one of us
| Last March I flew Delta to Atlanta then SAA to joberg, then to vic falls then from Harare to Jo Berg, then to Atlanta then to DFW. My tuffpak ande my duffle weighed almost 70 lbs. Only thje Delta guy at DFW charged me. He weighed my fuffle, did not weigh the tuffpak. I paid 25 US excess weight fee.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
|
| | |
one of us
| I would expect to get charged for any bag over 50 lbs. I have made it through with my tuff pack but expect to get nailed one of these days. It is hard to get 2 scoped rifles and a little clothing in a tuffpack and stay under 50 lbs!
******************************************************************
R. Lee Ermey: "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle."
******************************************************************
We're going to be "gifted" with a health care plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don't, Which purportedly covers at least ten million more people, without adding a single new doctor, but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents, written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that didn't read it but exempted themselves from it, and signed by a President, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, for which we'll be taxed for four years before any benefits take effect, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke!!!!! 'What the hell could possibly go wrong?'
|
| | |
one of us
| How are the airlines in determining the size restriction? Delta has a total demension size limit of 62". My Browing Travell Vault totals 74". Checking further it appears this will cost an extra $100. Does this charge get applied for each leg or round trip? Arghhhhhhhh.
Jim "Bwana Umfundi"
NRA
|
| | | Posts: 3014 | Location: State Of Jefferson | Registered: 27 March 2002 | 
IP
|
|
One of Us
| If you push the weight limits expect to pay for it. If you get lucky and don't get nabbed consider that a bonus. The way it has been lately that "bonus" is getting rare. On the flip side why not pack up to 69 lbs. (70 lbs.+ is an extra $100) and pay the $25 fee as that is chump change compared to what the whole trip costs. Hell, if $25 is a big deal what the heck are you doing making the trip at all. Don't forget that they may also weigh the ammo, and they keep what is over the limit. Mine was over by 1 pound and the ticket lady and I had a knock down drag out over it...I got to keep my ammo. |
| | |
one of us
| Bwanna,
I think the SAA baggage rules [others too I believe] limit you to TWO firearms per rifle case. So you should be able to put some ammo in there too -just be prepared to put it in your other bag if they insist it be separated at some point!
JBoutfishn,
I've used the Browning/Pelican Travel Vault twice now on SAA [2001,2003] and had no problems, but that was before these latest weight rules. Last time I read SAA baggage rules it sounded like you get a size exception for one odd sized piece of "sports equipment" - but it does use up your "large piece" allowance. That case is fairly heavy compared to the TuffPak. Having the wheeled version helps though!
Les |
| | | Posts: 1261 | Location: Clearwater, FL and Union Pier, MI | Registered: 24 July 2003 |
IP
|
|
one of us
| Bwanna,
Hmmm...! I just looked at the new baggage guidelines and I do not find that limitation either! I know it WAS in the old guidelines! What about your connecting airlines?
Also, does the SAPS limit you to two rifles importation per person? [only an issue if you are stopping or hunting there of course.]
Maybe better call SAA to get clarification -in writing!
Les |
| | | Posts: 1261 | Location: Clearwater, FL and Union Pier, MI | Registered: 24 July 2003 |
IP
|
|
one of us
| I believe it is the domestic carriers that limit you to the two rifles. There is no issue in SA with bringing in more than 2 rifles...at least not that I am aware of. I have done it on several Safaris. As for the $25 charge for overweight baggage...if you are charged it is $25 per leg. So for one overweight bag it could cost you an extra $100 round trip...not enough to worry about.
******************************************************************
R. Lee Ermey: "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle."
******************************************************************
We're going to be "gifted" with a health care plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don't, Which purportedly covers at least ten million more people, without adding a single new doctor, but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents, written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that didn't read it but exempted themselves from it, and signed by a President, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, for which we'll be taxed for four years before any benefits take effect, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke!!!!! 'What the hell could possibly go wrong?'
|
| | |
Moderator
| Until SAA recently changed its website, this is what they said about transporting firearms: South African Airways:
Sporting firearms consisting of not more than:
-One rifle case containing not more than two rifles, 5 Kg (10 LB) of ammunition, one shooting mat, noise suppressers and small rifle tools;
-Two shotguns and two shotgun cases, or
-One pistol case containing not more than five pistols, 5 Kg (10 LB) of ammunition, noise suppressers, one pistol telescope and small pistol tools.
