 4457 as well. I wonder what happens to people who aren't prepared?

I have a 2 hour layover so I assume I'm OK?

 

[MMAL]

BTW - The form below and most of the information, I got from Lori @travelexpress. She and her team were awesome advising and changing my flight three times as the airlines were getting there $^!% together. EA airlines and staff were really nice and I did not have a copy of my 4457, they just went and made a copy for me, just took a little time. Going we had an 1 1/4 layover. They held the plane for me. Not sure they will do that in the future, but then maybe they will get this process a little more organized because right now it seems a little haphazard. They are not a really technical about the form either. On your copy the bag no, agent sign, manager sign and even my signature was not filled out. They just took the form. The key point I will make is that if they are not there to meet you at the gate, raise your hand so to speak and force the issue.

 

[gesch]

Thanks for this information. I am in contact with Lori at Travel Express for options for my hunt in April 2021. We were scheduled to go in 2020 but were forced to re schedule. Do you have any safety concerns? It seems that this may be one of the few ways to get to Namibia. Thanks for your help. “With many counselors there is wisdom!” By the way I am very impressed with Travel Express and Lori. Brian

 

[Philip Glass]

Thank You for your response!! That doesn't sound too bad LOL.

Do you know where I can find a Ethiopian Gun Application??
I'm so glad that you responded since I had no idea that I needed copy's of my passport and 4457 as well. I wonder what happens to people who aren't prepared?

I have a 2 hour layover so I assume I'm OK?

ALWAYS have extra color copies of your passport when traveling internationally. ALWAYS.

 

[Shakka]

After everything that has happened this year AND with the election coming on Nov 3rd, it is still hard to believe that I'm going....I told my wife that I will really believe it when I am sitting in camp and I see a Zebra run by

I am not crazy about flying Ethiopian but I will do whatever I need to do to be there. Hopefully I won't see a drunk one armed Pilot with a glass eye

 

[Terry Blauwkamp]

Did you have to have your ammo box separate, or can it be in the luggage?

 

[Shakka]

Just thinking now, and I guess a part#2 to my original question. Yes from Addis I am flying to Harare BUT there is first a stopover in Zambia....do I need to claim and have my rifle inspected again???

Please tell me no

 

[MMAL]

All ammo was in a locked case inside my bag. They never checked the weight or the ammo, either way or in add.

 

[mikecatt13]

Great info, following this thread for my Namibia trip for 2021.

Heres my million dollar question:

Given the current options, and flying with guns, would you do Ethiopian again or use Qatar?

My understanding is Qatar canceled a bunch of flights last minute and put off when their flights resumed around the time Namibia opened back up. My safari is planned for busy season in July.

But that leaves the current choices to get to Namibia at Qatar with that Cancellation history and Ethiopian with very tight layovers (80 minutes on the way there and 20, yes TWENTY, on the way home). Qatar is longer but cheaper, not that either matter compared to making connections and guns/luggage showing up

 

[Shakka]

Mike, I didn't get the chance to report back about my experience with Ethiopian but I am happy to tell you that everything worked out perfectly. The airline itself was incredible....planes were brand new, food was excellent and the flight attendants were GORGEOUS! I read a few posts about checking in your guns in a dark basement but this wasn't the case. As I walked off the plane, there was already a guy waiting for me holding a sign with my name on it. He escorted me to a room witch was downstairs but it was a modern office with others in it. The professionally checked my rifle and then took me right back to my gate. Coming and going I tried to tip them but they refused! It was a great experience.
The only issue is that you have to switch planes and check your rifle again in Addis Ababa whereas SAA flies straight to JoBerg and you can transit to Namibia without checking your rifle again.
I flew New York-DC-Addis-Zambia-Harare. On was home it was Harare-Zambia-Addis-Dublin-DC-NYC. I didn't get off plane in Zambia or Dublin but it adds time to your trip, so not as easy as SAA. In short, the airline was awesome and I would definitely do it again.....a pain in the ass because of extra time but if you want to go bad enough definitly go for it
You will be treated nicely by wonderful people

 

[Shakka]

I should have added that I used Gracy Travel so it was them who organized my complicated flight schedule from start to finish.....there is no way that I could have done it by myself

 

[mms84]

