Please see my post in African Travel. I think it is important.

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8121043/m/399109436

Todd

Outrageous I must say.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No kidding.

Todd, do you know when this started?
Does anyone out there have any experience with this yet? My April 5th departure is getting tight to make changes!
Gary

Kathi?

I went to NWA web site and got this---- do not know who is correct......this bears some more investigation.


"Can I check firearms?

Northwest accepts handguns, BB guns, rifles, and shotgun type firearms as checked luggage only.

All firearms must be in a crush proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a hard sided suitcase. Hard shell gun cases are also available to be purchase at U.S. and Canadian airports.

Upon checking in at the ticket counter, the passenger must verbally declare the firearm is unloaded. Northwest requires the passenger to sign a tag which must be placed inside of the luggage containing the firearm. No exterior tag or notice of firearm may appear on the case. The case must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination.

Northwest personnel will not unload or handle any firearms. The gun and ammunition may be in the same piece of luggage as long as the ammunition is within its own packaging.

Passengers must also obtain and comply with the regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary.

Northwest only accepts carry-on firearms when the passenger is required to retain a weapon in performance of official duty.

One of the following may be included as the first piece of checked luggage at no charge:

*

Option 1 - One rifle case and two rifles, shooting mats, and tools.
*

Option 2 - Two shotguns in two cases are considered as one item.
*

Option 3 - One case containing no more than 5 handguns, 1 scope and tools.


For example: Passengers would be permitted 2 shotguns and 2 shotgun cases to be used in lieu of 1 piece of baggage.


If you have additional questions concerning your luggage, please contact Reservations at 1-800-225-2525.

Find out more..."

Someone needs to check this out carefully and let us all know what the exact status is. If this is not stopped you all know where it is headed. Like one, like all. . . . .

For any of you with lots of time on your hands and low blood pressure, try calling or contacting NW airlines. It should be a sanity test. Endless audio response infinite loop. Warning! Do not try this if you have heart trouble. You may not like the result!

This is really bad news - but nothing new. SAA have always charged me exorbitant excess baggage charges for my rifles whenever I fly JIA - DAR...... I guess it's just another reason for hiring a rifle from your safari company....... FWIW, my company loaners are custom built, mauser actioned .404 Jeffery rifles with Swarovski 1.5-6 scope and QD mounts........ How's that for a plug!

Hunting report had this out yesterday also. If the trend continues through the other carriers Steve's solution will be more common. I have seen on some sites lately that operators are providing "camp" guns but it seemed to be extremely expensive. What would be a fair rate ?

The going rate is usually about US$50 per day plus ammo...... which is what we usually charge. - However, our loaners are considerably better quality that you'll find in most hunting camps out here.

If we get a hunter in who's rifles have been lost by the airline, I usually just let them have the rifle FOC and just charge them for the ammo....... which is why I'll never be a rich man but at least I sleep nights

Ok guys here is the applicable paragraph from the NW website:

For trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific travel, firearms may *NOT* be included in the free luggage allowance. Firearms checked as luggage will be subject to the applicable excess/oversize charges based on their actual dimensions. For international travel you must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for *ALL* countries you are traveling to, including those where only flight connections occur.

In my original post over in African Travel https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8121043/m/399109436 I stated the charge was for INTERNATIONAL travel. The charge does not apply to domestic travel, but just wait and see.......



Todd

[QUOTE]Originally posted by shakari:
The going rate is usually about US$50 per day plus ammo...... which is what we usually charge. - However, our loaners are considerably better quality that you'll find in most hunting camps out here.

My opinion is just my opinion, but at that rate I might as well pay the airline "rape" charge.

Gary,

The policy is effective March 1st 2007

Todd

I just spoke with two different NWA agents and got two different answers. First guy (not very nice) said that since I got my ticket prior to March 1st, the fee did not apply. He seemed to be "shooting from the hip" so I called back 30 minutes later and was connected to a very nice lady. She initially stated that she was unaware of such a policy. After I directed her to the section on her own airlines website she stated that I should probably be expected to pay the surcharge. Unbelieveable. Given that I am using points, I guess $300-$600 for a roundtrip business class ticket is not too bad. ( I love KLM business class!!)Nevertheless, as others as indicated, it is unfortunate that sporting weapons have been singled out for this additional levy.