ACCEPTABILITY OF SUCH FIREARMS MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN IATA AND ICAO DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATIONS AND SUBJECT TO THE CARRIER'S CONDITIONS. THE CARRIER CONCERNED SHOULD BE CONTACTED FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONThere are very unspecific with current information on their website now. Regards, Terry  Msasi haogopi mwiba [A hunter is not afraid of thorns] |
| | | Posts: 5338 | Location: A Texan in the Missouri Ozarks | Registered: 02 February 2001 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| I have just gotten off the phone with SAA and United. I am leaving for JoBerg in July and was curious about the new baggage restrictions. SAA informed me that as we know the weight restriction is now 50lbs per checked item. Other than weight no problem with my Tuffpack. However, United informed me that I would be charged $180.00 because my Tuffpack exceeded the 62 inch linear measurement. Funny United sells golf carrying cases that are the same size. No telling what will happen when I get to the airport to check in. |
| | |
one of us
| The way I read the rules, only two rifles may be imported into South Africa, there is no size limit on SAA involving gun cases, and you can take a pretty fair (up to 8kg) sized gase on board in addition to a briefcase.
Indy
Life is short. Hunt hard.
|
| | |
one of us
| As far as United's $180 charge for oversize - di the understand that to be sports equipment?
It has been my understanding previously that if you are traveling on with an international carrier then their rules apply to all connecting flights as well? Yes/No?
Maybe depends on who you buy your ticket from -SAA or UA?
Les
Les |
| | | Posts: 1261 | Location: Clearwater, FL and Union Pier, MI | Registered: 24 July 2003 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| Les;
Yes the agent was made aware of the fact that sporting goods were involved. SAA's website states that you should contact any carrier that is connecting to a SAA flight for their baggage restrictions. This was never been a problem with Delta, but with SAA switching to United as one of their partners it seems like no one really knows what's going on. Hopefully someone on the forum has flown United and can offer some insight. |
| | |
Moderator
| I just read United's Contract of Carriage and there no longer appears to an exception for firearms. So, as best as I can tell, one is required to pay an Oversize Charge [exceeds 62"] of $80 and an Overweight Charge [over 50 pounds - up to 70 pounds] of $25. For a total charge of $105. This applies only to United Airlines domestic flights, then I believe you have to look also at South African Airways charges. Regards, Terry P.S. They still seem to have an exception for golfing equipment which exceeds 62". Also read American Airlines website, they clearly state that Oversize and Overweight charges apply to guncases. Msasi haogopi mwiba [A hunter is not afraid of thorns] |
| | | Posts: 5338 | Location: A Texan in the Missouri Ozarks | Registered: 02 February 2001 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| I use an SKB golf case. I'm sure it's oversize. Had no problems last year. I board in Seattle, usually Delta, and check bags through to Jo'berg. If you can get curbside check in, the skycaps are thrilled to let you get away with anything. You still have to take your gun case to TSA, but they don't care about weight or size. Be sure to tip the skycap at least $10. $20 is better. I think that once the bags are checked, no one pays attention, but I could be wrong. I did have Alaska air force me to take a third rifle out of my case, buy a cardboard one from them. That was on a caribou hunt. Needless to say, the scope was out a mile when I arrived. |
| | | Posts: 2827 | Location: Seattle, in the other Washington | Registered: 26 April 2006 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| I thought most airlines allowed one over size for sporting items be they guns, golf clubs etc. I leave in two days for NZ and have checked my tuffpac which was 54lbs and moved some to my duffel which is about about 30 lbs. I have seen clerks allow moving from an over weight bag to an underweight bag. |
| | | Posts: 5338 | Location: Bedford, Pa. USA | Registered: 23 February 2002 |
IP
|
|
one of us
| Die Ou Jagter That same thing happened to me on the way to Zim. My one bag was over about 12 pounds, so the ticket person suggested that I put some thngs in my other bag, (that one was under by 8 pounds) and my hunting partner put some things in his bag, with the ok of the ticket person.
"America's Meat - - - SPAM"
As always, Good Hunting!!!