Mike, I didn't get the chance to report back about my experience with Ethiopian but I am happy to tell you that everything worked out perfectly. The airline itself was incredible....planes were brand new, food was excellent and the flight attendants were GORGEOUS! I read a few posts about checking in your guns in a dark basement but this wasn't the case. As I walked off the plane, there was already a guy waiting for me holding a sign with my name on it. He escorted me to a room witch was downstairs but it was a modern office with others in it. The professionally checked my rifle and then took me right back to my gate. Coming and going I tried to tip them but they refused! It was a great experience.
The only issue is that you have to switch planes and check your rifle again in Addis Ababa whereas SAA flies straight to JoBerg and you can transit to Namibia without checking your rifle again.
I flew New York-DC-Addis-Zambia-Harare. On was home it was Harare-Zambia-Addis-Dublin-DC-NYC. I didn't get off plane in Zambia or Dublin but it adds time to your trip, so not as easy as SAA. In short, the airline was awesome and I would definitely do it again.....a pain in the ass because of extra time but if you want to go bad enough definitly go for it
You will be treated nicely by wonderful people

Looking forward to going this May. But wonder if you got charge extra for rifle and /or oversize case?
And great info on being pull out to check rifle and paper work. Need to 're-check' case? Will have extra copies for sure!

 

[Sika98k]

Looking forward to going this May. But wonder if you got charge extra for rifle and /or oversize case?
And great info on being pull out to check rifle and paper work. Need to 're-check' case? Will have extra copies for sure!

If you look at the Ethiopian Airlines website all information regarding requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition are on their website.
I‘ve traveled with them a few times. The episode in the dark dungeons of baggage handling can be a little stressful but has always panned out ok.

 

[Shakka]

Looking forward to going this May. But wonder if you got charge extra for rifle and /or oversize case?
And great info on being pull out to check rifle and paper work. Need to 're-check' case? Will have extra copies for sure!

Mike for the life of me I can't remember if I was charged extra for my rifle but as for the rifle check, it couldn't have been any smoother and I was so pleasantly surprised on how nicely I was treated by everyone.....and no "Dark Dungeon" either. It was a well light, professional looking office.

I was so pleased that I wanted to tip them and I tried to hand the staff money but I was refused.

 

[Surgeon1]

Im going thru Addis to RSA, found a form on line, is there a limit on the number of guns that
you may transit thru Ethiopia to RSA ( I plan on a double and a takedown with 2 barrels)?

Also, Will I need a Yellow fever certificate to enter RSA after transit thru Addis airport?

 

[LivingTheDream]

Im going thru Addis to RSA, found a form on line, is there a limit on the number of guns that
you may transit thru Ethiopia to RSA ( I plan on a double and a takedown with 2 barrels)?

Also, Will I need a Yellow fever certificate to enter RSA after transit thru Addis airport?

You will not need a Yellow Fever vaccine traveling through.

 

[MarkB]

I am flying Ethiopian, Toronto to Joberg this July. I have a choice and a question. I have 2 layover options in Addis Ababa, 90 mins or 17 hrs. My travel agent is unsure that 90 mins is enough time to change planes and complete the "dark basement room" gun checks. Anyone on here who has done somewhat recently provide me any advise?

On way home I want the extended layover to go out and about in Addis. Covid worries on way over will keep me quiet in airport. I also read on Ethiopian site that for long layovers you can get a room in airport? Anyone done this?

MB

 

[Hallgeir Gravråk]

I was through ADD in late Sept and again in Oct. When you get off the plane look for a gate agent with your name on a hand held sign. If you don’t see one, find a gate agent and tell them you are traveling with a gun. They will take you to the underground baggage claim ask you to unlock your gun case and check your firearms. You need a copy of the Ethiopian gun application, a copy of the 4457 and a copy of you passport. Remember you have to come back through on the way home as well. Two copies. After that back to gate, through security, not immigration, and to the next gate. It is simple, costs nothing but a little chaotic. Just want to get it done to make sure you and your bags get to the next plane.

I also had the same experience when I travel from Oslo to Maputo, Everything`s ok, but stressfull.
I got a call on the speakers in the departurehall, and was driving with a car to the underground and back, and I was first on the plane to Maputo, The guys were very serviceminded.