I just flew to Texas and back this past weekend and was not charged for my rifle.

But it was domestic, not international.

Sadly, traveling with guns is becoming more and more difficult. As a result, we have decided to have guns for clients to rent during their safari.

Usangu- What is the equipment and for what rate? Thanks.

SD it does not apply to NWA domestic flights......yet.

Todd

My wife and I had booked a detour through Amsterdam in Aug-Sept to break-up the flight and to have an extended vacation after hunting in Zim. It was a lot more money we couldn't really afford to do but we grinned and "went for it". Well NWA just broke the camel's back. We canceled and rebooked with SAA pretty much straight through both ways. Saves about $3,000 for other things I guess. At least until SAA gets on the band wagon and adds the fee.
I've let NWA/KLM "Customer Service" know, and my letter to the Dutch tourism organization is in draft.

Gary

That's excellent!!!!

We need more like you!!!

Todd

Not good! I wonder if it has anythign to do with the fact the the Dutch are generally anti-hunting. In years gone by, 6 out of every 10 hunting clients arriving on KLM to Tz had "missing baggage". Inevitably, it was the gun case that didn't make it. Its gotten better now as their "claim" bills got rather expensive i remember, as clients would then claim for extra hotel nights to wait for the bags (can't hunt without a gun) or charter flights for KLM to deliver the bags to the bush.

I would think that if all the travel specialists like Kathi, Gracy travels, etc who must supply a big chunk of business and have many hunting clients using them would jointly or individually write a letter of protest to the airlines it might press the point home.

Or.....just.....don't......use.....them.

LRH,
You are right but KLM ar ethe only international airline that services Kilimanjaro airport on a daily basis. FYI, Kilimanjaro is in the north of Tanzania, near Arusha, which is one of the main hubs for Tourist hunting. Not much choice other than Ethiopian airlines where you may share a seat with a goat or a couple chickens

$300 return may well be cheaper than excess baggage on two heavy firearms in a case. As long as they don't hit the passenger with excess charges ON TOP of a "firearms charge".

When I have borrowed rifles from the outfitter they have always loaned them to me free including ammo. Ndumo Safaris and Nengasha Safaris being two. How's that for a plug?!!

This is outrageous and definitely calls for sportsmen (and -women) to vote with their wallets!! Boycott the bastards, and let the NRA ensure these guys get some national exposure of their treatment of sportsmen!!

It all started last year with Air Canada. The NRA halfway managed to embarrass them into backing off from their miserable policy of sur-charging for firearms (we are not talking excess luggage here). But at least of last year, the policy was still in place for Canadian domestic flights - international flights still pending...

At the time Air Canada started playing these games, we pointed out here, it would only be a matter of time before other airlines would follow suit. Needless to say, they all lick their chops for additional income.... Now that KLM and NWA have followed suit, which airline will be next, or rather how long will it be before ALL airlines charge these fees??

It is little surprise that KLM (of all airlines) has adopted this policy. KLM and Schipol Airport have long been black spots on the map as far as firarms travel is concerned. Yes, I know many of you will tell me you got round the (totally unwarranted) policy of having to pre-declare your firearms and obtain (senseless) transit permits through Schipol airport. Yet, no other European airpost feels such additional regulations are called for. After all, all luggage needs to be safe, and these days getting access to luggage in transit involves dangers way beyond what can conceivably be attributed to travelling sportsmen. On top of the needless bureacracy, KLM is infamous for "loosing" firearms related luggage - possibly only matched by British Airways and Heathrow. To be avoided at all cost, IMHO.

I say, boycott the bastards, and get the NRA involved!!

