Rifles and Singapore Airlines

[Savage Beagle]

I have spent considerable amount of time trying to get an answer out of Singapore Airlines about their rules with a checked firearm and Singapore itself. The website states that a sporting rifle is acceptable, but when I call them a few reps have said a rifle used for hunting is not a competition rifle. I called back and someone said you are fine, but they do not know if I need to do anything with the Singapore government.

Has anyone flow with a rifle on and through Singapore or have any first hand knowledge of the rules?

Hate to give up my Singapore first class suite booked on points, but will have I have to of course.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JimP]

A quick search on Singapore Airlines turned up this page on firearms, about midway on the page. It appears that you need to apply for a firearm license through the Singapore police, there is a link on the page for that. It looks like if you are just traveling through the country you might now want to even try to take a firearm

https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/travel-info/baggage/non-standard-baggage/

 

[Tango]

Great place, good people and a squared away airline however, after working with their military and police forces, I believe it’s the last place you’d want to get jammed up with a firearms related problem. They don’t mess around and you’re not going to “fix a problem” there the way you might in African countries. I’d find another route/airline.

 

[Philip Glass]

Flying with points and guns is a bad idea in general. You need to book a ticket with a travel agent that specializes in travel with guns. You also need, if at all possible, for that travel agent to book it all on one ticket. I used points on my last safari to go from SJT to ATL on AA then on to Delta. I had to recheck both ways and was a major pain. The AA gate agent said if I had it all booked and paid for together on one ticket they would have checked me all the way through. I’ve had other much worse stories on this subject but will spare you the details.
Save your points, as I do now, to take your wife or family on a trip. I’m in NYC with my wife on my points and having a great time!
Regards,
Philip

 

[Tango]

I don't have any trouble flying with points and/or making reservations online/myself, but I definitely agree that multiple airline itineraries are a really bad idea. I'm a Delta Diamond flyer for work and to be honest, they've been great when handling my bags and firearms all over the world. I always suggest choosing an airline and building status with them. The benefits are numerous when it comes to seat assignment, baggage handling, solving issues, re-booking, sky clubs etc.

 

[wesheltonj]

While I understand that Singapore Air is the nicest airline. Personally, I would not transfer there with a firearm. Screw up - a fine up to $10k and up to 3 years in Jail. Singapore takes crime a bit more serious then the USA.

You can contact Police Licensing and Regulatory Department at Tel No: 6835 0000 or email spf_licensing_feedback@spf.gov.sg

 

[Savage Beagle]

Phillip- I am sorry, but that is absolutely horrible advise. I and many friends use points all the time to fly to SA, I have flown many different airlines with no issues ever. Do you have specifics why a points ticket is different than a revenue ticket? They are the same. I have spent tens of millions of miles flying and have taken a gun dozens of times. BA is an issue to avoid for sure and will not allow a rifle on their plane. The delta route is nice, but getting a biz ticket on that flight is a joke. I have taken Eithad, Qatar, Virgin, South African, Lufthansa, etc. None are anything more than an extra 5 minutes of work. yes you take a risk your bags can be delayed with a stop over, but flying coach to Joberg sucks and 12K a ticket for biz isn't much of an option for most people. I'll risk losing an insured rifle all day long for a lifetime of Biz class tickets, vs that horrible delta flight. I have since found out Singapore allows checked bags, you simply need to get a license from the Singapore government similar to flying on Eithad. Sorry Phillip, but that advise about points is not true and from someone who doesn't travel much or know the system. I have 10-15 international flights on points per year and have for a decade, I do my research first which is the reason for the post.

 

[sierraone]

I can't compete with you multi million milers. So in the mean time, I will stay with Delta when flying with guns if at all possible. I read the Singapore Airlines web site and will avoid guns and Singapore (if I ever have a need to go) on any airline. Good luck to you trying to do so!

 

[Savage Beagle]

The website reads exactly like other major airlines, my only concern was the Singapore permit process and the fact they call it a sporting rifle. I have called 4 times over the last few months and always received the same answer get the Singapore permit and all is good. Eithad was the exact same flying through Abu Dhabi. Oddly Doha is easy. I will tel you flying First Class or worst case business makes the Safari a whole lot more enjoyable and considering a free biz class ticket can be had with 2 simple new credit card applications I see no reason to every fly coach, let alone pay for the ticket. This what the website says


Please contact your local Singapore Airlines office, should you wish to carry firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes, as your checked baggage. You will be responsible to ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are in order prior to your travel on Singapore Airlines.

In addition, the following conditions shall apply:

• The ammunition must be completely removed from the firearm(s).
• Each passenger may only check in maximum gross weight of 5kg (11lb) of ammunition for his or her own use. Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles will not be accepted.
• The ammunition must be securely packed in a sturdy box. Passengers travelling in a group must carry their ammunition in their own separate boxes or bags. Each box/bag/package shall not exceed the maximum limit of 5kg (11lb) of ammunition.
• The firearm(s) must be packed in a suitcase or firearm case.

If you are bringing the weapon to / from / through Singapore, you may apply for a licence with the Singapore Police Force here.

 

[leslie hetrick]

I prefer to rent or use a friends rifles while hunting in Africa(5 trips), sixth coming up on the 10 th of may. for me it makes every thing easier with little or no worries about loss of rifles for what ever reason and being held up with messed up paper work.