Hi all,

I have a bow-hunting client coming over in June and he asked me if I have an opinion about flying via Amsterdam as opposed to direct... He can get here for free using airmiles if he flew KLM...

It's been years since I used that route (2000 without a weapon) and the last client of mine that used KLM, did so in '06 without any hassles firearm-wise save the fact that he had to pay a firearm handling fee at JNB on his way back.

I recall seeing posts about KLM not being hunter-friendly and was wondering if anyone has used this route recently and experienced problems with getting their weapons here noting that my clt wíll be bringing a bow - not a firearm...

Any input / advice will be appreciated.

I flew that route from Houston in late 2005. The gun transit permit was a non-issue...faxes and a phone call took care of it all. The airport was easy; in fact, the gun case came out on the normal baggage carousel; I went and got it and gave it to the security people . It made it onto the plane the next day without a hitch.

Coming back was a different story. It didn't make the connection in Amsterdam due to the flight from Jo'burg being late getting in and very little time to transfer baggage. But then, none of the rest of the luggage made it either.

I didn't sense any anti-gun/anti-hunter sentiment at all.

Chris,

Most of our clients from Sweden use that route with no hassles. I also now that there is quite a bit of American hunters who also use that route everytime we stand in the queue where the clients book their luggage there are quite a number of hunters using the flight.

Did Orlando/AMS/DAR in '06 and had absolutely no hassels with KLM or the Dutch Customs. The customs guys were very helpful. I faxed my request for gun transit and then called them about fifteen minutes later. They didn't get it, so I sent it again, and called back. They received it and cleared me with absolutely no problems. I found the KLM portion of the trip, AMS/Arusha/DAR to be very comfortable, even back in potty-class. Guns and luggage arrived with me. I'd reccommend it.

Chris,
KLM is the only way to go. I have used them 8 times and they always r professional and friendly to me. Weapons were and are never a problem in my experience. I travel alone and i travel with clients sometimes. Bow and Rifles have all been with them and no adverse conditions were present. I will book with them again for this year.

As of today they have also expanded their USA non-stops to Amsterdam on KLM. You would used to have flown Northwest, their sister airline, and then switched over to KLM. They are now, I believe, non stop from 19 locations in the USA.

did that once - KLM bashed in my guncase, bent a scope, lost seat assignments then stuck us in the rear of the plane, etc. don't want to try it the 2nd time

Did KLM Amsterdam-Dar in '06. With all the paperwork, it went pretty seamless.

I did have a problem in DAR with weight restrictions. The agent in DAR would not honor the international weight allowance until the facilitator that worked for my outfitter leaned on him. Carry a copy of airline policy with you!

Ar France screwed me once by claiming I needed a permit issued from Paris for my rifles, which is total BS, and denied me boarding. They did book me on KLM the next morning. Bastards!

The Amsterdam to Joberg connection worked fine with me and I've done the Am to Kili connection several times with good results. MUFASA

Thanks everyone for the replies. It seems that the route works fine. I'll advise my clt accordingly.