Tuffpak?

[Hyde]

When I planned my first trip to Africa (2004), it seemed that Tuffpak was the guncase that everyone was using. I’ve read lately though that you can’t load other items in the case now with the guns. Can anyone confirm this or is this an airline specific issue? I’m flying Emirates to JNB, and then Airlink to my destination. Also, is the 11lb rule for ammo the TOTAL for all ammo, or is this per caliber/gun? And does that also include the case the ammo is in? And lastly, does the ammo case need TSA locks, or do I use non-tsa like with the rifle case? I read somewhere that I’ll have to pull the ammo case out and check it separately for my Airlink flight. Thanks in advance! Is it May yet?

 

[Spooksar]

The nothing else in the Tufpack is a RSA rule, no one has said anything to me about having clothes in it in Joburg. 11 pounds ammo is for all ammo, TSA locks on the ammo. And yes yo May have to check it in separate to fly Airlink thou it hit and miss.

 

[375Fox]

I think you are asking for a problem you don’t need with a tuffpack. Buy a pelican or a boyt case so you don’t have to worry about any issues at the airline counter. 11 lbs (5 kg) is international regulations for personal quantities of ammo. It’s total. Technically it’s only ammunition, but you’d be safer to treat it as 11 lbs total ammo, case, and locks so no explaining at airlink counter in Johannesburg. That should easily get you 60-80 rounds of ammo which is more than you need on a safari. Locks on ammo case doesn’t matter. TSA locks are probably best. I’ve always used standard locks and taped a key to outside while it’s inside my checked bag, then took the key back if required to check separately in Africa. Airlink will most likely make you check your ammo case separately. I’ve had one time they did not but I expect to every time. One travel tip, when Airlink has you pay for your rifle in Johannesburg pay for return trip as well and save the receipt. Paying in regional airports isn’t always as easy as at Johannesburg and also just saves you waiting in line again.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I think you are asking for a problem you don’t need with a tuffpack. Buy a pelican or a boyt case so you don’t have to worry about any issues at the airline counter. 11 lbs (5 kg) is international regulations for personal quantities of ammo. It’s total. Technically it’s only ammunition, but you’d be safer to treat it as 11 lbs total ammo, case, and locks so no explaining at airlink counter in Johannesburg. That should easily get you 60-80 rounds of ammo which is more than you need on a safari. Locks on ammo case doesn’t matter. TSA locks are probably best. I’ve always used standard locks and taped a key to outside while it’s inside my checked bag, then took the key back if required to check separately in Africa. Airlink will most likely make you check your ammo case separately. I’ve had one time they did not but I expect to every time. One travel tip, when Airlink has you pay for your rifle in Johannesburg pay for return trip as well and save the receipt. Paying in regional airports isn’t always as easy as at Johannesburg and also just saves you waiting in line again.

Good tip about paying for the gun handling fee round trip in Joberg. The airline couldn't get my credit card to work on my return through Port Elizabeth. My PH produced his card and suddenly the machine was magically working again. The counter agent was no doubt trying to get US cash for which I'm sure he also magically did not have any change = mandatory tip.

I use ordinary locks on my gun and ammo case. I put extra stuff in the ammo case to fill it up so shell boxes aren't flopping around and coming open. So far no one has asked me to open the ammo box. Security can look through it with xray. Police in Joberg have not checked my ammo but don't be surprised if they do. Make sure your ammo matches your guns. I would say ammo weight will include the box. I don't think they will allow you to dump ammo out on the scale. Some ticket agents are very nervous about letting a gun case be opened in public view (their documentation must be inserted inside case). Last trip I had problems getting my carryon through security with bipod inside. Scopes were fine as they were on "the list" but no one could decide if bipods were or were not banned "gun parts." DO NOT remove gun bolts and put them in carryon! I have always left mine in the rifles and chambers closed. No problems. Nothing in my gun case but rifles and factory foam ... and hidden AirTag. Don't leave home without one of those to track your guns!!

 

[zephyr]

One of the advantages of a TuffPak is your Rifle is in it's soft case inside the TuffPak With a Boyt or Pelican are you packing your soft case in your duffel ??

 

[Ontario Hunter]

One of the advantages of a TuffPak is your Rifle is in it's soft case inside the TuffPak With a Boyt or Pelican are you packing your soft case in your duffel ??

I never take soft cases to Africa. My outfitter has plenty of them. Check with yours to see if you need to bring them.

 

[Flipper Dude]

My soft case packs into my checked luggage. If I’m just taking one rifle, it’s on the rifle inside my gun case. Depends on your hard case, I suppose.

 

[Fatback]

I have taken a TuffPak to Africa 7 times without issue. The last three trips being in 2022,2023 and earlier this year. All 7 trips have been through Joburg. I’ve gotten to where I typically take 2 rifles and just put a pillow between the rifles in soft cases. Rifles have always been safe and sound and never an issue coming or going. 6 of these trips have had a connection to another final destination either in Zimbawe or Namibia. I’ll be headed back this coming August and will have my rifles in the same TuffPak that has served me so well for the last 20 years.