Rifle cases and oversize baggage

[desertloper]

It could be the last minute jitters setting in..3 weeks!

But I have a Boyt double rifle case...80 linear inches. United's limit for standard checked luggage is 62 inches. More than this.... $200 charge.

I called the folks at United to ask them about the situation and how strictly it is monitored..as you. Old guess I got little for info.

The counter at the aiort we are flying from does not take phone calls...I'm trying to see what I can do in advance to try and mitigate the charges.

I'm afraid I will be at the mercy of the person working that day.

What has everyone else experienced at the check in counter?

 

[Diamondhitch]

I have flown United with a large gun case, this falls under their sporting equipment exemption and will count as one of your 2 checked bags with no oversize charges.

I have been dissapointed with their website lately though. When you try to call up baggage fees etc. nothing comes up. It has been like this for weeks. I am curious if I chech 3 bags if the Gun case would then encur oversize charges, I am sure they will use the 2 smallest bags as the luggage allowance and the big one as an extra.

 

[saeng101]

My experiences are the same as Diamond, not charged as sporting goods. Also the same on UA, they have gone to pot since the merger. Have over 2mil miles with them and can't get any service, back to Delta.

I have flown United with a large gun case, this falls under their sporting equipment exemption and will count as one of your 2 checked bags with no oversize charges.

I have been dissapointed with their website lately though. When you try to call up baggage fees etc. nothing comes up. It has been like this for weeks. I am curious if I chech 3 bags if the Gun case would then encur oversize charges, I am sure they will use the 2 smallest bags as the luggage allowance and the big one as an extra.

 

[desertloper]

United Airlines - Sports equipment

Looks good fellas Thanks!

I'll be sure to have a copy of this with me!

 

[tim416]

As was mentioned above. South African air has an exemption for sporting goods which allows for larger size without being charged additional. I know Delta and Jet Blue does as well. It can be found on their site but you have to do some digging.
Have a great trip and stop worrying.

 

[BRICKBURN]

.......I'm trying to see what I can do in advance to try and mitigate the charges.

I'm afraid I will be at the mercy of the person working that day.

Mitigate: You are going, one way or the other. Take your credit card as back up.

We are all at the mercy of the worker of the day.
I had a contingent of 6 police and three security workers asking me about my checked firearm last trip. "requesting" me to provide written permission for them to tear my bag open. This was AFTER telling the checkin that I had a firearm and physically clearing it through US Customs. Apparently they x-ray every bag now and someone saw a gun. The Checkin desk did not tag it properly; "Mr. B can you come to the desk....".
With all of the aforementioned explained to the police I refused to allow them to tear my bag open and invited them to bring it to me and I would open the locked case in front of them.
Common sense prevailed, on the part of the local constables, and they told the airport security to let it go.
The airline people made me sign another release though, just in case. CYA, amazing.

Here's hoping you all get the right person on your trip who does their job right and you all have a great hunt this year.

Smile, its a holiday too.

 

[twf]

Gentlemen

I also find United Airlines website lacking and there customers service representatives are under trained or just don't care. When "Bob" answered the United customer hotline in a Pakastani accent I know I was not going to get anything done. Then "Bob" begin readying to me from the website I hung up on poor old "Bob". I have a very similar question that no one has been able to answer with any certainty. Does the 50lb baggage weight limit apply to sporting goods. My tuff pak weights about 60lb when loaded with two rifles and clothing.

 

[RickB]

Gentlemen

I also find United Airlines website lacking and there customers service representatives are under trained or just don't care. When "Bob" answered the United customer hotline in a Pakastani accent I know I was not going to get anything done. Then "Bob" begin readying to me from the website I hung up on poor old "Bob". I have a very similar question that no one has been able to answer with any certainty. Does the 50lb baggage weight limit apply to sporting goods. My tuff pak weights about 60lb when loaded with two rifles and clothing.

I do believe it applies to your gun case as well. May depend on who you fly with. Check this thread out.....


http://www.africahunting.com/before-after-hunt/7470-tuff-pak-excess-baggage-fees.html

 

[sestoppelman]

My old aluminum SafTCase exceeds the 62 inches as well, but have never had anyone look crosswise at it, anywhere on any airline. Like others have said, I think we get a bit of a pass on sporting gear. They go thru so much baloney with the TSA stuff, once it gets to the counter they just want to get it out of their hair and on the belt. Dont sweat it but be prepared. Good luck!

 

[mstewart44]

You can get a pass on the size of the case but not on the weight. Be sure you are not over 50 pounds!!!