Widowmaker416
|
| | | Posts: 1782 | Location: New Jersey USA | Registered: 12 July 2004 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| ...Bwana, leave the .06 home, and you can remain below the 50# limit with your tuffpac. You'll only need two rifles, one for DG, and one for plains game.
Just a suggestion,
JLS |
| | |
One of Us
| I have been looking at the overweight and oversized issue since I returned from New Zealand on the first of May. If they charge additional for a bag over 62 inches then all skiers should be charged for being over 62 inches. I have not heard of charging skiers an additional fee yet.
I am getting Red Oxx manufacturing of Billings, Montana, the town where I grew up to make me a gun case. I will use my SKS plastic case and have them make a cloth case with three partitions. Each partition will be able to hold a rifle or 3 guns total or one gun and additional clothing or gear. The case will have 4 compression straps which will reduce the overall demensions.
This is my thought |
| | |
one of us
| Pard- Do you have a phone for Red Oxx? Thanks. |
| | |
One of Us
| The telephone number is 1-888-733-6999 or type Red Oxx in a search and their web site comes right up. |
| | |
One of Us
| A friend brought packages weighing more than 50lbs. Paid a penalty. He had a carryon and a big-bag. The big-bag got hit on the way from Bloemfontein to Joburg: they wouldn't carry it until he dropped some of his load -- which then included some newly purchased art, which he tried to repack into his carryon, and left behind some Castles he had tried to bring back for a friend who loves that brand of suds... (well -- he loves the memories of Africa it brings back).
Dan |
| | |
one of us
| Last year, we flew Anchorage-Joberg-Windhoek. No problems or overweight charges, however.....On the return flight from Windhoek to Joberg with a side trip to Pretoria, we were nailed $100 each for overweight. The PH argued to no avail.
When we left Joberg going to Pretoria, another $100 each. When we left Pretoria for Joberg for our return flight home, we said "screw em", we hired a tour guy to haul us back in a car. Flight from Joberg to Anchorage, no overcharges.
My experience, (which is minimal,) SAA will screw you on over weight when they can!
We did not have tuffpaks with all the extra crap stuffed inside to protect the guns. We had one Normal size check in bag and one gun case each. Total of 3 guns in the gun cases.
I will not fly SAA again. Other Airlines fly to Africa. I will use them. |
| | | Posts: 948 | Location: Kenai, Ak. USA | Registered: 05 November 2000 |
IP
|
|
one of us
| The main reason the airlines say only two long guns per case is they do not want to deal with the aluminium 3 gun "Safari" cases that are huge and heavy.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
|
| | |
One of Us
| Just returned from S.A. a fews weeks ago. They did weigh each bag at Pittsburgh when I checked them with Delta but was not real strict. Only to make sure it was (about) less than 50 per bag. Then I didnt touch tham again till they got to J-Berg. But coming home J-Berg was more strict, lucky I had to "balance" my bag on the scales for the lady, lucky she didnt realize just how strong my fingers were in balancing the gun case and bag on her floor scale. I was only over by 10 or 15 lbs but didnt matter as long as I was polite and made side talk as I gently lifted and balanced my bag. They also told me in Pitt at the Delta that SAA allows 1 piece of sporting equipment than can be oversized and that Delta honors that as well. |
| | | Posts: 168 | Location: SW PA | Registered: 22 February 2006 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| The only time I had a weight problem was last year leaving Vic Falls. The agent said the limit was 20K and I just played dumb and finally he said OK first time we will let you go. I think he saw he wasn't getting any green from me. |
| | | Posts: 5338 | Location: Bedford, Pa. USA | Registered: 23 February 2002 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| Where is the justice? I weigh 196 lbs my bags will be 1 @ 49 lbs and a guncase under 50# but over 62" Which SAA could force me to pay $100 USD for. The next person at checkin could weigh 350 lbs and have 2 bags @ 49.5 lbs a laptop and a carryon and not be hit for any extras.
To top that off they could sit next to me and ooze into my seating area as well. |
| | | Posts: 100 | Location: Thompkin Corners, Sullivan Co. Penna | Registered: 12 March 2006 |
IP
|
|
One of Us
| AS are you also known around the web as Spiral Horn? |
| | | Posts: 100 | Location: Thompkin Corners, Sullivan Co. Penna | Registered: 12 March 2006 |
IP
|
|
UGH!!