- mike

First boycott them, second make them know that you will boycott them and that you will make propaganda to boycott them.
Involve all the friends and and the people that you can in boycotting and make them know that you are making this action.
Write to NRA, or to your national hunting/shooting association, involve the safaris companies and phs. Accuse them to work on discriminating bases. Make them feel guilty. Be hard and strong, and look immediately an alternative for your travels.

Ok- That is two majors in a year. I appreciate Steve's post but at the same time wonder where we will be with firearm travel in a couple of years. Even with SCI,NRA, etc, etc, lobbying for us, is our market really that big a piece of the pie? Perhaps the next step will be some type of "approved" bonded transporter. All in all, it seems to bode well for the emerging gun rental industry.

First of all, are we strong enough to fight with the arm of our rights against this kind of discriminations?
Could be interesting for a reduced number of transporter be favoured by the hunting customers?
Can really be a good business for them?
In any case make us them know these facts to the transporters. For example, we have to make it known, f.e., to Lufthansa/Air Namibia that the companies are great because them good attitude with hunters.
We should be positive with the people that is positive with us and make business with them.
And moreover viceversa.
If it is possibe to arrive at Arusha with anther transporter, well, with some personale sacrifice, taking the trip with amusement also sharing a seat with a goat or a couple chickens, well let' do it. I never found amusment, at the end, any activity without a little trouble.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
LRH,
You are right but KLM ar ethe only international airline that services Kilimanjaro airport on a daily basis. FYI, Kilimanjaro is in the north of Tanzania, near Arusha, which is one of the main hubs for Tourist hunting.

I imagine, then, that hunters are one of the main factors that this route is profitable for them. They ought to treat us better if that's the case.

Not at all. In the period July to Dec (Hunting season) i would say an average of 15 hunters a week out of approx 1000 pax land in Kilimanjaro. The great majority are photo tourists. However, I would say more than 50% of the hunters do travel business so that might make the ratio more interesting.....

Oh good, loaner and rental guns at camp!

How many camps have left handed big bores available?

Spirit Airlines announced today that they will henceforth charge extra for ALL checked baggage. That's right, ALL OF IT! Other major carriers are expected to follow suit. Spirit is promising to lower fares, but of course that won't last.

We are now charged extra for snacks, meals, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, earphones, other bulky sporting goods, etc., so how can anyone be surprised by extra charges for gun cases?

Sad to say, it is simply the way things are going to be, so we had better get used to it.

Yes, the lower fees come-on is a crock. Like you say, that won't last. Next, they'll want to charge you to use the bathroom on the plane by placing a dollar bill in a slot to gain access. . .

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Yes, the lower fees come-on is a crock. Like you say, that won't last. Next, they'll want to charge you to use the bathroom on the plane by placing a dollar bill in a slot to gain access. . .

In that case, I'd sure hate to be the one sitting in my seat on the flight after mine. Anyone know where the lovelorne astronaut got her diapers?

Besides the Excess Baggage charge [$150 or $300 if over 62 inches total] see also their liability for damage statement:

"Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of firearms, handguns, and ammunition. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of firearms, handguns, and ammunition."

Has anyone ever tried Ethiopian Airline or know of their position of firearms?

Les

That does it!!!-- next time I head to the Dark Continent ------- I'm taking the bus!

U.E.G.

quote:

Yes, the lower fees come-on is a crock. Like you say, that won't last. Next, they'll want to charge you to use the bathroom on the plane by placing a dollar bill in a slot to gain access. . .

You are only a little wrong, in this moment they will charge you in Euro, in fact they will play on rate exchange to gain more money.

quote:

Originally posted by AfricanHunter:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by shakari:
The going rate is usually about US$50 per day plus ammo...... which is what we usually charge. - However, our loaners are considerably better quality that you'll find in most hunting camps out here.

My opinion is just my opinion, but at that rate I might as well pay the airline "rape" charge.

No kidding. "Loaner rifle"? That's rich. A lot more accurately, the term should be "rent-a-rifle". Never miss a chance to bend someone over, right? Might as well start with the client...

First they took away the room between seats, then the drinks then the meals. Now it's all about surcharges. Fine, I've traveled a lot of the world and now it's time to enjoy North America . . . by car!